The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has declared that President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 election, insisting that intimidation, violence and manipulation of democratic institutions cannot prevent his exit from office.

In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Council accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the judiciary and deploying security agencies against opposition parties.

Ologbondiyan warned that growing attacks on opposition members across the country pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

He cited the killing of several members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, allegedly following an attack on the party’s campaign venue by suspected APC thugs.

He said the incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against opposition parties, particularly members of the ADC, NDC and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in Kaduna, Kogi, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states.

“This is not politics. This is state-sponsored terror against democracy,” he said.

The Council also raised concerns over the preparedness and neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that its voter register database had been compromised and that APC sympathisers had been deployed to sensitive positions.

It further alleged that security agencies were being used to harass, arrest and intimidate opposition members.

Ologbondiyan expressed concern over the alleged involvement of a serving director of a security agency in the APC Presidential Campaign Council as co-Director of National Security and Intelligence, describing it as a violation of the law establishing the agency.

“One thing is now very clear to all Nigerians: Tinubu is not preparing for an election. He is preparing for a coronation,” he said.

The ADC-PCC maintained that alleged manipulation of judicial processes and electoral institutions would not guarantee President Tinubu’s re-election, warning that Nigerians would resist any attempt to impose a president through compromised judicial decisions or electoral fraud.

It called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend their votes and democratic rights ahead of 2027.

The Council also urged the international community, civil society organisations, religious and traditional institutions to pay closer attention to what it described as the deteriorating political and security environment, warning that silence could embolden those undermining democracy.

It appealed to security agencies to remain politically neutral, stressing that their allegiance should be to the Constitution and the Nigerian people.

“Those who allow themselves to be used as tools of oppression today will answer for their actions tomorrow,” Ologbondiyan warned.

Governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State have outlined contrasting plans to address housing, transportation, education, healthcare and the rising cost of living ahead of the 2027 elections.

At a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, the candidates, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat of the APC, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the ADC, Funsho Doherty of the NDC and Adedeji Doherty of the PDP, presented their policy blueprints and defended their credentials for seeking to govern the State.

While Hamzat, the incumbent deputy governor, pledged to sustain ongoing projects and expand infrastructure, the opposition candidates criticised the State’s development priorities, arguing that its substantial internally generated revenue had not translated into improved living conditions for ordinary residents.

Rhodes-Vivour accused successive administrations of pursuing policies that favoured the wealthy at the expense of vulnerable residents, particularly in housing and urban development.

He said Lagos needs a government that prioritises the interests of ordinary people, adding that his administration would adopt an integrated approach to urban planning, housing, transportation, education, healthcare and waste management.

The ADC candidate promised to deliver 100,000 housing units within his first four years through a combination of social housing, a proposed luxury tax and development of the state’s eastern foreshore.

He also pledged to connect Lagos’ rail lines within two and a half years through a transparent, private-sector-driven arrangement.

Rhodes-Vivour said the proposed housing programme would include a structured system allowing residents to move from smaller accommodation to larger homes as their families and financial capacities grew.

He said: “We want a cleaner Lagos. We want a safer Lagos. We want a more affordable Lagos. I want a Lagos that works for everybody, not just the privileged few.”

On urban safety, he promised to create employment opportunities for young people, particularly at the ward level, to reduce insecurity and address the activities of political thugs.

He also pledged to tackle flooding through wetland protection, improved urban design and the adoption of technologies that would allow water to flow naturally without threatening communities.

Responding to a question on Lagos’ high revenue and its impact on household welfare, Rhodes-Vivour said the government had failed to make its wealth sufficiently beneficial to ordinary residents.

He cited the demolition of structures in Makoko and the development of housing projects beyond the reach of many residents as examples of what he described as exclusionary policies.

According to him, government should concentrate on providing support for people who cannot meet their basic needs, rather than prioritising those who can afford private solutions.

He said his administration would ensure transparent allocation of housing units and prevent individuals from monopolising multiple units at the expense of other applicants.

The candidate also proposed a housing progression scheme under which young people could initially occupy affordable self-contained apartments and move into larger accommodation as their circumstances improved.

The APC candidate said his experience in government has given him an understanding of the State’s administrative systems, residents’ needs and infrastructure challenges.

He said his proposed Lagos Promise agenda is built around seven pillars, with commitments that would be measurable and open to public scrutiny.

Hamzat added that his administration would prioritise transparency, respect for residents and accountability in the implementation of policies.

He said: “I take tonight as a job interview. The job is the government of Lagos State. And you, Lagosians, will be the interviewers and the people that we actually hire.”

On transportation, Hamzat promised to complete the Blue Line to Okokomaiko and extend the Red Line towards the Trade Fair area, while integrating rail, road and water transportation.

He also pledged to provide 4,000 new compressed natural gas buses to improve mass transit and reduce the pressure on commuters.

The APC candidate said the State’s limited land area and growing population make efficient public transportation essential to its development.

On housing, Hamzat said the government has delivered 24,000 housing units over the past eight years, including 18,000 units for residents, while several projects remain ongoing.

He promised to expand access to mortgages, proposing a system requiring a 10 per cent deposit and repayment over 25 years.

According to him, the arrangement would enable residents to acquire homes without having to pay the full cost upfront.

Hamzat said the government would continue existing housing projects, including developments in Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry and other locations.

He argued that mortgage financing is necessary to make homeownership more attainable, noting that many people struggled to build houses because of the high cost of construction.

Funsho Doherty of the NDC said Lagos is operating below its potential despite its substantial revenue base and economic importance.

He argued that residents continue to face rising taxes and levies without corresponding improvements in public services.

Doherty cited the State’s budget, internally generated revenue and long period of APC administration as reasons the government should be held accountable for its performance.

He said Lagos’ challenges include inadequate healthcare, poor educational outcomes, housing affordability, water supply and electricity.

The candidate said his vision is to move the State in a new direction through policies focused on health, education, opportunity, affordable housing, jobs, small businesses and the environment.

Doherty, who said he has spent 30 years in the private sector, argued that government policies should enable residents to develop their skills, earn incomes and build sustainable livelihoods.

He promised to make public education truly free, including removing examination fees and other charges that prevent children from completing their education.

He also pledged to provide pupils in public schools with an affordable daily meal.

On housing, the NDC candidate proposed 150,000 units, supported by an ecosystem of financing, government guarantees and other measures to improve affordability.

He said the objective was to empower residents economically, adding that the prosperity of individuals would translate into the prosperity of the State.

Adedeji Doherty of the PDP said his background as a technocrat, businessman, entrepreneur and industrialist had prepared him to address Lagos’ economic and infrastructure challenges.

He said his experience in the party, which he joined in 1998, has also informed his decision to contest the governorship.

The PDP candidate identified electricity, housing and education as priority areas, arguing that inadequate power supply is limiting industrial development and economic growth.

He promised to establish a research team to develop cheaper building materials and reduce the cost of constructing homes.

Doherty also said he would focus on underserved communities, particularly the islands, which he said lack adequate primary healthcare and other essential services.

He identified the State’s debt burden, bloated ministries, departments and agencies, and inadequate support for local governments as major challenges affecting service delivery.

The candidate said his administration would reduce the number of MDAs and review government expenditure to free up resources for residents.

He argued that local governments should be adequately empowered to address community needs, while savings from reduced administrative costs could be redirected towards improving living conditions.

Doherty also promised to review electricity costs and introduce measures to put money back into residents’ pockets.

By Henry Ukazu

Dear Destiny Friends,

Every living creature has DNA. Your DNA is what makes you distinct and unique from other creatures.  For the sake of emphasis and clarity, DNA means Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It is the hereditary molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of nearly all living organisms and many viruses. It serves as a biological blueprint, encoding the information necessary to construct proteins and RNA molecules that drive cellular life.

Nobody can function outside their DNA. Also, nobody evolved from nothing; we all came from something. When a child is born, the child will look like the father, mother, or a relative from either the father or mother.

As human beings, we all have the DNA of success in us. The mistake most people make is that most of the time, we think somebody will come and save us, but life does not work that way. Nobody, and I repeat, nobody will come and save you. We have the responsibility of saving ourselves, just like we have the responsibility of succeeding in life.

According to Azuh Arinze, success is not served on a silver platter (or “a la carte”); it is earned through hard work, perseverance, and daily effort rather than handed out easily. If you want to know how this works, imagine a 4.5 or 5.0 GPA student who earned A’s in all his classes; nobody did it for him, nor did he earn them by accident. No, he was intentional in succeeding in his academic endeavors, and he put in the hard and smart work.

The same principle is applicable for an employee who would like to rise the corporate ladder. The employee will be intentional in putting in the desired work.

It’s sad to see people who are always looking for a handout for cheap success. It’s instructive to note that nothing good comes easy. Whatever anyone desires, one must put in the work, especially if it is something of value. Waiting for someone to assist you or give you an opportunity might not be the best route to take sometimes.

Do you know when you put yourself out there, the universe has a way of conspiring with you to get what you desire and deserve? Experience has taught me to know that the more risk I take, the more opportunity I create. So, instead of waiting for anyone to reach out to you, take advantage of the internet and show your work. Fate might open the door to blessings and opportunities for you.

As a matter of fact, do you know that sometimes, when you put yourself out there, what you are looking for will begin to look for you when they see your work.

To understand how the DNA of success works, one must do what I call self-examination to know what’s unique about them and what they are naturally good at.

So, if you desire to make any impact, it’s advisable to use the magnetic power of the internet to broadcast your work as opposed to waiting for the traditional method of using television, radio, or newspaper to announce one’s work. The internet is indeed a currency if properly utilized.

I have seen cases where some ingenious minds who went viral on TikTok or social media were called upon to speak about their work. Do you see that we all have the DNA of success? All we need is activation.

I strongly believe we all have the potential to succeed because, given every equal opportunity, everyone is a potential achiever. After all, we don’t have dull brains, only brains that are undeveloped.  When we activate our brains, only then will we discover we have DNA for success.

Most of the great people the world has celebrated are simply because of the ingenuity they used in producing products that have solved problems, in addition to being a blessing to humanity. These great minds tapped into the subconscious power of their DNA. They didn’t have any other DNA that’s separate from what we have. They didn’t wait for anyone to literally show them what to do. They took their life and business into their hands and ran with it.

The same way they did it, we can do the same. All we need is to look into ourselves to know what’s unique inside of us. Nobody is more special or blessed than another. What makes some people appear more successful is simply their doggedness in being consistent with their life.

If you are asked, what’s your DNA for success? What will be your response? Trust me, a lot of people will have a different answer, but the true response is what made you stand out, what you are passionate about, or what one can do.

For me, my DNA for success is counseling, speaking, writing, and helping human beings reach their greatest human potential regardless of whatever they may have in mind

It’s unfortunate to see some people copying other people’s work instead of developing themselves to stand out

So, today, I will charge you to figure out what’s unique about you.

Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer, and author of Unleash Your Destiny, and The Six Pillars of Success. He can be reached via info@gloemi.com