Nigeria’s political landscape never ceases to astonish and amaze. In addition to our habitually surprising electoral outcomes, our politicians are dramatists of immense creativity. They have an uncanny ability to literally convert things into their opposites and still retain public attention and ignite curiosity and sustain interest. They have just as a group staged a successful mass psychological coup against the electorate.  Nearly all our normal political expectations have been altered.

Barely two years into the tenure of the Tinubu presidency, the politicians have dramatically altered the nation’s political agenda and expectations. First, instead of holding themselves to account on the unfulfilled promises of the 2023 elections, the politicians have positioned the 2027 election as the central political concern of the moment. Forget the hunger, the unemployment, the rampaging inflation and the epidemic of insecurity and daily deaths in droves. The exchange rate of the Naira is not as important as who gets to appoint the next CBN Governor. Face 2027 and the prospect of a Tinubu second term.

Secondly, the politicians have positioned the prospect of an opposition coalition political grouping as the biggest political challenge in the horizon. Ignore the many incompetent ministers and corrupt officials of the incumbent administration. The problem of the moment is the collective of Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai, Peter Obi, Kayode Fayemi, Datti-Ahmed, Rotimi Amaechi etc. In the perspective of the incumbent administration, these political gadflies are the ‘enemies’ of the moment. In their own right, the coalition opposition elements are complicit in diverting attention from the current challenges and focusing instead on the 2027 contest and their own chances of toppling Tinubu and the APC.

Thirdly, the opposition political figures are being driven to a wall where they just have to struggle for dear life. Their parties are on fire with internal contradictions and subversive plots sponsored by the ruling party. So, they have to strive to save their individual political lives in addition to salvaging the remnants of their embattled parties.

In addition, the politicians, especially the one in the ruling APC, want us to start juggling as to which parties stand a better chance of ousting Mr. Tinubu and his gang from Aso Villa. A faction of them have already declared Mr. Tinubu re-elected! In this regard, they have invented a new political pastime which we better call serial ‘party slaughter”.  The object is to ‘kill’ as many of the opposing parties that have electoral prospects as possible. In this regard, the APC has converted the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into a virtual political killing field of sorts. The casualties are piling up by the day.

Mr. Wike and his fellow warmongers in the employ of the ruling APC are compiling the casualty figures and reporting back to headquarters where the generalissimo is nodding in satisfaction. A smaller squad of trouble makers in the ruling APC is engaged with the Labour Party and the possibility of an SDP gathering point for the prospective opposition coalition.

But by far the greatest political drama and diversion of the moment is the increasing gale of defections and decampments from opposition parties, especially the PDP, to the ruling APC. It is like a season of mass migrations from all parties to the ruling party.

A jungle metaphor is the most apt at this moment.  A forest of larger wild creature swallowing and chewing up smaller ones best describes recent happenings in Nigeria’s political space. In a gale of defections and decampments, major politicians from other parties have been trooping into the ruling APC in a series of decampments that are best described as insane.

In just one day, the migration took a quantum leap.

The Delta State governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his immediate predecessor both announced a dramatic decampment to the APC from the PDP. This particular defection is multiply significant. A sitting governor elected on the platform of a rival part changes his platform midway through his tenure. Similarly, a former governor who was the vice presidential candidate of the major opposition party also defected to the ruling party that he had opposed only in the last election. More importantly, these two defections came along with the defection of all the chairmen of local governments in the state which is considered a strategic state from point of view of national resources.

In addition, it is rumoured that Kwankwaso and the governor of Kano State are set to decamp to the APC from NNPP.

Similarly, Kano North Senator Kawu has decamped from the NNPP to the APC. In the same vein, Labour Party Senator Imasuen of Edo State is said to be getting set to decamp from the LP to the APC. News reports from across the country indicate that a total of 216 PDP and NNPP members in Jigawa state have decamped to the APC. From the Southwest, House of Representatives member Oluwole Oke has also decamped from PDP to the APC.

Once the trend has been activated, the likelihood that it would continue is clear and present. It is a trend that has been intensified by the weaponization of poverty and hardship by the policies of the Tinubu government.  Most Nigerians have been driven to a solid wall of want and hardship. The perception is prevalent that only those who join the ruling party stand a chance of surviving the pervasive hardship. Forget about party ideology and beliefs. This is the hour of crass survival.

Ordinarily, it is an implicit assumption of democracy that individuals are free to change their beliefs and party affiliations subject to the relevant rules. The right and liberty to freely associate or change affiliation is a democratic right.  We can question an unusual velocity of exodus of partisans in any direction within the party spectrum. We can also raise larger issues that touch on the general trend of membership in the nation’s political party architecture.

For instance, there is something that is quite troubling in the recent wave of migrations and decampments into the APC. At a time when the state of the nation is sorry and sordid, it is inconceivable that political leaders and notable citizens should be trooping into the very party that is squarely responsible for running the nation aground. There is a consensus among most ordinary honest Nigerians that the APC government under Mr. Tinubu has been an unmitigated disaster.

Ordinarily, when parties are in power, they strive to a record of governance and performance that would at least make them a tolerable option in the next election. A bad party is usually punished by a denial of the mandate in the next election. A party that scores so abysmally in all areas of governance and whose leadership has the worst job approval rating in recent history has no business canvassing for increased membership let alone attracting an obvious drove of new members. In fact, such a party should be avoided like a plague so that it does not infect the electorate with a contagion of negativity.

What we are witnessing is therefore an obvious reversal of normal political expectation and behavior. This trend is of course a reaffirmation of the transactional essence of Nigerian politics. For most Nigerians, the political party is a machinery for the distribution of resources through pork and patronage. People want to be part of where the power is and where the patronage is being dispensed and shared.  In the run up to the 2027 race, therefore, politicians are jockeying for vantage positions in the political party they consider the most viable electoral platform.

If this trend continues, we are heading for a situation in which the majority of active politicians will converge in the APC as a virtual “one party” republic. The most obvious target of the migrations is of course the PDP, the erstwhile major opposition party. The party has in recent times been the venue of the destabilization machinations of the Tinubu political machinery headed by Mr. Wike, Minister of the FCT who apparently has a mandate to destabilize and cannibalize the major opposition party to the advantage of the APC.

The gale of migrations into the APC ordinarily makes the task of an opposition coalition much easier and a more attractive proposition for the next two years. The exits define the enemy. The rate of departures delineates the line and rules of engagement in the looming 2027 confrontation. Depending on the strategic acuity of the opposition coalition, a fat ugly APC would be the easiest political balloon to deflate. It could also become a behemoth that is all pervasive and difficult to overwhelm.

The current massing in the APC also hints at the possible ideological outlines of the 2027confrontation. The APC will carry on as a signpost “progressive” party. But its new membership and configuration make it anything but progressive in essence and outlook. It poses a challenge for the coalition of real progressives that have been rumored to be working towards a new party. From the names that have been touted as leaders of the new coalition – El-Rufai, Amaechi, Fayemi, Obi, – a real progressive social democratic movement seems to be in the offing. That is the desirable direction that is required to brand the APC in its right coloration as a decadent and corrupt ultra reactionary collection of conservative rejects. A party that hoists Tinubu, Akpabio, Ganduje, Umahi and Matawalle as its mascots surely knows where it belongs on the scale of credible political gatherings.

Irrespective of the parties from which the politicians are migrating from, they are all members of the same party. Their backgrounds are the same. Their outlook on issues is the same. Their interests are the same. Their orientations are the same.

The opposition parties are mostly torn by crises and instability. In that process, they are reinforcing the notion that our system has no credible opposition. The so-called opposition parties lack internal integrity or self-defining identities to justify their independent existence in a multiparty democracy. In this atmosphere, only the APC wears the appearance of cohesiveness.

Even then, the present cohesive appearance of the APC owes only to one factor: it is the party in power and has the monopoly of control of power, patronage and pork. Outside that circumstantial exigency, the APC is as splintered as the rest. It is even more incoherent than the others in terms of ideas and a track record of governance and definable legacy.

Effectively, then, we are in a practical one party situation. There is the ruling party and literally no opposition parties properly defined. Intrinsically, there is no difference between all the major parties in contention in our democracy. There are no ideological or value differences among our parties. They are all acronyms, colourful flags and emblems with little intrinsic ideological meaning. They may have different acronyms but a united by a common blood stream of prodigal values.

Our parties are populated by the same caliber of Nigerian politicians drawn from a uniform national elite pool of unemployed college graduates, failed “charge and bail” lawyers, unsuccessful venturers and other jobless middle-aged hustlers, etc. This is why it is ever so easy for people to migrate from one party to the other with ease. No ideology. No core beliefs. No values. No commitment to any form of service to the people. No vision for the nation. Mostly a keen eye for financial returns wherever it may be found. Nigeria has earned a distinction of being the only country in which an individual can have breakfast in one party and end up with dinner in a totally different party without any qualms.

Going by the present trend, the ruling APC could swallow up most of the membership of the other parties and suffer no indigestion. But whether most Nigerians can inhabit the same political household up to the 2027 election is a huge uncertainty. For the APC to retain power in 2027 if Nigeria remains in this desperate disrepair, it will require more than a drove of “follow follow” membership.  For the ruling party to lose power, an opposition coalition must meet the broad majority of Nigerians in the places where they feel the pain most.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state has ended weeks of speculation by defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). It is significant: this is the first time Delta state would not be governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since the dawn of the fourth republic in 1999. He has relocated to the APC with a number of key Delta politicians, including Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, his predecessor and — wait for this — Alhaji Atiku Abubabar’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election. (Okowa, may I remind us, is currently facing an EFCC investigation over allegations of mismanaging N1.3 trillion.) And we are hearing genuine rumours of more defections ahead.

With the exit of Delta, only Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Enugu, Rivers and Taraba states have now been governed by the PDP non-stop since 1999. The former ruling party now controls only 10 states, trailing the APC which has a massive 23. The Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have one each. Wow, how are the mighty fallen! At the height of its power, the PDP controlled the entire south minus Lagos state. In fact, only Lagos, Borno and Yobe states have never been governed by the PDP. In the 2007 governorship election, the PDP won 27 states — before losing four in court and gaining four via defections.

If my memory serves me right, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi was the first governor in our history to defect. He left the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) for the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) in May 1983 after a prolonged face-off with the party leadership over ideological issues. In a rare display of honour, Rimi said he could not continue as Kano state governor having left the party that sponsored him to office, so he resigned. His deputy, Alhaji Abdu Dawakin Tofa, replaced him. Regrettably for Rimi, he lost the August 1983 governorship election to Alhaji Sabo Bakin Zuwo, who flew the PRP flag. (NB: Zuwo thereafter removed all the emirs installed by Rimi. Some things never change in Kano, do they?)

Oborevwori’s defection to the APC has reignited the debate on the health of our democracy. Many have expressed worries over Nigeria’s possible descent into a one-party state. This is generally considered to be antithetical to competitive democracy and a dangerous invitation to dictatorship. The one-party debate has dominated African discourse for decades. Many African leaders, such as Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Gnassingbe Eyadema (Togo), and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania), supported one-party system as the antidote to division in the body politic and as a catalyst for building national consensus. It brings everyone under one umbrella “by fire by force”.

I do not support the one-party system. While I admit that it has worked in socialist countries such as China and Vietnam where human and economic development has also been on the up, the same thing cannot be said of Cuba, Eritrea and North Korea which are nowhere near the prosperity recorded in China and Vietnam. This should raise questions as to what is really driving the success stories of China and Vietnam: is it the one-party system or something else? Since most of the flourishing countries in the world — going by quality of life and shared prosperity — run multi-party democracies, I am not sure we can credit one-party system with promoting peace and progress.

My position is that in a plural society, a multiparty system is desirable. Nigeria is made up of over 250 ethnic groups, two major religions, 36 states and six geo-political zones, north and south. Forcing everyone into one party may indeed create “peace” and “unity” as the promoters argue, but it may be the kind of peace you find in the graveyard. I like competition — competition of ideas. I like a race to the top — a race to win the hearts of the voters with alternative policy offerings. I like people having options and choices. Every system is flawed but I can live with the inadequacies of the multiparty system. Dozens of democracies have abandoned one-party system in the last 30 years.

But as Mr Felix Morka, the APC national publicity secretary, has aptly said, it is not the responsibility of the ruling party to strengthen the opposition. You cannot blame the APC for wooing opposition figures. You should blame the opposition politicians for having weak convictions. It is so easy for you to be in one party at breakfast, move to another at lunch and return “home” at dinner. When a party loses a state, within weeks the new party inherits its members and supporters. A state that was fully PDP yesterday can become wholly APC tomorrow. The situation is made worse by the use of federal might to whip certain politicians into line. In the end, many people care only about political survival.

We still need to be reminded that many of those we call APC “chieftains” today were once among the most powerful politicians in the PDP. In fact, the current national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, was a founding member of the PDP and was deputy governor to Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from 1999-2003 and 2011-15. He defected with Kwankwaso to the APC in 2013. Many past and present APC governors were in the PDP. Some PDP politicians were once in the APC as well. Many politicians have changed parties thrice. In the real sense, therefore, many politicians change their jerseys out of political expediency. Politics is, in any case, about interests. The rest is a packaging.

What then? There are so many issues that come with defections that should not be deflected. For one, it is now very clear that defection has become part and parcel of our political culture. We do not need to run away from it. Every democracy evolves with practice. Despite constitutional provisions and court rulings (some of them contradictory), politicians have continued to move from one party to the other and continued to retain their elective positions. We should just stop deceiving ourselves. Let us expunge the constitutional restraints. Nobody is obeying the law. No defector has lost a seat or a position. Let us face the reality and amend our laws accordingly. Nigerians love defection. Simple.

Two, opposition politicians are deflecting the real issue by lamenting that the APC is turning Nigeria into a one-party state. Lamentation does not help anybody. Opposition parties used to lament about the PDP turning Nigeria into a one-party state from 2003 till 2013. I recall constantly writing that the parties must unite. The lamentations changed nothing until the opposition figures finally came to their senses, buried selfish ambitions and worked for a common purpose: wresting power from the PDP. Presenting a strong, united front against the PDP created the greatest political upset in our history in 2015. This is a tested and trusted template but all I can hear today are mere lamentations.

Three, may I further argue here that these defections are deflecting, or distracting, our attention from another major fact about elections in Nigeria: that a governor does not always determine the presidential candidate that the people will vote for. There seems to be an assumption that once the governor of a state defects or backs a candidate, the voters will sheepishly follow his route. Yes, governors are powerful. They build, control and fund structures. That is critical to winning an election. However, there have been instances when governors could not deliver their states to their preferred presidential candidates. In fact, a sitting governor can be voted out. The evidence is there.

As recently as 2023, Delta was under a PDP governor who was also his party’s vice-presidential candidate, but the people voted for Peter Obi, candidate of the LP. Fact. The Lagos governor could not deliver the state to his party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Fact. Same trend was recorded in Edo, Cross River and other places. Tinubu and Atiku also won in states under the control of other parties. I am saying there are several factors that determine who the citizens cast their votes for, but the preponderant opinion appears to be that the 2027 presidential election is done and dusted. Ganduje has said as much. May I go against the grain by saying nothing is settled yet.

I am very much aware that the opposition is in disarray. Perhaps this is driving the narrative that 2027 is over before it has even started. This is a very strong argument. After doing an extensive analysis of the 2023 presidential election, I came to the conclusion that the APC won because the opposition was divided into three. The votes that used to go to the PDP in at least 10 states went to the LP. According to results posted on the much-derided IReV portal, the APC polled 8,794,726 votes while the PDP, the LP and the NNPP had 14,582,740 combined. Do the math. The details are still there on the portal. The opposition won in 2015 by coming together, not by drifting apart. Fact.

There are at least two models of galvanising voters before an election. The party-led model of 2015 was a culmination of a series of factors: united opposition, vote-pulling candidature and a movement of disenchanted voters. This turned out to be a winner. There was also the movement-led model of 2023 built on vote-pulling candidature. Although, the APC had enough time to plan for 2015, we saw in 2023 that you do not need all the time and the money to galvanise the streets. The movement gained momentum but did not have the numbers to cause an upset. However, we saw the potential. While I cannot say whether or not Tinubu will be defeated in 2027, I know that the day is still young.

AND FOUR OTHER THINGS…

GORING GOMBE

Gombe is one northern state I celebrate as a role model for religious tolerance and accommodation. In terms of religious demographics, Gombe is a mirror image of Kaduna state — minus the resentment and bloodbath. However, something has been happening in Gombe that may potentially change the narrative of peaceful co-existence. For the third time in six years, a vehicle plunged into a Christian procession last week. It happened in April 2019, December 2024 and now April 2025. In the words of James Bond, once is a happenstance and twice is a coincidence. But thrice? That is enemy action. I appeal to the authorities to take this as a serious matter. Delay is dangerous. Troubling.

WANTED DREAD & ALIVE

Governor Umar Bago of Niger state on Tuesday ordered security operatives to arrest persons with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital. “Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person,” the governor said. “Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna.” And the people at the meeting clapped for him! They probably don’t know that some people are born with locks. Bago’s attempt to back down may not work, going by the culture of our security agencies. Do we still remember the trigger for the #EndSARS unrest? Police profiled anyone with tattoo and dreadlocks as scammers. We know how it ended. We  don’t ever learn anything in Nigeria. Pathetic.

RENEWED HOPE

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers state, reportedly met with President Tinubu in the UK last weekend, after which he issued a statement calling on Riverians to rally behind the president’s “renewed hope agenda”. In his Easter message, Fubara said the season “represents a time for reconciliation and unity”. A lot of people were angry with him but I was not. I have lived long enough in this country to know that, in the words of Bolaji Abdullahi, Nigeria will always defeat you. It doesn’t matter whether you are right or wrong — whoever controls the military controls the country. It seems Fubara realised this fact too late and has now opted to renew his hope. Helpless.

NO COMMENT

Mr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, accountant-general of the federation (AcGF), told the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday that the excess crude account (ECA) — set up in 2004 by President Obasanjo to save the difference between the budget price for oil and the actual price — now holds exactly $473,754. You won’t understand. When President Yar’Adua died in May 2010, he left $20 billion in ECA. President Jonathan assumed power and governors pressured him to share the money ahead of the 2011 elections, declaring that ECA was “unconstitutional”. By 2015, we had only $2 billion left. And in 2025, it is now less than half a million dollars. Enough to buy peanuts. Hahahaha.

As the Psalmist writes, "Sing unto the Lord a new song" (Psalm 96:1), I am moved to share the profound revelation that "Amazing Grace" has its melodic roots in the rich cultural heritage of Akoko, Nigeria.

The Akoko people, an esteemed ethnic group nestled in the southwestern region of Nigeria, particularly within Ondo State and parts of Kogi and Edo States, are an integral part of the larger Yoruba community. They are celebrated for their rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, which contribute significantly to the diverse tapestry of Nigeria’s ethnic mosaic.

Renowned for their resilience, the Akoko people embody a spirit of cultural richness that enriches the nation as a whole. Like many ethnic communities across Nigeria, they played a pivotal role in resisting colonial rule during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As British influence expanded in Nigeria during this period, the imposition of foreign governance structures and the exploitation of local resources posed significant threats to the Akoko way of life. In response, the Akoko people courageously stood against these encroachments, forging a path for future movements that sought independence and self-determination for Nigeria.

Their steadfast resistance is a powerful testament to their commitment to preserving their identity amidst the challenges of colonial oppression. This historical narrative remains a vital aspect of their cultural legacy, inspiring future generations to honour their heritage and strive for a brighter, united future.

Despite the shackles of oppression, our enslaved ancestors managed to craft a masterpiece of hope and redemption, echoing the Quranic verse: "And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam" (Quran 17:70).

The majestic harmony that resonates within the realm of *"Amazing Grace"* evokes a profound realization: our enslaved ancestors were permitted only to touch the black keys of the piano, while the white keys remained reserved for others. It is within this context that many Negro spiritual hymns emerged, composed and performed using those very black keys. Yet, from these notes sprang forth a masterpiece of hope and redemption, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit.

As I stumbled upon this profound revelation, I am compelled to share it. The awe-inspiring and majestic harmony of *"Amazing Grace"* resonates deeply, reminding us that "Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart" (Pablo Casals). Wintley Phipps' breathtaking performance at Carnegie Hall is a testament to the song's enduring power, moving audiences to thunderous applause.

Although the U.S. Library of Congress, a research library in Washington, D.C., founded in 1800, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States, houses over 173 million items in its collections in more than 470 languages, a search for "Amazing Grace" there only acknowledges John Newton as the author of the song, while the composer of the melody is named as “Unknown.”

Whereas, the most remarkable aspect of this iconic hymn is its melody and cultural heritage, which I say without equivocation traces back to the fertile soil of Akoko in South West Nigeria.

Through my humble research, conducted in various locations across the globe, from Igarra to Lisbon; Ifira-Akoko to London; Ipesi to Kent; Imeri to Newport; Ishua to Madrid; Oka to Oxford; Akungba to Atlanta; Ikare to Ireland, I have uncovered the melodic roots of "Amazing Grace" in the very region where my ancestors once walked.

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we are reminded of the unyielding spirit of our ancestors. Despite the trials and tribulations they faced, they managed to craft something truly extraordinary - a melody that has become a beacon of hope and redemption for generations. Their legacy is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

May we honor their memory by embracing the beauty and richness of our cultural heritage. As their descendants, we carry the torch of their legacy, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their stories, traditions, and contributions are not forgotten. By doing so, we keep their spirit alive, and their impact continues to inspire and uplift us.

As the echoes of "Amazing Grace" reverberate through the ages, may the legacy of our ancestors forever resonate within our hearts. May their story be a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, always beauty, and always a chance for redemption. May we continue to draw strength from their indomitable spirit, and may their legacy inspire us to create works of sublime beauty that will touch the hearts of generations to come.

https://youtu.be/qNuQbJst4Lk?si=5llNW8alJz2pKqeG

Recent discussions in the public space, following the reference by the adopted son of our respected brother, Obi Cubana, to himself as "next of kin," have generated widespread debate and misunderstanding.

It has become necessary to clarify the true meaning, legal position, and implications of the term "next of kin" under Nigerian law. While an adopted child enjoys full rights equivalent to a biological child within a family, the term "next of kin" carries a far more limited and technical meaning.

This write-up seeks to enlighten the public accordingly.

1. Meaning of "Next of Kin" in Nigeria

Under Nigerian law, the next of kin is primarily a contact person, and his or her role includes:

Being notified in cases of emergency.

Being consulted regarding funeral or burial arrangements.

Having the priority to apply for letters of administration if the deceased dies without a Will (intestate).

Critically, being named a next of kin does not confer any automatic right of inheritance. It simply grants some priority in administration, particularly where the deceased left no formal testamentary instructions.

2. Where the Deceased Left a Valid Will (Testate Succession)

If the deceased made a Will:

The property is distributed strictly according to the provisions of the Will.

The deceased may bequeath assets to anyone of choice, spouse, child, friend, religious body, etc.

A next of kin not mentioned in the Will has no right to inherit simply because of the "next of kin" status.

If dissatisfied, the next of kin can only challenge the Will on narrow legal grounds such as undue influence, fraud, or lack of testamentary capacity, not merely because they are the next of kin.

Relevant Laws:

Wills Law of various States (e.g., Lagos State Wills Law, 2004).

Wills Act of 1837 (received English law applicable in some states).

3. Where the Deceased Died Without a Will (Intestate Succession)

Where there is no Will, the rules of intestate succession apply, depending on the deceased’s background and marital system:

(a) Under Statutory Law (Administration of Estates Law)

Typically applies to those married under the Marriage Act (Statutory Marriage) and Christians.

Inheritance is ordered as follows:

1. Spouse and children first.

2. Parents, if no spouse or children.

3. Siblings, if no parents.

4. More distant relatives.

Thus, a next of kin who is a spouse, child, or parent can inherit.

If the next of kin is just a cousin, friend, or distant relative, they may inherit only if closer relatives are absent.

Example:

Under the Lagos State Administration of Estates Law, the spouse is entitled to one-third of the estate, while the children share the remainder equally.

(b) Under Customary Law

Customary rules vary across Nigeria:

In many Igbo communities, the eldest son (Okpala) traditionally inherits the ancestral home (Obu).

Widows often have limited rights to occupy but not own real property.

Other children share movable assets.

Extended family (Umunna) may intervene if the deceased had no surviving spouse or children.

Judicial Caution: Courts have increasingly rejected customs that discriminate against widows and daughters, as seen in cases like:

Mojekwu v. Mojekwu (1997).

(c) Under Islamic (Sharia) Law

For Muslims, Islamic law (Faraid) governs succession:

Shares are fixed by the Qur'an.

Specific portions are allotted to spouses, children, parents, and siblings.

A next of kin must be within the class of Qur’anic heirs to inherit.

4. Key Nigerian Cases on Inheritance Rights

Mojekwu v. Mojekwu (1997) 7 NWLR (Pt. 512) 283:

The Court condemned discriminatory customary practices that favored only male heirs.

Ukeje v. Ukeje (2014) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1418) 384:

The Supreme Court upheld that female children are entitled to inherit under Igbo customary law.

Okonkwo v. Okagbue (1994) 9 NWLR (Pt. 368) 301:

Addressed intestate succession and customary practices.

Conclusion

In summary, under Nigerian law:

Being next of kin does not make you an automatic heir to the deceased's estate.

It grants no proprietary right, only a priority in administration if intestate.

Inheritance rights depend either on the provisions of a valid Will or on the applicable laws governing intestate succession, statutory, customary, or Islamic.

It is essential for every citizen to understand this distinction to avoid misconceptions.

When in doubt about your rights or obligations, consult a qualified lawyer.

Media personality Chude Jideonwo has shared valuable insights into managing finances and making smart investment decisions.

In a recent interview, he emphasised the importance of storing wealth in assets that can be relied upon during difficult times.

He cited his experience of buying a house at 24 as a significant investment decision.

Chude also stressed the need for a practical approach to financial planning, sharing his experience of owning the same car for 10 years before purchasing a new one.

He cautioned against making life decisions based on social media influencers, emphasising that their financial situations may not be what they seem.

According to Chude, financial prudence is key, and individuals should never buy something that cannot be replaced immediately if lost.

He said: “I bought my first house at 24. I got one big money and I went to buy a house in Lekki. I just bought a new car last year. I had the same car for 10 years until the car was crying. 

“I’ve never thought of car as a store of wealth. You have to store wealth, so that in time of trouble, you won’t land on the floor. Look, don’t make your decisions based on an influencer. In 10 years you might find out the person was broke all along. 

“Don’t make decision of your life based on followers that will not be relevant to your life in five years. Economy is down, cost of living is up and perception is also up. Social pressure is a very powerful thing. But it is a problem. Never buy a thing that if you lose it you cannot replace it immediately. That means you cannot afford it”.

[TheNation]

Pope Francis was buried inside his favourite Rome church after a funeral mass in St Peter’s Square, the Vatican said on Saturday.

The Argentinian pontiff, who died on Monday aged 88, was laid to rest during a 30-minute burial ceremony which started at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT) at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in the Italian capital.

Details later…

AFP

As Canada continues to grow and diversify its economy, the demand for skilled workers across various industries is on the rise.

For those looking to immigrate and secure a Canadian work visa, choosing a profession in high demand can significantly improve the chances of approval.

1. Registered Nurse

Canada’s healthcare system continues to grow in response to an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. As a result, the demand for medical practitioners, particularly nurses, has surged. Canada offers multiple immigration options for skilled nurses, making this profession the top choice for those looking to immigrate.

Various nursing roles are in demand, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs/RPNs), and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs). Entry-level nurses in Canada earn an average of $58,499 annually, while more experienced nurses can earn up to $80,321 annually.

2. Web Developer

Web developers are essential for designing, coding, and maintaining websites and web applications. With the continued growth of the tech industry in Canada, skilled web developers are in high demand.

They work with front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and often use back-end languages like PHP, Python, or Node.js. The average salary for a web developer in Canada is approximately $70,221 per year, making this a lucrative field for those seeking a Canadian work permit.

3. Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and analyzing complex electrical systems. Due to the increasing demand for electrical expertise in various industries, electrical engineers are highly sought after in Canada. The average annual salary for electrical engineers is around $136,283, with entry-level positions offering lower pay. This field provides excellent opportunities for securing a work visa and long-term employment in Canada.

4. Truck Driver

Though it may seem surprising, truck drivers are in extremely high demand in Canada, where the need for transportation of goods across the country far exceeds the number of available drivers. Truck drivers do not necessarily need formal education but are compensated well due to the high demand. Truck drivers in Canada earn between $46,620 and $94,685 annually, making this profession a viable option for those seeking a work permit.

5. Welder

Welders are in demand across Canada, particularly for tasks such as manufacturing, heavy equipment repairs, shipbuilding, aerospace engineering, and infrastructure construction. With the ongoing growth of industries in Canada, the country expects to add 23,000 welding positions by 2028. Welders in Canada earn an average annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $75,000, making this a solid career choice for immigrants seeking work in the country.

6. Veterinarian

Canada has a deep affection for pets, animals, and agriculture, but there is currently a shortage of veterinarians to meet the needs of the population. Whether it’s for animal care or agricultural research, veterinarians are in high demand. With an average annual salary of $128,000, this profession offers lucrative opportunities for those with a veterinary degree seeking to immigrate to Canada.

[Vanguard]

Following the development in the Delta State Chapter of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.

My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.

I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes. A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.

Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth. Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.

This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. 

I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to.

My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months. That is why PDP members across the country should not be discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed, or demoralised by the development in Delta State. We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left.

Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.

Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented and nobody should try to justify such an act with the talk of being put under pressure. It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values.

These developments in the polity are the reason why I have always canvassed the idea that we should emphasize building and strengthening our institutions and not individuals. With the defection of the governor of Delta State, even if the party has only ten governors in its fold, the PDP is still in a good position to win the next round of elections..

Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.

We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. 

There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission. The PDP will come out stronger from this development.

I am very sure the various leadership organs of our party will soon make public their reaction to this development and convey the necessary meetings to strategize on how to strongly and strategically respond to it. Therefore there is no cause for alarm.

Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or the determination to win. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright.

. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is a former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin.

In the ever-evolving landscape of language and communication, moments of spontaneous brilliance often birth new expressions, coined phrases that encapsulate the mood, the moment, and the message. On Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, the vibrant and outspoken Nollywood icon, Kate Henshaw, once again stepped into this space through her X handle, not just as a beloved actress or fitness enthusiast, but as a creator of language. Her reaction to an update by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on power distribution gave the public a sparkling new coinage: “CBEXing.”

At a time when power distribution remains a hot-button issue across Nigeria, and frustrations boil over in the face of epileptic supply and ambiguous communication from distribution companies, Henshaw’s expression resonated. With one word, she captured the feelings of irony, skepticism, and the exhausting dance between hope and disappointment that many Nigerians experience daily with their electricity providers.

So, what is “CBEXing” and why does it matter? To understand its impact, one must begin by appreciating the power of words, how they shape our understanding, our discourse, and our cultures. “CBEXing” may sound humorous and flippant at first glance, but it bears the hallmarks of linguistic ingenuity. It is a neologism, one of the freshest in the Nigerian lexicon, and like many before it, it springs from a blend of acronyms, sarcasm, and shared experience. According to context clues and online reactions, the term is derived from “CBEX,” believed to stand for Constant But Erratic Electricity eXperience, or some variation therein, depending on interpretation.

CBEXing is more than just an amusing linguistic invention, it encapsulates a deeper critique of Nigeria’s electricity distribution system. It mirrors the pattern of a Ponzi scheme, where consumers keep paying with the expectation of consistent power supply that never comes. Like the illusion of quick returns promised in fraudulent investment schemes, the hope dangled by electricity providers feels like a scam that cycles through repeated disappointment. The power never truly stabilizes, yet bills keep coming, often inflated and unexplained. In this light, CBEXing is a metaphor for the institutionalized exploitation of consumers, repackaged with corporate PR and hollow reassurances.

Henshaw’s use of “CBEXing” is more than a tweet, it is a linguistic rebellion. It is cultural commentary. And above all, it is creative expression at its finest.

Every language, including English, is an ever-growing organism, continuously fed by the creativity and experiences of its speakers. New words are coined daily, through pop culture, tech innovations, politics, and even slang, and these words evolve, are adopted, and sometimes enshrined in dictionaries.

Consider how the word “Google” transitioned from being the name of a company to a verb in common use (“to google something”). Or how “selfie” went from a social media trend to an entry in the Oxford English Dictionary. Language historians and etymologists constantly remind us that today’s casual slang could be tomorrow’s formal expression.

Kate Henshaw’s “CBEXing” is thus situated within this historical tradition. It holds potential to transcend the moment, becoming shorthand for the uniquely Nigerian experience of unreliable electricity, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.

At this juncture, not a few readers may have wondered in this context, “Why “CBEXing” resonates with this writer.  To address the wonderment, it is expedient to opine that the term caught on because it struck a nerve. It speaks to the everyday frustration and absurdity of Nigerian power supply. It is that moment when you see NEPA, sorry, PHCN, sorry again, your ‘DisCo’, flicker the lights on for five minutes, only for them to vanish mid-toast or mid-shower. It is the dry apology, the vague explanation, the unconvincing assurance that things will “soon stabilize.”

Kate Henshaw did not just name the phenomenon, she gave it personality. She anthropomorphized the energy sector’s dysfunction in a way that made it digestible, even laughable, in a country where many feel powerless in the face of such critical inefficiencies.

Without resort to flattery in this context, it is germane to applaud her creative spark. This is as Henshaw has always been known for more than just her acting skills. She is vocal, passionate, articulate, and unapologetically expressive. Whether speaking up for social justice or sharing tips on wellness, she engages the public with candor and intelligence. Her coinage of “CBEXing” is just another feather in her already vibrant cap.

Language experts often point out that the best neologisms are those rooted in shared experience, those that reflect a collective emotional truth. Kate’s coinage did just that. She turned a national grievance into a linguistic gem. She reminded us that even in frustration, Nigerians are masters of humor, satire, and expression.

It is also worth celebrating how “CBEXing” was not forced. It did not come out of a marketing campaign or a think tank. It was organic. Raw. Instinctive. And that is what makes it brilliant.

Whether “CBEXing” will find its way into formal linguistic acceptance remains to be seen. But language is not governed from the top-down, it evolves from the grassroots up. If people begin to adopt the term in everyday conversation, if it becomes shorthand in headlines, if radio hosts and comedians pick it up, then it lives. Just like “japa,” “sapa,” and “gist” have all taken root beyond their original niches, so too can “CBEXing.”

Already, social media users are having fun with it: “My fridge just CBEXed my stew,” “We are back to CBEXing again. Generator go run tire,” “CBEXing is now a national sport.”

These are not just jokes, they are the linguistic evidence of adoption.

It is indeed a lesson for creatives and communicators. Kate Henshaw’s coinage is a gentle reminder to all creatives, journalists, marketers, and public speakers: never underestimate the power of originality. In a digital age flooded with recycled phrases and buzzwords, originality cuts through the noise. It endears, it engages, and it endures.

To the creatives out there, let “CBEXing” inspire you. Every moment is an opportunity for expression. Every frustration can be molded into metaphor. Every observation can become a line, a phrase, a movement.

In fact, let there the light, and laughter.  In a nation grappling with the very serious problem of power instability, Kate Henshaw gifted us a word that blends irony, frustration, and humor in one breath. “CBEXing” may be informal, but its truth is undeniable.

We salute her not just as an actress, but as a wordsmith, a culture-shaper, and a woman whose wit refuses to dim, even when the lights do.

So here is to Kate Henshaw. May your light never flicker, your voice never fade, and your lexicon continue to enrich ours.

After all, it is through the lens of creative minds like hers that new language, and new thinking, emerge. And in that spirit, we are all better for it.

CBEXing. You have heard it. You have lived it. Now, go ahead use it.

A former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are currently exploring their political options, with the possibility of aligning with either the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar.

A reliable source, who spoke to Punch on condition of anonymity, revealed that Kwankwaso and the NNPP would not contest independently in the upcoming 2027 elections, as they did during the 2023 elections.

“What I can confirm is that Kwankwaso and the NNPP will not contest independently as they did in the 2023 elections. Considering the current political landscape, they are weighing the possibility of either joining President Tinubu’s APC or aligning with the coalition led by Atiku, el-Rufai, and others,” the source disclosed.

The development comes amid a rapidly shifting political environment, as various political actors and parties seek strategic alliances ahead of the next general election.

In response to growing speculation, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed in an interview with Punch that the party was indeed considering these political options.

He stated, “Well, so far, what I’ll say is this: in the NNPP, we tend to, at least from our own history as the Kwankwasiyya movement, wait till midterm. May 29th will be the midterm for this administration. It will be two years down, and two years to go. That is when we believe that proper politicking will commence.

“So, yes, we are talking, and we’ve been talking. But you’ll recall that at that time, I told you I didn’t want to mention specifically the groups or persons or movements that are in conversation with us. That is still the position now.

“You’ll recall that there have been many publications in newspapers and online, insinuating that Senator Kwankwaso is moving to the APC, that it is imminent and all that. That is just the nature of the game. Some people are pressing or pushing that narrative for their selfish reasons.

“But the bottom line is that very soon, they will begin to hear from us. We will tell our supporters what we are doing. There are basically three cards on the table: either we remain in the NNPP and continue with those who joined us all the way or we form some sort of coalition with Atiku, others; or we form an alliance with the ruling party. I am not saying any of these is the case now. But these are the three basic options that could happen.”

[NaijaNews]