Politics
Osinbajo to young Christians: Faith alone won’t fix Nigeria, join politics
DDM News

Former Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has issued a passionate appeal to young Christians in Nigeria to actively engage in politics.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Osinbajo made the call during his keynote speech at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture held at The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos.
He emphasized that political involvement is not merely a civic duty but the only legitimate path to leadership and meaningful change in any society.
According to him, young Christians must no longer sit on the sidelines during elections or policymaking but must become a vital and decisive bloc in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Osinbajo noted that while politics in Nigeria and around the world is often marred by corruption and a bad reputation, disengagement only worsens the situation.
He pointed out that refusing to participate in politics equates to surrendering one’s right to determine the kind of leaders and policies that govern the country.
“Politics has acquired a bad name, not just in Nigeria, but across the world,” Osinbajo said.
“But the truth is, there is no other way to influence a nation except by engaging in the political process,” he added.
He explained that societal progress has always come through political leadership, and it remains the engine through which laws, policies, and social interventions are driven.
Osinbajo urged his audience not to allow the perceived dirtiness of politics to deter them from taking up leadership roles and contributing to national development.
He warned that leaving politics in the hands of the unprepared and uninformed often leads to misgovernance and systemic collapse.
“If we are not involved in choosing leaders, shaping policy, or participating in political parties, then we forfeit our right to complain when outcomes don’t reflect our values,” he said.
The former vice president stressed that true political engagement must go beyond enthusiasm and be grounded in deep knowledge and strategic preparation.
He called on aspiring leaders to invest time in reading, research, and learning about public systems in order to make informed decisions and propose viable policies.
“You must study. You must understand how things work. Read biographies, and understand healthcare, education, and economic systems, particularly in the African context,” he advised.
Osinbajo cautioned against shallow participation in politics, describing it as dangerous and counterproductive.
He argued that entering public office without adequate preparation often results in the destruction of functional systems instead of building better ones.
“It’s not enough to have passion. Without preparation, you’ll produce no meaningful results,” he concluded.
The lecture, held in memory of the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, founder of The Fountain of Life Church, attracted several political, religious, and civil society figures.
Many attendees praised Osinbajo’s speech as a timely call to action, especially for Nigerian youths disillusioned by repeated failures of governance.
Political analysts say Osinbajo’s remarks reflect growing concerns over voter apathy and the lack of youth representation in Nigeria’s political space.
In recent elections, young people have made up a significant portion of registered voters, yet their participation and representation remain low in political offices.
Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people, has long struggled with leadership deficits, corruption, and governance failure at various levels.
Faith-based communities, particularly churches, have historically shied away from active political engagement, often viewing politics as a corrupt arena.
However, Osinbajo, himself a pastor and professor of law, continues to advocate for a values-driven approach to politics, especially among Christians.
He believes young Christians, equipped with education and integrity, can help redefine leadership in Nigeria and challenge the status quo.
His speech also echoes similar calls by civil society groups urging Nigerian youth to move from online activism to real-time participation in the political process.
Observers say that with the 2027 general elections on the horizon, such calls could inspire a new wave of youth-led political engagement across the country.
For now, Osinbajo’s message serves as a reminder that disengagement is not a solution and that meaningful change requires participation, knowledge, and commitment.
DDM will continue to track youth political participation and provide updates on emerging leadership movements within faith-based and civic platforms.
News
VIRAL VIDEO: Moment Yahaya Bello Orders Kogi State House Members to Sit on Floor, Gives Strict Directives

A viral video circulating on social media has captured former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello making newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.
The meeting took place at Bello’s residence on Monday, where he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss party unity and responsibilities.
Shado, who won the Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election on August 16, was formally presented to the former governor.
INEC declared Shado the winner after he polled 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who garnered 1,038 votes.
During the session, Bello emphasized that Shado must strictly obey the directives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all legislative matters.
He drew his ear to stress the importance of cooperation, warning the lawmaker to align with Assembly decisions even when he did not fully understand them.
Bello said, “Go and cooperate with the Speaker and other members of the House of Assembly. Support Governor Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly, even if you don’t understand it.”
Bello also reminded Shado that political victories are collective achievements.
He stated, “No candidate wins an election alone. Your people worked tirelessly from nomination to election day. Do not let them down.”
He urged inclusivity, consultation, and collective leadership, emphasizing that unity remains the key to APC’s continued success in Kogi State.
The former governor praised the people of Kogi East for demonstrating unity, which he said had been lacking in the past.
He further expressed confidence that APC would retain all major political positions in upcoming elections, declaring, “Our President, Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected.
Governor Ododo will be re-elected. All our candidates will continue to win on our great party’s platform.”
Bello’s post-governorship period has been marked by controversy.
The EFCC accused him of diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State coffers during his tenure.
He evaded multiple court summons and even a failed arrest in Abuja that led to a shootout. Ultimately, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 26, 2024, after months of avoiding legal proceedings.
Despite his legal troubles, Bello maintains influence over APC lawmakers in Kogi and continues to assert political authority, as shown in the recent video with Shado.
Watch the video below.
News
2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
News
Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
Africa
‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.
Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”
According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.
He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.
Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.
The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.
But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.
The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.
This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”
He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.
Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.
Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.
He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.
News
JUST IN: Benue Assembly Suspends Four Lawmakers

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four lawmakers for six months after they allegedly attempted to impeach Speaker Aondona Dajoh on Thursday night.
The affected members are Alfred Berger of Makurdi North, Terna Shimawua of Kian constituency, Cyril Ekong of Obi constituency, and James Umoru of Apa constituency.
Their suspension was announced during Friday’s sitting.
Majority Leader Saater Tiseer raised a motion of urgent importance, accusing the four lawmakers of plotting to destabilize the assembly with what he described as an unnecessary crisis.
The House adopted the motion, and the Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended lawmakers out of the chambers.
The suspension also triggered changes in leadership positions. Berger, who previously served as the Assembly’s spokesperson, was replaced by Audu Elias on the directive of Speaker Dajoh.
Tension had been brewing in the Benue Assembly in recent weeks, with divisions among members deepening over political alignments and governance issues.
Thursday night’s failed impeachment move reportedly escalated the crisis, leading to Friday’s disciplinary action.
The suspension marks another turbulent chapter in the state’s politics.
In recent months, the Benue Assembly has clashed over commissioner nominations, governance direction, and security concerns across the state.
Observers fear the latest crisis could distract the House from tackling pressing issues, including widespread insecurity and economic hardship facing residents.
Political analysts also warn that the suspension may further polarize members and deepen divisions in the ruling structure of the Assembly.
The development adds to Benue’s growing list of political confrontations, highlighting the fragile relationship between lawmakers and leadership in the state.
-
Featured4 days ago
Your Attacks on Peter Obi Are Petty, Stop It! Chekwas Rebukes Soludo
-
News4 days ago
Tension in Anambra community as senior police officer shoots kinsman dead
Colleagues, others try cover-up; victim's family fights back
-
News7 days ago
Anambra South Bye-Election: APC Chief Rescues Deputy Gov Caught In Vote Buying From Angry Youths
By Chuks Collins, Awka
-
News5 days ago
Nigerian visa applicants must provide 5-yr social media history — US embassy
-
Celebrity/Entertainment23 hours ago
How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night
-
Analysis6 days ago
Systemic Sabotage: How APC, INEC Colluded To Undermine Amamgbo’s Senatorial Bid
By Arthur Ezechukwu
-
News3 days ago
Terrorist Organisation: APC, PDP Members in US, UK, France Risk Deportation
-
Celebrity/Entertainment5 days ago
Why single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke
-
News7 days ago
BREAKING: Troops arrest Nigeria’s most wanted terror kingpin
-
News2 days ago
Vandal electrocuted while vandalizing Aba power infrastructure