Politics

Senate’s report on N54.2trn 2025 national budget ready this week – Akpabio

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Senate would receive the report of N54.2 trillion 2025 budget from its Committee on Appropriations for possible passage into law this week.

The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who dropped the hint during plenary on Tuesday, said the Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Solomon Adeola, APC Ogun West, is expected to present the report on Wednesday or Thursday.

President Bola Tinubu had on December 18, 2024 presented a total budget of N49.7 trillion to a joint sitting of the National Assembly but later increased it to N54.2 trillion, citing additional revenue of N4.5 trillion from the generating agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS; Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS and other Government Owned Enterprises, GOEs.

Akpabio, in his remarks after debate on a bill seeking for the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, said there was need for them to quickly end the debate for final work on the 2025 budget.

“You will observe that some of our colleagues are not in the chamber because of the required final touches on the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the report of which will be laid before us tomorrow (Wednesday) or next tomorrow (Thursday) this week.

“So, we need to close early to allow for collective efforts in that direction for final consideration and passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill,” he said.

Recall that both the Senate and the House of Representatives had earlier fixed January 31, 2025 for passage of the N49.7 trillion earlier proposed budget for 2025 by President Tinubu.

However, before the date, both chambers shifted their resumption from Christmas and New Year recess from January 31, 2025 to February 4, 2025, the very day they both received communication from the President on increase of total expenditure profile of the proposed budget from N49.7trillion to N54.2trillion.

Both Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas in their separate remarks after reading the letter, said the budget proposals would have to be reprocessed for inclusion of additional N4.5 trillion.

Specifically, Akpabio, after reading the letter, urged the committee on Appropriations to expedite action on the request for possible passage of the budget before the end of February.

Apparently in line with the expeditious consideration of the request, Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, announced that report on the now increased budget size of N54.2 trillion will be laid in the Senate on Wednesday or Thursday this week.

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Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

1 week ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.