(DDM) – The media personality and Rufai Oseni has weighed in on the emergence of the Village Boy Movement, a political response to the high-profile City Boy Movement reportedly led by Seyi Tinubu.

During a live segment on Arise News, Oseni described the City Boy Movement as “delusional” if it assumes financial clout alone can determine electoral success. He argued that money, while influential, is not the ultimate deciding factor in Nigerian politics.

Oseni recalled the last general election, highlighting that monetary resources did not dictate outcomes, and predicted that future elections would similarly reflect the power of popular will rather than bank balances. He emphasized that political campaigns relying solely on wealth are misguided and unlikely to achieve lasting results.

“The upcoming elections will reveal the real impact of these financial strategies, and any irregularities will be exposed,” Oseni said, cautioning observers against overestimating the role of money in electoral politics.

The Arise News anchor added that those who continue to believe that money controls politics are entitled to their views, but practical outcomes often tell a different story.

The discussion sparked a flurry of reactions online. Supporters of Oseni praised his stance, while critics of the City Boy Movement highlighted what they perceive as undue influence from prominent backers such as Cubana Chiefpriest and Obi Cubana. Some commentators pointed to federal budget allocations as potential indirect support for City Boy initiatives, suggesting political favoritism may be at play.

Social media users weighed in with diverse opinions. One Instagram user, @oceanic_danga_marine, commented: “The worst mistake they did was to call it City Boy Movement for South-East. When time comes, we’ll show that money cannot dictate votes.” Another, @gmanindhouz1, praised Oseni personally: “Rufai Oseni, your generation will always know peace for standing out.”

Observers noted that the Village Boy Movement has gained momentum as a counterbalance to the City Boy initiative, especially among young voters in Nigeria’s southern regions. Analysts suggest that its rise may reshape political engagement, encouraging grassroots mobilization rather than reliance on financial clout alone.

Oseni’s remarks signal a growing debate over the role of money, influence, and social capital in the upcoming elections, reinforcing the idea that public sentiment, particularly among youth and civil society, could determine outcomes more decisively than elite-backed campaigns.

The Village Boy Movement, Oseni argues, embodies this principle: a rising political consciousness that challenges the assumption that monetary power guarantees electoral victory.

This exchange marks a defining moment in pre-election discourse, reflecting the increasing tension between wealth-driven political strategies and grassroots mobilization efforts across Nigeria.

(DDM) – Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has warned of a possible nationwide shutdown if electoral reforms he and other advocates consider critical are not implemented within days.

The warning came during recent demonstrations in Abuja focused on proposed amendments to Nigeria’s electoral laws, particularly provisions concerning the transmission of election results.
According to coverage by Symfoni TV, Sowore addressed protesters gathered under the banner of the “Occupy National Assembly” movement, where citizens demanded mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results in the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Sowore told the crowd that the responsibility for shaping Nigeria’s democratic future rests largely with young people, whom he described as the majority stakeholders in the country.

He argued that political leaders remain powerful mainly because citizens have not fully exercised their collective influence.

The activist estimated that the number of individuals at the center of political power is relatively small compared to Nigeria’s population, saying organized civic action could compel leaders to respond to public demands.
Sowore emphasized that public officials are paid with taxpayers’ money and therefore answerable to the people.

He framed this relationship as evidence that citizens hold ultimate authority in a democracy when they choose to assert it lawfully and collectively.

The publisher of Sahara Reporters also disclosed that he has been in discussions with other opposition figures about coordinated civic engagement.

Among those he mentioned was Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who was also present during recent protests at the National Assembly of Nigeria complex.
Sowore stated that if lawmakers fail to act on the protesters’ demands by the time the legislature reconvenes on February 24, demonstrations currently centered in Abuja could expand across the country.

He portrayed such expansion as a strategy to increase pressure for reforms supporters say would improve transparency and public trust in elections.
His remarks included strong language about reclaiming political space for ordinary citizens and resetting governance standards.
The comments have since generated debate among supporters and critics over the tone and implications of his call for mass action.
Some analysts view the statements as part of a long tradition of protest politics in Nigeria, where activists use public demonstrations to push for institutional change.
Others caution that any large-scale shutdown could have economic and security consequences if not carefully managed.
As of now, there has been no formal response from federal authorities regarding Sowore’s latest ultimatum.

The situation places renewed attention on electoral reform, an issue that has remained central in Nigeria’s political discourse since the last general elections.

Whether the warnings translate into broader nationwide protests may depend on legislative actions in the coming days and the ability of organizers to mobilize public support.

(DDM) – Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has recounted an incident in which a Catholic priest allegedly stopped former Benue governor Samuel Ortom from addressing a congregation during a thanksgiving Mass in Makurdi.

Amaechi narrated the episode while speaking about integrity and accountability in public life, using the story as an example of what he described as rare moral courage among religious leaders.

According to his account, Ortom moved to speak to worshippers after the church service but was quickly interrupted by the officiating priest.

Amaechi claimed the priest took the microphone and warned the former governor not to make untrue statements inside the church.

He quoted the cleric as telling Ortom that any falsehoods should be said outside the church premises, not in what he described as God’s house.

The former Rivers governor praised the priest’s action, saying it showed boldness in the presence of political authority.

He argued that many clergy might hesitate to openly challenge powerful politicians, especially sitting or former governors.

Amaechi presented the story as a broader lesson on the role of moral voices in society, particularly from the pulpit.

Neither Ortom nor representatives of the Catholic Church in Benue State have publicly responded to the claim at the time of this report.

It also remains unclear when exactly the alleged incident occurred or what Ortom intended to say before being stopped.

Public figures in Nigeria often attend church services and thanksgiving ceremonies, where they sometimes address congregations.

Such appearances can blend religious gatherings with political messaging, a practice that has drawn both support and criticism.

Observers note that religious institutions in Nigeria hold significant social influence and sometimes serve as spaces where political leaders seek public goodwill.

Analysts also say tensions can arise when political narratives enter religious settings meant for worship.

Amaechi’s remarks have since circulated in political discussions online, with supporters citing them as a call for honesty in leadership.

Critics, however, caution that the story reflects one side of events and requires independent confirmation.

The account adds to ongoing debates about the relationship between politics, religion and public accountability in Nigeria.

(DDM) – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the use of tear gas on citizens protesting at the National Assembly, describing the incident as a national embarrassment and a sign of democratic backsliding.

Obi reacted after security operatives dispersed demonstrators who had gathered near the parliament complex to demand credible and transparent elections.
Witness videos circulating online showed protesters fleeing as tear gas spread across parts of the area.
The demonstrators had assembled to call for reforms that would guarantee free, fair and credible polls, especially around the electronic transmission of results.

Obi, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, voiced his criticism on his verified account on X.
He argued that peaceful civic participation should not attract force in a democratic setting.
According to him, citizens who act within constitutional limits while expressing political opinions deserve protection, not suppression.
He characterized the development as damaging to the country’s global image and democratic credentials.
Obi stated that scenes of citizens being dispersed while demanding credible elections send the wrong signal to the international community.
He added that such actions could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
The former Anambra governor urged Nigerians to remain united in defending democracy.
He encouraged citizens to lawfully resist actions that could undermine electoral integrity.
Obi emphasized that democracy thrives when people freely express their will without fear.
He stressed that credible elections form the foundation of good governance and national stability.
A key part of his message focused on real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results.
He insisted that mandatory electronic transmission enhances transparency and reduces disputes.
He explained that when results move directly from polling units to central databases, opportunities for manipulation reduce.
He further argued that public trust grows when voters can independently verify results.
Security agencies have not publicly issued a detailed explanation of the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Public reactions remain mixed, with some defending the police response as crowd control and others criticizing it as excessive.
Civil society groups in Nigeria have repeatedly called for restraint in handling peaceful protests.
Election credibility has become a dominant theme in Nigeria’s political discourse ahead of future polls.
Analysts say disputes over result transmission reflect deeper concerns about trust in the electoral system.
They note that technology has increasingly shaped how Nigerians view election transparency.
For many voters, the debate is no longer only legal but also about confidence in outcomes.
Obi concluded his remarks by expressing hope for a country built on justice, credible elections and accountable leadership.
He framed electoral reform as a collective national task rather than a partisan demand.
The episode adds to ongoing national conversations about how to balance security, civil liberties and democratic rights.

(DDM) – The former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has accused Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Governor of Kaduna State, of posing a significant threat to Nigeria’s national security.

Speaking in a statement on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode said El-Rufai made “very serious allegations” against the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, during a recent interview. The former minister highlighted claims that Ribadu’s phone had been bugged and that the NSA’s office was allegedly importing “dangerous chemical weapons” into the country.

Fani-Kayode also referenced El-Rufai’s assertion of a conspiracy between Ribadu and Sani aimed at “destroying him” and “jailing him for life,” describing these allegations as reckless and potentially destabilizing. “If you can boast of bugging the NSA’s phone on national television, it makes you a security threat to our nation,” he said, emphasizing the gravity of such claims.

The former minister accused El-Rufai of being complicit in the alleged crimes by admitting public engagement with Ribadu and Sani, noting that such interactions, if illegal, render him an accessory after the fact. He argued that political figures who feel wronged should seek justice through formal legal channels rather than public accusations that could incite panic.

Fani-Kayode questioned why El-Rufai had not pursued judicial recourse, saying, “If you know you have done no wrong, why can’t you calm down, pray to God, behave in a dignified manner, carry your cross, and stop claiming that there is some imaginary and nonsensical conspiracy against you emanating from Kaduna State and the NSA’s office?”

The former minister warned that unsubstantiated claims regarding chemical weapons could erode public trust in national institutions and create unnecessary alarm. He also criticized El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, alleging that past policies and statements contributed to insecurity and social divisions in Kaduna State.

Fani-Kayode urged the former governor to exercise restraint and “make your peace with God,” advising him to avoid incendiary statements that could inflame tensions further. “Kindly behave and respect yourself and stop behaving like an unrepentant and unrelenting ingrate and pest. The NSA does not have your time, and neither does the Governor of your state,” he added.

El-Rufai has not yet responded publicly to Fani-Kayode’s latest statement, leaving the controversy unresolved as national observers weigh the implications of the accusations.