Today’s Headlines: Nigeria Cannot Afford Another Four Years Under Tinubu-APM, Sultan call for peace, Unity Among Muslim, Christians

Photo credits: Nigeria Tribune

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has renewed its criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that he has not demonstrated the capacity required to provide effective leadership for Nigeria.

The party raised its concerns through the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Abubakar Yusuf, in Abuja on Friday, accusing the President of allowing family members, principal aides and other unelected individuals to exercise undue influence over the administration.

Yusuf alleged that the Tinubu administration had become disconnected from Nigerians and was failing to respond adequately to the country’s security and economic challenges.

The APM also faulted the President’s absence from major international engagements, particularly the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), arguing that such engagements provide opportunities for the Nigerian leader to advance the country’s interests at the global level.

The party further criticised what it described as the President’s limited direct engagement with communities affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, as well as with victims and families affected by attacks.

Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar has called for peace and unity between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. In a video published by The Nation Nigeria on 26 September 2026 and sourced from News Century Television, the traditional ruler is shown addressing a bank of microphones from major media outlets while dressed in his customary white robes and turban.

As the spiritual head of Nigerian Muslims and co-chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, the Sultan has consistently used his position to promote interfaith understanding. His latest remarks come at a time of ongoing security challenges and in the approach to the 2027 general elections, periods when religious rhetoric can sometimes intensify tensions. He has repeatedly emphasised that genuine understanding between the two faiths is more important than mere tolerance, urging both leaders and followers to focus on shared values rather than differences.

This appeal forms part of a continuing pattern of engagement by the Sultan, including recent meetings with Christian leaders and discussions within inter-religious forums. In a country whose population is roughly evenly divided between the two major religions, such public statements by a figure of his stature remain an important contribution to efforts aimed at peaceful coexistence and national cohesion.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, have renewed calls for the release of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who has remained in custody since February.

Obi’s media aide, Idris Zekeri, told Saturday PUNCH that the former Anambra State governor had consistently demanded that El-Rufai’s case be addressed through due process.

Zekeri said Obi had been vocal about the former governor’s continued detention, arguing that the courts should establish any allegations against him rather than allowing him to remain detained for an extended period.

He said, “Peter Obi has been one of the most vocal since the issue of El-Rufai’s ordeal started. He has made tweets on it, and we still strongly believe that if there is any case against him, it should be established instead of detaining him unlawfully for an extended period of time without actually dealing with the issue.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Photo: OSGF

The Federal Government is set to launch the African Global Festival Nigeria, AGLOFEST, in October 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, economic cooperation and engagement with Africa and the global Black Diaspora.

The festival, which is being developed as a public-private partnership, will bring together government officials, investors, businesses, cultural institutions, creative industry professionals, entrepreneurs, development partners and members of the global Black Diaspora.

The initiative has received presidential approval and is being developed in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, including the Ministries of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Trade, Investment and Industry; and Foreign Affairs.