Many Nigerian investors still face the persistent challenge popularly known as unclaimed dividends.

Over 13 listed companies on Nigeria’s major stock market declared N69 billion in unclaimed dividends for 2024, despite efforts in capital market investor education, technology adoption, and automation.

Unclaimed dividends represent lost profits for investors—funds that could have been reinvested or used for other purposes.

Many retail investors, especially those with modest shareholdings, are unaware of the accumulating funds registered in their names. Heirs also frequently encounter administrative obstacles when attempting to collect dividends from deceased shareholders.

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), disclosed that the total value of unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market amounted to N215 billion as of March 2024.

Experts explain that these unclaimed dividends are mostly funds accumulated before the SEC introduced the Electronic Mandate initiatives aimed at resolving the issue. Despite the introduction of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) in collaboration with the SEC, some banks still recorded unclaimed dividends in the 2024 financial year.

For instance:

• United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc reported N46 billion in unclaimed dividends in 2024.
• Zenith Bank reported N30.6 billion in 2024, up from N30.1 billion in 2023.
• Access Holdings reported N17.73 billion in 2024, down from 21.3 billion in 2023.

Market analysts project that unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market will likely increase further this year.

The SEC’s Director General emphasized,

“The SEC is at the forefront of reducing unclaimed dividends. We will continue to do our best by deploying technology, promoting investor education, and encouraging the public to understand the processes around claiming dividends. Accurate identification and proper documentation are essential. Any initiative that helps reduce outstanding dividends is a positive development.”

Recovering dividends may require professional mediation, especially when documentation is incomplete. However, there’s a simple solution. The NIBSS Self-Service Platform enables you to get instant alerts, update your records, and check for unclaimed dividends with just a few clicks.

To reclaim your dividends, visit the E-Dividend Mandate Management Portal and provide the following information:

• Bank Verification Number (BVN)
• Bank name
• Account number
• Last name

You will also need to upload:

• A valid means of identification
• Passport photograph
• Your signature

Dr. Agama emphasized that identity verification remains the key challenge. He stated that once accurate shareholder information is maintained, there will be no reason for investors to stop claiming their dividends.

Investors looking for lost dividends can also visit the SEC’s official portal for additional information.

As Nigeria’s financial ecosystem continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for improved shareholder communication, greater transparency, and digital integration. Stakeholders remain hopeful that ongoing reforms will lead to a seamless and efficient dividend retrieval process, ensuring investors receive their rightful earnings without delay.

The examination expressed its reservation in a statement released by the Council and signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. 

It stated that the purpose of the counterfeit Facebook account is to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

“The Council wishes to draw the attention of the public to the existence of this fake Facebook account in order to avoid being swindled by the fraudsters.

“Security agents have been informed to take appropriate action against the perpetrators of this fraudulent act,” the statement from NECO reads.

The Federal Government has mandated that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) fully adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for their examinations starting from 2026.

Naija News reports that this announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a monitoring exercise alongside officials from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Bwari on Monday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), over two million candidates registered to take part in the ongoing examinations at more than 800 centres nationwide.

Dr. Alausa explained that WAEC and NECO would commence the administration of objective papers using CBT beginning this November.

He further stated that by May or June 2026, both objective and essay sections would be conducted entirely via CBT.

The Minister emphasised, “If JAMB can successfully conduct CBT exams for more than 2.2 million candidates, WAEC and NECO can do the same.”

He added, “We are going to get WAEC and NECO to also start their objective exam on CBT. By 2026 exams which will come up in May/June, both the objectives and the essay will be fully on CBT. That is how we can eliminate exam malpractices.”

The minister also mentioned that a committee is currently reviewing national examination standards, and their recommendations are expected to be submitted next month.

[NaijaNews]

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has advised activists who are in politics to lead by example and be accountable to the people on whose mandate they are in office.

The Governor also argued that “the welfare and security of the people must be our top priority. We must avoid actions that will make the people to lose faith in democracy.’’

Governor Uba Sani gave this advice at the public presentation and formal book launch written by Hon Abdul Oroh titled, “Demonstration of Craze: Struggles And Transition To Democracy.’’

The Governor who was represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Professor Bello Ayuba, said that activists ‘’have a collective responsibility to defend this democracy.’’

“Anyone who experienced military rule will not toy with democracy. Despite its imperfections, constitutional democracy remains the best system of government.

“Its key principles like participation of citizens, rule of law, equality, transparency, accountability, human rights, political tolerance, multi-party system, and free and elections are critical to the building and sustenance of a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria,’’ he added.

Governor Sani however urged pro-democracy activists, and indeed civil rights activists to continue to constructively engage governments at both federal and state levels.

‘’Activate your governance observatories. Keep us on our toes. We are servants of the people. Together, let us grow and sustain this democracy,’’ he advised.

According to the Governor, the book is a major contribution to the growing literature on Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles and the search for a Nigeria of our dreams.’’

Describing Abdul Oroh as his long standing comrade and dependable ally in the struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms, the Governor recalled that ‘’we were in the trenches together.

‘’We fought side by side against military authoritarianism. We advocated for the expansion of democratic space and the deepening and consolidation of constitutional democracy,’’ he added.

He further said that the author ‘’made a mark in journalism and later became the Executive Director of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO). In 2003, he made a foray into partisan politics and was elected Member, House of Representatives.’’

On the book, Governor Sani commended Hon. Abdul Oroh for giving insights into his formative years, his driving philosophy, and his participation in the pitched battles against military rule.

‘’How do you navigate the slippery world of Nigerian politics with your values and ethics. This is the dilemma some of us continue to face as we strive to leave lasting legacies of selfless service,’’ he added.

[DailyTrust]

Workers of the Supreme Court of Nigeria have pulled out of the January 2 industrial strike called by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria JUSUN, citing the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The workers of the apex court said they opted to decline participation in the strike as a result of cogent and verifiable assurances extracted from the CJN after a closed door meeting.

This is as workers of the National Judicial Council, NJC and those at the Federal High Court, FHC, have also resolved not to go ahead with the strike.

NJC had in a statement by Mr. Joel Ebiloma, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), JUSUN NJC Chapter, hinted that a two -week grace was granted the authorities concerned to enable them put their house in order to meet their demands.

The statement further said that the strike was put on hold to allow relevant stakeholders engage necessary authorities to ensure that the Accountant General of the Federation released the statutory allocations to the Judiciary based on the 2025 Appropriation in which the arrears of the Wage Award, minimum wage, and the 25%/35% salary increase have been captured.

However, the Supreme Court in a communique issued at the end of its meeting said the workers came to the conclusion of not joining the industrial action after assessment of issues and struggle of the CJN to get their demands met.

The communique confirmed that the CJN had already visited the Presidency and tabled their demands in order to get them resolved fully.

The communique signed by 12 principal officers of the Supreme Court Chapter of JUSUN led by the Chairman, Comrade Danladi Nda said that joining the June 2 strike will amount to misplacement of priority and neglect and will result in exercise in futility,

“With CJN commendable efforts, we owe her our unwavering support in order to get the expected allowances and others paid”.

“Lower sister courts position on the planned nationwide strike cannot be managed by us in the Supreme Court as it will put the CJN efforts in vain, jeopardy and swept under the carpet.

“We pray that our colleagues be calm and allow the efforts of the CJN to achieve meaningful results.

The communique hinted that the Supreme Court chapter of JUSUN has commenced discussing with all the federal chapters to see reason and drop the planned nationwide industrial action for now.

“We urge those insisting to participate in the strike action to be patient and calm and go along with the CJN to achieve deserved result”, the communique said.

According to some credible sources, the CJN had obtained concrete assurances from the various federal government agencies she discussed the issue with and that everything would be resolved soon, which makes the call for strike unnecessary for now.

[DailyPost]

The President/CEO of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), Adeniran Aderogba, has urged African nations to confront the structural and financial barriers that continue to hinder the continent’s mining sector.

The maritime guru lamented that while financial institutions on the continent are increasingly interested in value-added ventures like processing and manufacturing, the upstream segment — where mining projects are initiated and developed, Aderogaba said, “Remains largely unfunded due to its perceived risk.

Speaking during a high-level panel discussion on “Mobilising Domestic Capital for Africa’s Mining Sector” at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings just concluded in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Aderogba highlighted four persistent constraints obstructing the sector’s growth: a crippling shortage of early-stage capital, the absence of quality geological data, weak development activity, and a chronic lack of integrated infrastructure. These issues, he said, are not merely technical bottlenecks but foundational deficiencies that continue to blunt Africa’s competitiveness and discourage long-term investment

He painted a sobering picture of a region brimming with mineral wealth yet stalled by systemic weaknesses that prevent meaningful development and value creation.

“Africa’s mineral wealth is not in question — our challenge is transforming potential into productivity,” Aderogba said. “We are facing a systemic shortage of early-stage capital that discourages exploration, limits geological mapping, and stalls project preparation. Without addressing these constraints, the full value of our resources will remain trapped underground.”

The Maritime Bank CEO noted that local financial institutions are often reluctant to fund early-stage exploration because of uncertain returns and limited mechanisms to mitigate risk.

He proposed that African governments and central banks adopt a more assertive role in shaping a viable investment environment, including deploying credit enhancement tools and fiscal incentives.

To bridge the financing gap, Aderogba outlined a strategic suite of financial innovations. These include the introduction of mining bonds, mineral royalty securitisation, and blended finance models that combine public and private funds to de-risk investments. He also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships and the urgent need to strengthen project preparation capacity across the continent.

“Africa must not rely solely on foreign capital. We need to build a resilient domestic financial architecture that supports the full mining value chain — from exploration to beneficiation and beyond,” he said. “Finance ministries must provide fiscal incentives while central banks support investment-friendly monetary policies and guarantee frameworks.”

Aderogba’s remarks were especially timely given the global acceleration of the energy transition, which has catapulted demand for minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements. He cited projections showing the global market value for these critical minerals is expected to more than double from US$325 billion in 2023 to US$770 billion by 2040, with copper leading the surge due to its indispensable role in electrification technologies.

Africa, he stressed, is central to this transition. The continent is home to two-thirds of global cobalt reserves, 30 percent of lithium, 20 percent of graphite, and over 30 percent of manganese.

“This places Africa not at the periphery, but at the heart of the global energy transition,” Aderogba stated. He highlighted Guinea’s vast bauxite reserves, Gabon’s dominance in manganese production, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 70 percent share of global cobalt supply as key pillars of this opportunity.

However, he warned that unless Africa shifts from being a raw material exporter to a hub of industrial transformation, it risks repeating the historical pattern of resource dependency.

“Extracting minerals is not enough. The real value lies in processing them locally, creating industries, jobs, and self-sustaining economies,” he said.

Adding a crucial maritime dimension, Aderogba underscored the role of Africa’s seaborne infrastructure in realising the continent’s full economic potential. “To facilitate intra-African trade, minerals must benefit from major value addition, giving rise to rapid industrialisation,” he said. “The goods produced through that industrialisation — vehicles, batteries, components, machinery — can then be traded across African borders and efficiently moved through our major maritime channels.”

This integrated vision, he explained, would not only strengthen Africa’s internal markets but also reduce its dependence on external trade corridors and pricing systems. He said this perspective is rooted in RMDB’s broader mission: to enhance the maritime and logistical connectivity of Africa’s coastal and landlocked countries, turning mineral wealth into tangible, tradable value across the continent.

Aderogba also welcomed growing international interest in Africa’s mining sector but cautioned that global partnerships must contribute to local capacity building and value chain development.

“Africa must act with unity and urgency. Mobilising domestic capital is not just an economic imperative — it is a sovereign necessity,” he declared. “Let us rise to meet the moment and build an Africa that thrives on the strength of its resources, connected by land, by industry, and by sea.”

He added that in a century defined by climate action and technological upheaval, Africa’s minerals may very well be its passport to prosperity — “if the continent can summon the collective will to finance its future,” he said.

[TheNation]

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, has lamented that Nigeria is currently engulfed in a serious insecurity crisis with bandits residing in many communities.

Sanusi stated that Nigerians are living alongside bandits and Boko Haram insurgents.

He made these remarks during the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, in Abuja on Saturday.

Sanusi said, “For all those cautioning that we should be careful before entering a crisis, please wake up.

“We are living with bandits and Boko Haram; we are already there.

“We are already in crisis; it has already happened. The question is how do we get out of it.”

He also attributed Nigeria’s multi-dimensional poverty to the failure of its leaders.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria criticised the country’s elites for being unaware of the extent of poverty afflicting Nigeria.

Emir Sanusi’s statements at Rotimi Amaechi’s birthday celebration, as reported by Punch Online are a continuation of his long-standing and concerns about the state of Nigeria.

Over the years, Sanusi has frequently highlighted the deteriorating security situation, particularly in the northern parts of Nigeria, where banditry and insurgency have become deeply entrenched.

His pronouncements have often served as a reminder to both the populace and the government of the gravity of the crisis.

He has repeatedly linked the widespread violence to rising poverty, displacement, and a general sense of despair among affected populations.

[Punch]

Africa is the fastest ageing continent in the world. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicts that by 2050, more than two billion people globally will be aged 60 or older — a significant portion of whom will live in Africa.

This growing elder population puts increasing strain on social welfare systems that often have limited resources.

Despite these challenges, several African nations have established pension systems that provide meaningful support to their senior citizens.

Below is ranking of the countries offering the best pension payments, based on monthly pension amounts, system sustainability, and eligibility criteria, per TheSouthAfrican.

The Top 10 African Countries with the Best Pension Payments

1. Zambia

Monthly Pension: $215 (about R3,830)

Zambia offers a comprehensive social security system with a strong legal framework and multiple pension tiers. The pension is means and asset tested and requires beneficiaries to be 60 years or older and citizens.

2. South Africa

Monthly Pension: $120 (about R2,210)

South Africa’s Social Security Agency (SASSA) pension is one of the continent’s most developed, providing monthly grants to low-income seniors aged 60 and above. It operates under a strong legislative framework and multiple pension tiers.

3. Mauritius

Monthly Pension: $118 (about R2,157)

Mauritius has a robust pension scheme primarily serving public sector employees, backed by stable economic management. The scheme features partial means testing and limited asset testing.

4. Botswana

Monthly Pension: $90 (about R1,630)

Botswana’s pension system covers mainly government employees, supported by a stable economy. Partial means testing and limited asset testing apply.

5. Namibia

Monthly Pension: $80 (about R1,450)

Namibia provides a well-structured pension system for the public sector, offering good legal protections to retirees. Pensions are means tested with minimal asset testing.

6. Morocco

Monthly Pension: $70 (about R1,270)

Morocco’s pension system covers both public and private sector workers and includes means testing with limited asset testing.

7. Tunisia

Monthly Pension: $60 (about R1,087)

Tunisia offers a comprehensive social security system with relatively high coverage for a North African country, including means and moderate asset testing.

8. Algeria

Monthly Pension: $55 (about R997)

Algeria’s state-managed pension system benefits from significant oil revenues. The system is partially means tested and has minimal asset testing.

9. Egypt

Monthly Pension: $50 (about R906)

Egypt maintains multiple pension schemes but faces challenges with economic volatility. Its pensions are means tested with limited asset testing.

10. Kenya

Monthly Pension: $40 (about R725)

Kenya is actively reforming its public service pension system to improve sustainability. The scheme includes means testing and minimal asset testing.

Vanguard News

Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate, says Rotimi Amaechi demonstrated courage by refusing to step down for President Bola Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary contest of 2022.

Soyinka spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the 60th birthday celebration of Amaechi, who served as governor of Rivers state from 2007 to 2015.

The playwright said he was particularly moved by Amaechi’s defiance at the primary election, which he followed live from Abu Dhabi.

“The main reason why I had to be here today — it’s first of all that I admire Rotimi Amaechi’s fighting spirit,” he said.

“And it’s a very consistent one, but the most memorable for me — because I watched this event live on TV all the way from Abu Dhabi.

“I wanted to see the drama of all the primaries going on during the election. I wasn’t really here but I said I want to watch this contest and I’m glad I did.

“Because it gave me a great — most malicious pleasure, rascally if you like, pleasure — to see the incumbent president being given a dose of his own medicine.”

Soyinka said Amaechi’s decision to stay in the race reminded him of Tinubu’s own defiance during the Olusegun Obasanjo era.

“Let me explain this. For somebody we knew as the last man standing when he fought to a standstill, a former president who was manoeuvring himself into a position of changing the constitution and obtaining a third term,” he said.

“He keeps denying it but he and I know for a fact and so do others. And towards that goal, he was sort of emasculating the powers of the constituent elements of the federation.

“And by the end, this president was the last man standing, resisted that effort. All the others had sort of cowed down because their statutory allocation had been stopped — contrary to the constitution.

“But one man — he was the last man standing. Well, he obtained a dose of his own medicine from Rotimi Amaechi during the primaries. I enjoyed that very much.

“While everybody was, you know, falling over one another conceding, there was one individual who got on the podium and he said no, I’m not conceding.

“I didn’t come all the way here to commit ‘lúlẹ̀’. And that man was Rotimi Amaechi. And I said this is what democracy is all about.”

Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to defeat 13 other presidential hopefuls in the primary election.

Amaechi, former minister of transportation, polled 316 votes to come second, with then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo receiving 235 votes.

[TheCable]

In a democratic society, where leadership is built on the pillars of public trust, accountability, and transparency, criticism is not a curse. It is a blessing, a mirror that reflects the realities that leaders might otherwise ignore or be too insulated to see. Unfortunately, in today’s Nigeria, criticism seems to be mistaken for sabotage, and concerned voices are often branded as enemies of the state.

If recent developments are anything to go by, it has become increasingly evident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and many within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are developing a troubling allergy to criticism. This resistance to public feedback, however genuine or well-intentioned, is not only unhealthy for democratic growth but dangerously shortsighted.

Nigerians, from the bustling markets in Lagos to the dusty streets of Zamfara, are speaking out, and not without cause. Inflation has skyrocketed, food prices have reached absurd levels, the naira is weakening against the dollar, and the average citizen is being pushed to the edge of survival. Yet, each time a frustrated Nigerian raises his or her voice, the ruling elite and some APC members and followers, particularly on social media platforms react with irritation, labeling critics as opposition sympathizers, paid disruptors, or worse, enemies of progress.

But let us cut to the heart of the matter: criticism is not an act of war; it is an act of patriotism. In fact, it is far more dangerous to a nation’s progress when leaders surround themselves with sycophants who clap even when the roof is collapsing. Leadership is not a performance stage where only applause is allowed. It is a service contract, and Nigerians have every right to question its fulfillment.

At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, “Why is there so much panic over criticism, particularly as observed ahead of, and during the marking of May 29 by virtue of its democratic importance few days ago?

The answer may lie in the psychology of power. Power tends to isolate. The higher one rises, the harder it becomes to hear dissenting voices, not because they do not exist, but because the circle of influence becomes narrower, filled with praise singers and loyalists who are quick to sugar-coat reality. This creates an echo chamber that mutes public discontent and exaggerates government successes.

Yet criticism, especially when widespread and consistent, is a sign that the people are engaged, not indifferent. It shows that the populace still believes that change is possible, and that they have not given up on the system altogether.

Psychologists have long studied how human beings respond to criticism. Roy Baumeister’s concept of the negativity bias explains why negative feedback often sticks with us longer than praise. But in governance, that bias is a gift. It keeps leaders alert. It forces introspection. And more importantly, it creates opportunities for course correction.

Let us be clear: the average Nigerian does not have the president’s phone number. They cannot walk into the Aso Rock villa to schedule a meeting and pour out their grievances. Their voices are channeled through the only means available, protest, commentary, social media, street interviews, and yes, critical journalism.

To brand these voices as enemies of the state is to misunderstand the very essence of democratic governance. In recent times, statements from top APC officials have shown a growing intolerance for dissent. Citizens lamenting the high cost of living are tagged as “opposition agents.” Those who complain about fuel price hikes or food scarcity are accused of sabotaging government efforts.

This level of defensiveness is unbecoming of a ruling party, especially one that mounted the podium in 2023 with the slogan of “Renewed Hope.” If hope is to be renewed, it must be sustained by policies that work, and those policies must be guided by the lived experiences of the people.

There is no great leadership without the humility to listen. Great leaders, from Abraham Lincoln to Nelson Mandela, understood the value of criticism. It was not always comfortable, but it was necessary.

Criticism helps identify policy blind spots. It spotlights implementation failures. It calls attention to unintended consequences. For instance, the removal of fuel subsidies, while economically justifiable in theory, has plunged millions into deeper poverty in practice. The backlash is not necessarily against the policy itself, but against the absence of a structured palliative system to ease the transition.

Similarly, when people question insecurity, they are not “playing politics.” They are crying out for safety in a country where bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists continue to wreak havoc. Dismissing such cries as “noise” is both arrogant and dangerous.

History is replete with leaders who were destroyed not by criticism, but by excessive praise. When everyone around a leader says “yes,” even when the answer should be “no,” the results are always catastrophic.

Ask former President Goodluck Jonathan. At the height of his administration, he was hailed as a transformational leader. Every government action was lauded. Critics were ridiculed. But when the tide turned, those same praise singers vanished into thin air. Jonathan was left politically isolated and ultimately voted out.

Praise creates complacency. Criticism inspires vigilance. A government that is constantly praised can quickly lose its touch with reality. And when leaders become too insulated from the people, the fall is always steep and sudden.

Given the foregoing viewpoints, it is expedient to urge APC members and their supporters to drop the victimhood mentality and begin to see criticism as an elixir of doing better.

The APC is not the opposition. It is the party in power, nationally and in most states. It campaigned aggressively for the 2023 election and emerged victorious. That comes with responsibility, not victimhood.

To behave as though criticism is some kind of political persecution is to betray a lack of readiness for governance. Democracy thrives on checks and balances. Criticism is part of that ecosystem. It helps keep the government in check, ensures accountability, and fosters responsiveness.

Instead of deflecting every critique, the APC should be asking tough internal questions: “Are we truly delivering on our promises?”” Are our policies effective?” “What do we need to improve?” This level of introspection is not weakness; it is the highest form of leadership maturity.

Those who always see criticism as a curse should not forget that Tinubu’s legacy is still being written. This is as President Tinubu often references his achievements as governor of Lagos State, and rightly so. But Nigeria is not Lagos. The challenges are deeper, broader, and more volatile. If he wants his legacy to be remembered for transformation, not turmoil, he must embrace criticism as a tool for recalibration.

He should engage the critics, not blacklist them. He should empower his communication team to listen, not lecture. He should re-engineer policies to meet the real needs of the people. And most importantly, he should ensure that governance is about the people, not about protecting political capital.

To Mr. President and the APC leadership: the criticism you run from today is the same criticism that may rescue your legacy tomorrow. Instead of fighting back with venom, respond with vision. Instead of labeling dissenters as traitors, treat them as stakeholders. Because they are.

Nobody expects perfection from this administration. But Nigerians do expect sincerity, empathy, and responsiveness. The hardship in the land is real. The hunger is biting. The frustration is boiling. People are not crying because they hate the government. They are crying because they feel forgotten.

In a democracy, when citizens stop complaining, it does not mean things have improved, it means they have given up hope. And that is the true curse, not criticism.

So when next you hear a citizen raise his or her voice in anger, or a journalist pens a critical piece, don not curse. Do not arrest. Do not dismiss.

Ask yourself: “What if they are right?” Because history will not remember how often you were praised. It will remember what you did when you were challenged.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Nigeria’s political landscape is beginning to shift. Political parties are actively exploring mergers and alliances, hoping to bolster their chances at the polls. While the current administration appears to be in a strong position, the opposition should not be discounted.

Drawing from the Mendelow Stakeholder Matrix, one thing is clear: political power is fluid. Influence and interest are not fixed—they rise and fall with prevailing conditions. A coalition of individuals with limited clout can, when united by a shared goal, become a powerful political force. This reality underscores the importance for the ruling party to remain vigilant, as stakeholder dynamics can change rapidly and unpredictably.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recently gained momentum through a wave of high-profile defections, with indications that more are on the way. While this strengthens the party’s numerical advantage, some political observers are warning of an emerging one-party dominance—an unsettling development for Nigeria’s democratic health. Meanwhile, opposition parties are attempting to project resilience, downplaying the impact of the defections and positioning themselves as still relevant.

Yet, beyond party strategy and political alignments, it is the daily realities of Nigerians that will likely determine the outcome of the 2027 election. With economic hardship, inflation, unemployment, and widespread insecurity continuing to plague the nation, voter frustration is palpable. If these conditions persist, the administration may face backlash—not from rival politicians, but from the electorate itself, through protest votes. These are not necessarily votes of confidence in the opposition, but expressions of dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.

Unlike opposition candidates who can campaign on promises and potential, incumbents are judged by tangible outcomes. President Tinubu’s administration must contend with the burden of proof. The opposition can run on hope; the government must run on results. Political grandstanding will not be enough—Nigerians are seeking visible, meaningful improvements in their quality of life.

To solidify its position, the administration must focus on delivering real solutions. The recent dip in food prices is encouraging, but more sustained actions are required to reduce the cost of living. Inflation control, a stronger Naira. Improved security and job creation should also be on the front burner. Equally important is transparent and consistent communication of achievements. Citizens must be able to see and feel the progress being made. Leaders must also avoid divisive rhetoric and foster unity in both speech and action.

While President Tinubu currently appears to be the frontrunner, Nigeria’s political environment is anything but predictable. A fragmented opposition could find strength in unity, and more critically, a disillusioned electorate could become the most formidable opposition of all, choosing change not in protests, but at the ballot box.

Bringing prominent figures into the APC may offer a temporary edge, but true political strength in 2027 will come from earning the trust and confidence of the people. Ultimately, it is the people’s welfare and perception that will determine the outcome of the next election.