Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has expressed concern that despite over two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule, Nigeria still falls short of its potential.

The governor spoke in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.

Bago stressed that more needs to be done to translate democratic rule into tangible development.

“It is worrisome that despite the uninterrupted democratic rule that Nigeria has been having from 1999, the Nation is still not where it should be. More needs to be done,” Bago said.

He called for electoral reforms and enhanced civic participation for inclusive governance and strong democratic institutions that protect the vulnerable, ensure justice and provide equal opportunities for all, thereby, advancing democracy in Nigeria.

Bago also called on Nigerians to reflect deeply on progress made, renew their commitments in the democratic process and uphold the principles of democracy.

According to him, “Democracy symbolises the victory of the collective will of the people, over dictatorship. It also reminds every patriotic Nigerian of the struggles, sacrifices, aspirations, and resilience of our past heroes and heroines.”

He also stated that semocracy has brought about transparency and accountability in governance, vibrant political competition, expression of diverse viewpoints and increased civic engagement, among others.

Bago reassured the people of Niger State that through responsible leadership and inclusive governance for a sustainable development, more dividends of democracy will be provided.

He also called for continuous prayers, support and understanding, while reiterating his firm resolve in the task of building a more secure, transformed and prosperous state under his New Niger Agenda.

“I urge you all to continue to pray for leaders at all levels for a purposeful leadership. I reaffirm my commitment to the New Niger project, which is a possibility,” the governor stated.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State has condemned the marking for demolition of the residence of Marcus Onobun, a member of the House of Representatives, for alleged connection to, cultism by the state government.

Ekwutosblog reports that Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee made the condemnation in a statement made available to newsmen Wednesday in Benin City.

In the statement, Aziegbemi disclosed that houses belonging to Marcus Onobun, representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and the illegally impeached elected chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Collins Aigbogun have been marked for demolition by the state government.

The statement dated June 11, 2025, is titled, “unwarranted demolition threat against Marcus Onobun and Hon Collins Aigbogun, a clear case of political victimization”.

He said the two chieftains of the party’s property in their various hometowns were jointly marked for arbitrary demolition.

He alleged that the perpetual resort to political harassment and witch-hunt is a desperate attempt to intimidate, silence and cripple the opposition in the state.

The PDP caretaker committee chairman, also alleged that the brazen move by the State government represents a disturbing abuse of power and a misuse of legislation to target political opponents.

He, however, demanded an immediate halt to the planned demolitions, just as he also called on the State Government to retrace its steps and respect the legal rights and fundamental freedoms of Onobun, Aigbogun, and all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.

“The Anti-Cultism Law, as passed, clearly stipulates that property can only be subject to forfeiture or demolition “after a valid conviction by a competent court of law.

“At present, there is no such conviction against Hon Onobun and Hon Aigbogun but only baseless allegations. This is not law enforcement; it is a “political witch-hunt.

“We wish to remind the Edo State Government that Nigeria is governed by law, not by executive fiat. The weaponisation of laws to stifle opposition voices and intimidate perceived political rivals is not only a threat to democracy in Edo State but a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country”, he said.

He, however, described the marking as vindictive action and called on all well-meaning citizens, civil society organisations, and the international community to speak out against the injustice.

Aziegbemi, however, put the policemen, bulldozer drivers, as well as owners of the bulldozers, on notice that they will be held liable if, for any reason, they participate in the supervision, destruction, or demolition of any building or property without a valid court order.

He opined that the policemen, bulldozer drivers, as well as owners of the bulldozers, do not enjoy the immunity that the governor enjoys, and the law frowns at the execution of unlawful orders!

“At this juncture, we call on Senator Okpebholo and the Edo State Government to cease this intolerance for dissenting voices and vindictive demolition in various guises and redirect their efforts towards delivering transparent, inclusive, and effective governance that truly serves the interests of the Edo people. This political victimisation must stop”, he added.

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‎According to a report from Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, June 11, The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has issued a stern warning to key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, stating that Nigerians will blame them if their failure to unite leads to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
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‎Dr. Ladan Salihu who is the National Publicity Secretary, accused opposition leaders of prioritizing personal ambitions over the collective mission to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In an interview, he stated:
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‎”If Tinubu wins again in 2027, Nigerians will hold the opposition coalition fully responsible. The 2023 election results showed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) collectively secured 63% of the votes. If they fail to unite now, it will be a betrayal of the people’s trust.”
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‎Salihu stated that Nigerians are watching closely and will either celebrate the coalition’s success or condemn its failure.
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