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Tag: election

  • North throw their weight behind Tinubu’s re-Election in 2027 – Gombe Gov

    North throw their weight behind Tinubu’s re-Election in 2027 – Gombe Gov

    Gombe State Governor, Yahaya Inuwa, on Tuesday said the North would support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    He stated this during a two-day conference in Kaduna State to assess the performance of President Tinubu’s administration, especially as it affects the socio-economic well-being of the region.

    He stated that the support given to Tinubu during the 2023 election is already yielding tangible results in the areas of infrastructure, security, agriculture and power.

    The meeting organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation attracted the presence of Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Gombe State Governor, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, serving and past governors, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, ministers, and other political appointees from the northern region.

    The two-day interactive session, with the theme “Assessing electoral promises: fostering government-citizens engagement for national unity,” draws participants from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to the Director-General of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Dr Abubakar Umar, the interactive session is a continuation of the North’s tradition of engaging constructively with successive administrations to ascertain the progress made so far by the Tinubu administration in the last two years.

    The foundation explained that the review will serve as a critical litmus test to measure the federal government’s responsiveness to the socio-economic and security challenges facing northern Nigeria.

    Also speaking the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said that Boko Haram attacks, banditry, and communal conflicts in the northern region have reduced drastically in the last two years compared to what the situation was in the last administration.

    Citing an example, the National Security Adviser (NSA) stated that 1,192 people were killed and over 3,348 kidnapped in Kaduna State during the previous administration, while more than 5,000 people lost their lives in Benue State within the same period.

    Giving an instance, the NSA said 1,192 people were killed and over 3,348 kidnapped in Kaduna State during the previous administration, while more than 5,000 were killed in Benue State within the same period.

    Ribadu said that the successes recorded in the fight against insecurity is as a result of President Tinubu’s directive to security agencies on a unified security approach.

    He said that the various security operations across the North-West have led to the release of 11,259 hostages as at May 2025.

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    He also disclosed that several bandit leaders and their gang members have been eliminated by security forces in Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina states.

    The NSA commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for initiating the non-kinetic approach in addressing insecurity in Southern Kaduna, Birnin Gwari and other troubled communities in the state.

  • FCT 2026: APC releases names of primary election committees ahead of chairmanship election

    FCT 2026: APC releases names of primary election committees ahead of chairmanship election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled the names of members appointed to serve on the Primary Election Committees for the upcoming 2026 Area Council Chairmanship Elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The list, which includes committee chairmen, members, and secretaries for the six area councils, was shared in a statement posted on Wednesday by APC on X.

    According to the statement, the inauguration of the appointed committee chairmen and secretaries will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the APC National Secretariat located at No. 40, Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

    The event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.

    “For Gwagwalada Area Council, the committee will be chaired by Hon. Shafi’u Duwan, with Hon. Yahaya Shehu Maradun serving as secretary.

    “In Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Habibu Ibrahim will serve as chairman, while Margaret Duru will act as secretary.

    “Bwari Area Council will have Hon. Austin Agada as chairman and Hon. Sanusi Sa’idu Kiru as secretary, while Hon. Afolarin Mayowa Samuel chairs the Abaji Area Council committee, with Hon. Abdullahi Maharazu as secretary.

    “In Kwali Area Council, the committee is headed by Dr. Akombo Benedict Imoter, and Hon. Gambo Rimi will serve as secretary.

    “For Kuje Area Council, Barr. Yakubu Bello was named chairman, while Engr. Umar Shehu takes the role of secretary.”

  • SDP suspends National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, 2 others over alleged financial infractions

    SDP suspends National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, 2 others over alleged financial infractions

    The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has suspended its national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam and two other national working committee members over alleged financial impropriety.

    SDP national publicity secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba in a statement signed on Tuesday in Abuja said; “In exercise of its exclusive powers as guaranteed in Article 19.1; 19.3(i) and 19.5 of the Party Constitution (2022 as Ammended), the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has approved the immediate suspension of the National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gbam, along with two members of the National Working Committee (NWC), namely: Nze Nnadi Clarkson, National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, National Youth Leader, over grave allegations of gross financial misconduct embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.

    “The decision followed a resolution of a meeting of the National Working Commitee (NWC), where overwhelming evidences were presented linking the suspended officials to a series of unauthorized financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and movement of funds from the party’s accounts without necessary approvals of the NWC.

    “The action of the NWC to suspend the National Chairman and two members of the NWC involved in the gross financial misconduct is to demonstrate to the general public that the Party, generally esteemed by Nigerians as a disciplined party and a credible alternative political plaform for national redemption has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.

    “The decision to suspend the National Chairman and other implicated NWC members is to allow for a thorough, investigation. Our integrity as a political party must be upheld at all times,” the statement read.

    According to the statement, an interim investigative panel has been constituted to audit all financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions.In the interim, the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar has been directed to assume leadership of the party pending the outcome of the investigations.

    “The misappropriated funds amount to hundreds of millions of naira, including donations and resources realised from the sales of nomination forms in the 2023 general elections and other funds from the party accounts.

    “The suspension of has been communicated to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), and all relevant anti- graft agencies and security agencies have been formally notified.

    The suspension of Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma takes immediate effect.”

    SDP, however, warned that the general public is hereby requested to be appropriately guided by the latest development.

  • 2027: ADC to host coalition talks in Kano as opposition political realignment gathers momentum

    2027: ADC to host coalition talks in Kano as opposition political realignment gathers momentum

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to host a high-level political meeting in Kano on Tuesday as part of intensified efforts by opposition parties to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The meeting, scheduled to hold at Mumbayyu House at 10:00 a.m., is being convened by the Kano State Chairman of the ADC, Alhaji Musa Shaibu Ungogo, and will bring together prominent defectors from multiple political blocs.

    Sources within the party confirmed that the gathering will mark the formal launch of the ADC as a coalition platform, incorporating defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and a faction of the Labour Party (LP).

    The development follows a national directive issued to all ADC state chapters to facilitate the integration of coalition partners in preparation for the 2027 elections. Party insiders say the Kano meeting is expected to serve as a model for similar convergence efforts across the country.

    “The key objective is to proclaim the formal merger of the coalition groups into the ADC and begin building a revitalized political force both in Kano State and nationally,” a party source told this reporter.

    The move reflects growing disillusionment among Nigerians with the country’s two dominant political parties — the APC and PDP — amid worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and widespread governance concerns.

    See also Sallah Durbar in kano: Tension as two emirs, Bayero, Sanusi plan parallel Durbar
    Observers say the emergence of a restructured ADC could significantly alter the dynamics of the 2027 polls, especially as more citizens seek viable alternatives to the traditional power blocs.

    Further announcements and structural decisions are expected to emerge following the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting.

  • Election and predestination (2) – By Femi Aribisala

    Election and predestination (2) – By Femi Aribisala

    “Abraham’s adultery fulfilled the will of God”.

    Paul says there are “vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,” and “vessels of mercy, prepared beforehand for glory.” (Romans 9:22-24). Vessels of wrath prepare themselves for God’s wrath. But God Himself prepares the vessels of mercy for glory. The vessels of wrath deserve God’s wrath, but the vessels of mercy do not deserve God’s mercy. They also deserve God’s wrath, but God decides to be merciful to them.

    Hardening of Pharaoh

    God said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.” (Exodus 4:21).

    Who will harden Pharaoh’s heart? God will.

    He repeats this: “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 7:3). He (God) will harden Pharaoh’s heart.

    But when Pharaoh himself is brought into the equation, the hardening came from Pharaoh:

    “When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said.” (Exodus 8:15).

    “Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go.” (Exodus 8:32).

    “When Pharaoh saw that the rain, the hail, and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet more; and he hardened his heart.” (Exodus 9:34).

    When the Israelites finally left Egypt, God retook the initiative:

    “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honour over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 14:4).

    As a result, the Egyptians decided to pursue the Israelites, and they ended up drowned in the Red Sea, according to the determinate counsel of God.

    Paul explains all this:

    “For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.’ Therefore, He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.” (Romans 9:17-18).

    Jesus’ elect

    Paul writes that God opened the eyes of those He chose and left the rest in blindness:

    “Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is ‘written: ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.’” (Romans 11:7-8). 

    Note that it is said here that God blinded them. However, Jesus says the unbelievers are the ones who blinded their eyes:

    “The hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear,

    and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.” (Matthew 13:15).

    There is a divinely ordained coincidence between the decrees of God and the will of men.

    Numbering Israel

    Samuel says God was angry with Israel, so He made David conduct a census.

    “The anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah.’” (2 Samuel 24:1).

    But the writer of 1 Chronicles says it was Satan who moved David to number Israel:

    “Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, ‘Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it.’” (1 Chronicles 21:1-2).

    In both scenarios, David is the one said to have ordered the numbering. But God did not punish David for ordering the numbering. He punished Israel. 72,000 Israelites were killed in a plague.

    David pleaded with God: “I am the one who numbered Israel, so kill me. Why kill all these innocent people?” David did not know that he numbered Israel because God wanted to punish Israel. He thought he did the numbering, but it was God who did it.

    Election of Abraham

    God chose Abram without saying why. He said to him:

    “My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.” (Genesis 17:4-5).

    It was God who decided to make Abraham a father of many nations. But it was Abraham’s decision that laid the foundation of the original two nations. Abraham had an adulterous relationship with Hagar, his househelp, who gave birth to Ishmael. Then his wife, Sarah, gave birth to Isaac. Ishmael produced the nation of Edom, and Isaac the nation of Israel.

    How come Abraham’s adultery fulfilled the will of God? That is the power of God. As Paul observes, God “works all things according to the counsel of His will.” (Ephesians 1:11). To those who love God and are called according to His purpose, God works all things together for good.” (Romans 8:28).

    When Hagar ran away with Ishmael from Sarah’s hostility and oppression, God met her and said she should go back: “Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.” (Genesis 21:18).

    In effect, the first nation to come out of Abraham was the result of his adultery with Hagar, arising from his unbelief that God would fulfil His promise with Sarah.

    Did God decree the adultery, or did Abraham commit the adultery? Mind your business. The union between God’s will and Abraham’s sinful action is the result of the unsearchable power of God.

    Abraham’s adultery was a sin against God. God does not need our help to fulfil His promises. Nevertheless, God worked Abraham’s sin together for good. Abraham was responsible for his adultery. At the same time, Abraham’s adultery was the will of God.

    “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33).

    Joseph

    Joseph’s evil brothers were responsible for his travails. They threw him down a well and sold him into slavery in Egypt. Nevertheless, their actions were the will of God. Had they not sold him into slavery, he would not have ended up as prime minister in Egypt, a position that enabled him to save their lives in a famine.

    Joseph recognised the power of God and reassured his nervous brothers that he had no intention of retaliating: “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20).

    How does God bring about such reversals? Only God knows. “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” (Proverbs 16:33).

    David’s adultery

    When David slept with Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife) and got her pregnant, he killed her husband to hide his sin and married her. God’s judgment on him was exacting. Nathan, the prophet of the Lord, said to him:

    “You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbour, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.” (2 Samuel 12:9-12).

    This judgment was fulfilled in rapid succession by members of David’s family acting seemingly of their own volition. Amnon raped Tamar and Absalom killed him. Absalom tried to overthrow David, and Joab killed him. Solomon killed Adonijah. Absalom raped David’s wives in the sight of all Israel. The sword has never left Israel to this very day.

    All these seemingly independent actions of David’s sons fulfilled God’s judgment against David. Did God decree their actions, or did his people act according to their free will? Both! And how God brought this to pass is, again, the unsearchable power of God.

    Jesus’ crucifixion

    Jesus was crucified according to the determinate counsel of God, and by the will of sinful men. So, the disciples prayed to God:

    “Truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” (Acts 4:27-28).

    Their evil actions against Jesus were all predetermined from the foundation of the world. Nevertheless, they were fully responsible for their sins. That combo is the power of God.

    Election of Isaac

    God told Abraham, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” (Genesis 21:12). Nevertheless, Isaac’s wife, Rebecca, was barren. Isaac did not have a child for 20 years. God did not give him children until Isaac prayed for them.

    Why did Isaac still need to pray to have the children that God had decreed? Mind your business. That is how God decided to do it.

    When we pray according to God’s will, He answers. Nevertheless, His will precedes our prayers. God says: “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24).

    How come our prayers coincide with His will? “The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:1).

    We do not need to know how God answers our prayers. But He does. After 20 years of barrenness, Rebecca is finally pregnant, but the pregnancy is problematic. She prays, and God tells her something unusual is happening to her. She is carrying not one but two children. She is carrying the first twins of mankind.

    Continuing God’s predestination of making Abraham the father of many nations. Two nations are in Rebecca’s womb. Two different people shall be separated from her. Then again, God’s will would contradict man’s convention. The one twin shall be stronger than the other. The older shall serve the younger.

    This is God’s predestination. From one twin, Jacob, we get 12 sons, making one nation, Israel. From Esau, we get another nation, Edom. The older Esau shall serve the younger Jacob.

    This shows God’s counsel is not contingent upon the natural order or man’s tradition. Everything is contingent upon God’s predestination and election. “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:16-17). God works everything according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:5).

    How did God’s decree that the older shall serve the younger come to pass? Jacob swindled his brother Esau and stole his birthright. Jacob’s swindle brought about God’s decree. God’s decree came about through human action. Men are God’s hands.

    Did God cause Jacob to swindle Esau, or was Jacob responsible for his sin? Both! That is the unsearchable power of God.

    God’s righteous judgment

    It is not God’s injustice that sends men to hell. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. It is men’s sins that send men to hell. But it is God’s mercy that elects to save some of the sinners. God decides who to save.

    God makes no man sin. Man decides to sin. Because of man’s sin, God could have decided to save nobody. But out of his kindness, He decides to save some. These are those he chooses “according to the election of grace.” (Romans 11:5).

    Paul then explains why God chooses some and not others. God desired to show His power and to display the glory of His grace. (Ephesians 1:6). He desired to show the riches of His glory on those He chooses to have mercy, leaving others subject to His wrath. (Romans 9:23).

    Who are those on whom God showers His mercy? Anyone and everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord. Who are those who will call upon the Name of the Lord? Those that God has chosen. Will they call upon the Name of the Lord because God has chosen them, or because of their own volition?

    Both! And that again is the power of God. Jesus says to the Sadducees: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29).

    We were dead in transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2:1), and yet are required to call upon the name of the Lord. But the dead have no volition. How can dead men call upon the Name of the Lord? God must make them do it.

    “Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” (Psalm 80:18-19).

    Why was Mary chosen? Why was John the Baptist anointed in the womb? It is all by election and predestination.

    Why does God tell people to repent when He knows they cannot unless He leads them to repentance? That is the power of God. He calls us to repent, but we cannot unless He helps us. We preach to others: “if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:25).

    Jesus says:

    “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44). 
    “No one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” (John 6:65). 
  • Delta Commissioner Izeze bags Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence Award

    Delta Commissioner Izeze bags Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence Award

    The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has been awarded the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to infrastructure development and public service delivery in Nigeria.

    The award, which was announced during the 2025 Grow Africa Leadership Summit held in Accra, Ghana, celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in advancing socio-economic development across the African continent.

    Izeze emerged as this year’s laureate following a rigorous nomination and selection process involving leaders from across various sectors in Africa.

    Presenting the award to Izeze at his office in Asaba, President of the Grow Africa Youth Initiative, Comrade Uzim Temple, praised Izeze for his transformative work in Delta State, citing major infrastructure projects he supervised, efficient governance practices, and his unwavering commitment to sustainable development as key factors that earned him the honor.

    In particular, his efforts in expanding road networks, streamlining project execution, and championing youth employment through public works were highlighted as exemplary.

    “We honour you today for your hardwork and dedication to grassroot development and support to young people, high administrative acumen and selfless leadership ideology, educational development through bursary awards.

    “You are a team player who carries everyone along irrespective of tribe, religion or gender, a public servant with zero tolerance for corruption, nepotism and favoritism and for your exemplary lifestyle which promotes African moral value worthy of emulation by the youths.”

    Receiving the award, Commissioner Izeze dedicated the recognition to the people of Delta State and the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    “This award is not just about me; it’s a reflection of what dedicated governance and collective vision can achieve. I thank Grow Africa Youths Initiative and the selection committee for this honor, and I remain committed to building a better future for our people,” he said.

    The Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence is named after the legendary Pan-Africanist and first President of Ghana, and is regarded as one of the continent’s most respected honors for leadership in public service and development.

    Past recipients include former heads of state, technocrats, and visionary leaders from across Africa contributing to  the continent’s commitment to home-grown solutions and leadership excellence.

    Commissioner Izeze’s recognition is seen as a significant milestone for Delta State and a beacon of inspiration for young leaders in Nigeria and beyond.

  • Article of Faith: Election and predestination – By Femi Aribisala

    Article of Faith: Election and predestination – By Femi Aribisala

    “God would have all men to be saved, but none will merit salvation”.

    Jesus says: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you.” (John 15:16).

    When did He choose us? “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4).

    Since He chose us, that means we were predestined:

    “(He) predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” (Ephesians 1:5).

    What is the good pleasure of God’s will?

    The good pleasure of God’s will is the salvation of souls. So, Jesus says:

    “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”(Luke 12:32).

    Why did He choose us?

    He chose us:

    “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6).

    We are saved by grace. We do not deserve to be saved, but we are saved. Jesus said to me, “Femi, I don’t give people what they deserve. Don’t give people what they deserve. Give them what they do not deserve.”

    “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

    If we are saved by grace, it means we are elected. Paul says:

    “At this present time, there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” (Romans 11:5).

    If we are elected by grace, then we are predestined. We are new creations.

    “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).

    God prepared the works we are to do beforehand. That means we are predestined to do them. We do not even do them ourselves; Jesus does them through us:

    “God (who) performs all things for (us).” (Psalm 57:2).

    In Christ and Adam

    God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. But when we were born, we left Christ. When we are born, we are no longer in Christ, but in Adam. In Adam, we died.

    “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22).

    In Adam, we were dead in transgressions and sins.

    “That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12).

    In Adam, the Prodigal Son left his father and went to a far country. When he left the Father, he died. He only came back alive when he returned home.

    Dead men have no free will. Dead men have no independent action. Satan propels their actions through the bondage of corruption,

    What does God say to Adamic man? He tells us to return to Him.

    “You turn man to destruction, and say, “Return, O children of men.” (Psalm 90:3).

    Who turns man to destruction?

    God does.

    Why?

    Because we are all sinners.

    How and when can we come back to Christ?

    We can return when we are born again.

    “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1).

    When we are born again, we go back from being in Adam to being in Christ.

    “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

    What happens when we are back in Christ? We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. We are holy and without blame. We obtain an inheritance. We receive the spirit of adoption by which we cry “Abba Father.” (Romans 8:15). We obtain an inheritance. We become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17).

    God brought us back to life from the dead for His own good pleasure and not ours. Therefore, it is not our will but His that must be done.

    God’s foreknowledge and election

    Jesus berated the Sadducees, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29).

    Even today, many people are unfamiliar with the scriptures. Some know the scriptures but not the power of God. But both must be seen in tandem. Moreover, the power of God never contradicts the scriptures.

    God knows everything beforehand. He declares:

    “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” (Isaiah 46:0-10).

    God’s foreknowledge should not be mistaken for foresight. God does not know future events and the actions of men because He foresees them. He knows them because He wills them to happen.

    God’s foreknowledge is by election. His foreknowledge is from His determination to bring certain people into a special relationship with Him. Accordingly, He says to Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5).

    If He looks down into history to choose only those who will love Him, He will end up choosing nobody. This is because:

    “There is none righteous no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10-12).

    God would have all men to be saved. Paul says, “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

    But none will merit salvation. All are dead in transgressions and sins. Therefore, rather than leave all men in condemnation, He decides to have mercy on a select few. He then decided that He would call the select few (or the elect) by the preaching of the gospel.

    Election by predestination

    God predestines those He foreknew. He selects and elects them.

    “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29).

    The people God foreknew are those He set His affections on. God is not a man. So His knowledge does not conform to that of men

    Jesus says to some, “I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.” (Luke 13:27).

    Surely, He knows them as men know others. He does not know them means He is not intimate with them.

    The Bible says, “Cain knew his wife” (Genesis 4:17). “Adam knew his wife” (Genesis 4:25). This knowledge refers to intimacy. God will only spend eternity with those He wants to be intimate with.  And the power of God ensures that those He wants to be intimate with are precisely those who want to be intimate with Him.

    For this reason, Paul says:

    “What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?” (Romans 9:22-24).

    That is exactly what He does.

    How many people will then end up in heaven?

    Only the exact number that God has appointed. Not one more, not one less.

    “Since (man’s) days are determined, the number of his months is with You; You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.” (Job 14:5).

    Everything is carefully calibrated:

    “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16).

     

    CONTINUED…

  • Finally, INEC fixes dates for Ekiti, Osun guber polls

    Finally, INEC fixes dates for Ekiti, Osun guber polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states for Saturday, June 20 and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.

    INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made this known on Friday, during the swearing-in of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners, recently confirmed by the National Assembly.

    “For Ekiti State, the election will be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026. However, party primaries will start on 20th October 2025 and end on 10th November 2025 to enable political parties to upload their nomination forms to the dedicated portal, which automatically shuts down by 6.00 pm on 22nd December 2025, i.e., not later than 180 days before the election. The final list of candidates will be published on 18th January 2026, while campaign in public by political parties will commence on 21st January 2026 and end 24 hours before election day,” Yakubu said.

    “In the case of Osun State, the election will be held on Saturday, 8th August 2026. Party primaries will start on 24th November 2025 and end on 15th December 2025. The portal for the upload of nomination forms by political parties closes at 6.00 pm on 9th February 2026, i.e,. not later than 180 days before the election. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th March 2026, while the campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th March 2026 and end 24 hours before election day.

    “The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections have been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for the guidance of political parties and public information.

    “The Commission is aware of the concern expressed by many Nigerians about the pending bye-elections and the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide. The number of bye-elections has now risen to 17. We are aware of the urgency to commence the CVR, particularly in view of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State. We want to assure Nigerians that we are finalising our preparations for both activities, the details of which will soon be made public.”

    Yakubu also said the commission is finalising arrangements for bye-elections to fill vacant seats in the National and State Houses of Assembly.

  • HoR congratulates OrderPaper Nigeria on brand evolution, reaffirms commitment to Legislative Accountability

    HoR congratulates OrderPaper Nigeria on brand evolution, reaffirms commitment to Legislative Accountability

    The House of Representatives congratulates OrderPaper Nigeria, one of Africa’s foremost independent parliamentary monitoring organisations, on its recent brand evolution and strengthened commitment to advancing legislative accountability, civic engagement, and good governance.

    For nearly a decade, OrderPaper, under the leadership of its Founder, Oke Epia, has played a pivotal role in spotlighting the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, through data-driven insights, policy analysis, and comprehensive coverage of legislative activities. The House recognises OrderPaper as a valued partner in fostering transparency, enhancing public participation, and bridging the gap between parliament, policy, and the people.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, remarked:

    > “We welcome and applaud the brand evolution of OrderPaper Nigeria as a forward-thinking institution contributing to the growth of our democracy. The 10th House values principled civic engagement and affirms its commitment to transparency, inclusion, and excellence in lawmaking. We believe in building strong democratic institutions, and partners like OrderPaper play a vital role in strengthening the social contract between the people and their parliament.”

    The House of Representatives also welcomes the unveiling of a new identity for OrderPaper’s media arm [www.parliamentreports.com], a dedicated platform providing legislative intelligence, policy analysis, data-driven insights, and extensive coverage of Nigeria’s national and state assemblies.

    As the organisation embarks on this new chapter with a refreshed identity, the House commends its innovative initiatives, including Scorecard Nigeria and the Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Hall of Fame, which continue to set new standards for legislative accountability in Nigeria.

    The 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, particularly through the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, remains steadfast in its commitment to legislative excellence and welcomes partnerships with media and civil society organisations that promote responsible governance, informed policymaking, and active citizen engagement.

  • 2027: Nothing on earth will make me step down for Atiku- Ex-SDP presidential candidate Adebayo vows

    2027: Nothing on earth will make me step down for Atiku- Ex-SDP presidential candidate Adebayo vows

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has vowed that he will not step down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

    Adebayo made this known during an appearance on on a national tv program while reacting to growing speculations about a possible opposition coalition ahead of the polls.

    Amid claims that the SDP could be co-opted into a broader alliance to challenge President Bola Tinubu, Adebayo was emphatic in stating that neither he nor Atiku has the power to “use” the party.

    “I will not [step down], and he [Atiku] has not said anybody should step down. Neither me nor Vice President Atiku Abubakar can use the SDP. The SDP belongs to the Nigerian people. Nobody can use it.

    “What can happen is that people who now believe that the SDP is right, and that their ideologies align, can come to the party. Knowing that the party is open and democratic, they will want to come in and compete, because you have the best chance of competing in a system that hasn’t been bought over by anybody.

    “But if you think the SDP is something you can just use — it cannot be used. What you can do is ally with the SDP and respect its ideology and the work that has been done by those who are already there. If you want to join and contribute, that’s fine. But if someone is sitting somewhere and wants to use something, we are not available to be used,” the 2023 SDP presidential candidate stated.

    No Formal Communication
    While he acknowledged Atiku’s stature and political experience, Adebayo added that the former Vice President has not directly reached out regarding coalition talks.

    “I must respect Atiku, but what is clear is that people are speaking on his behalf. He knows what he wants to do, and he has access to us. We don’t need a third party to tell us what he wants to do.

    “When he wants to join the party, he will come to us. Until then, we don’t discuss him, because he appears to know what he is doing — he has been running for president for over 32 years,” he said.

    Asked whether he was aware of the coalition being allegedly led by Nasir El-Rufai and Atiku to unseat President Tinubu in 2027, Adebayo said “All of us want to unseat President Tinubu in 2027. In fact, I want to unseat him more than anyone else.”

    Responding to suggestions that the coalition might be seeking a stronger contender due to doubts about his electability, the SDP flagbearer said, “I don’t know about that. Let Nigerian voters determine that,” adding that, “what I can tell you is that President Tinubu is not a match for the Nigerian people.”

    ‘Worry About Nigerians, Not 2027‘
    When asked whether President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be concerned about the rising political talks and coalition moves ahead of 2027, Adebayo stated:

    “There are serious discussions going on that are not on the pages of newspapers. But they should be worried first about not serving Nigerians well. They shouldn’t be too worried about losing the elections; they should be worried about disappointing the people.”

    He criticised the government’s performance, citing insecurity and rising poverty across the country.

    “The office of the President is not a monarchy. His political sagacity should be translated into the welfare of the Nigerian people.

    “This is not a movie — people are dying of hunger. There is insecurity. Every time the news is read, you feel sad because you want good news. If you have sagacity, use it to run the lives of Nigerians,” Adebayo stated.

    Coalition Talks, Defections
    In the last few weeks, there have been significant political manoeuvring underway in Nigeria as various parties and political figures have begun to strategise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has openly advocated for the formation of a broad opposition coalition.

    The ex-vice president has confirmed holding discussions with Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who defected to the SDP as part of efforts to build a united front against the ruling APC.

    However, not all within the PDP are on board with this initiative. The party’s governors’ forum have distanced itself from the coalition talks, expressing concerns that such a move could undermine the party’s internal cohesion and electoral strength.

    Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has also made his position clear. He has rejected any coalition formed solely for the purpose of seizing political power. Obi insists that any alliance must be based on a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges.

    In a surprising move, El-Rufai recently defected from the APC to the SDP, citing disappointment with the ruling party’s direction. Despite his defection, the SDP leadership has stated that there is no formal alliance with either El-Rufai or Atiku at this time.

    Meanwhile, party defections continue to make headlines. Six members of the House of Representatives from Delta State recently left the PDP to join the APC.

    In a particularly notable development, former Delta State governor and Atiku’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, Ifeanyi Okowa, officially defected to the APC in April — a move that came as a shock to many within the opposition.

    The Labour Party has also witnessed some members of its party, defect to the APC camp.