By Emmanuel Eko

The Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora (CNND), and the Rebuild Nigeria Movement Worldwide (RNMW), have announced plans to carry out thorough consultations and assessments before endorsing any political party or candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on behalf of both organizations, former president and founder, Ambassador James Erebuoye, emphasized the need for caution and strategic decision-making following the experiences of the 2023 elections.

According to Erebuoye, several errors made by platform administrators and coordinators during the last electoral cycle nearly fractured the network, which he noted took over two decades to build across Nigeria and the diaspora.

“We will undertake proper diligence before deciding which political party or candidate to support in 2027, and we will also guide our eligible voters accordingly,” he stated.

He called on coordinators within both organizations to prioritize unity, peace, and discipline among members, warning against the dangers of religious intolerance and tribal divisions.

“This is about our one and only country, Nigeria. We must not allow religious bigotry or tribalism to derail our collective mission,” Erebuoye said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he described the process as a critical national assignment, urging members at home and abroad to remain committed and organized.

“Our goal is to mobilize not less than 20 million votes for the right presidential candidate we collectively decide to support,” he added.

Erebuoye also stressed the importance of defending Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as a serious responsibility that requires the active involvement of all members. He further called for intensified efforts to combat corruption, which he said has hindered the nation’s development for decades.

Addressing national security concerns, the CNND and RNMW founder urged the Federal Government to take stronger and more decisive action against terrorism and banditry.

“No amount of condolences can bring back those who have lost their lives. The priority of government now must be to secure citizens and put an end to these attacks,” he said.

He outlined a three-point priority for the government: tackling insecurity, eliminating entrenched corruption networks, and then focusing on economic recovery.

Erebuoye noted that improving security would naturally enhance economic growth, attract investment, and boost tourism.

“No foreign investor or tourist will be attracted to a country plagued by insecurity. Fixing the economy will be much easier once the security challenges are addressed,” he concluded.

The statement reflects growing political mobilization among diaspora networks as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

…Participate in Politics, Governance

By Samson Adeyanju 

Catholic leaders and government officials have urged the faithful to actively apply the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), in national development through participation in politics, governance, and public life.

The call was made during the flag off of the 2026 Laity Week celebrations organised by the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja.

In his homily at the opening Mass, the Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr Augustine Okochi, said the theme of the celebration, “Application of Catholic Social Teaching in Contemporary Nigeria,” was both timely and prophetic given the country’s social and economic challenges.

He stressed that the mission of transforming society rests largely on the shoulders of the laity, who are called to bring the values of the Gospel into politics, governance, education, commerce, media and other sectors of national life.

“The real field of lay apostolate is the world itself,” Fr Okochi said, noting that offices where policies are made, markets where economic decisions are taken and public spaces where national issues are debated are all arenas of Christian mission.

According to him, Catholic Social Teaching provides a moral framework rooted in the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, care for the poor and respect for the dignity of work.

He added that faith must move beyond prayer and worship to inspire justice, peace and concrete action in society.

“Catholics are called to see politics as a noble service to the common good. Nigeria will change when Catholics embrace governance as part of their Christian vocation to transform society,” he said.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinent Affairs Office of the SGF, Dr Ezeamama Chidiebere described Catholic Social Teaching as one of the most enduring moral frameworks for building a just and humane society.

Akume noted that the teachings of the Church emphasise the dignity of the human person, justice, solidarity and the common good, stressing that faith must find expression in the social, economic and political life of the nation.

“At a time when our nation faces economic pressures, social inequalities and challenges of justice and peace, the principles embodied in Catholic Social Teaching offer a powerful moral compass capable of guiding individuals and institutions,” he said.

He said the Catholic laity occupy a strategic position in nation building as professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and public servants who carry the values of faith into the structures that shape national life.

The SGF therefore urged participants to use the Laity Week to reflect deeply and recommit themselves to promoting justice, unity and responsible citizenship.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National President of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Sir Ambrose Obioha, said the annual celebration provides an opportunity for lay Catholics to reflect on their mission both in the Church and in society.

He noted that the theme calls on Catholics to move beyond words and translate faith into action in addressing national challenges such as insecurity, poverty, injustice and governance concerns.

“Our vocation as laity extends far beyond the walls of our churches. We are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, ambassadors of peace, defenders of justice and agents of transformation,” he said.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr Sir Ambrose Ojiako, represented by Chief Sir Obiora Okonkwo, also urged Catholics not to shy away from politics but to participate actively in democratic processes in order to influence policies and improve the welfare of citizens.

He said the application of Catholic Social Teaching requires Catholics to take responsibility in public leadership and governance rather than leaving the political space to individuals who may not share sound moral values.

The speakers expressed hope that the week long celebration would deepen understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and inspire Catholics across the country to contribute more actively to building a just, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

By Salihu Mohammed

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of intense political speculation.

In a statement released on Monday by Nuhu Salihu Anka, the Director General of Media and Communications, the Governor revealed that the move follows extensive deliberations with political elders, stakeholders, and supporters across the state.

Reasons for the Shift
The Governor attributed his exit from the PDP to several systemic issues within the main opposition party, including:

Internal Turmoil: Chronic leadership disputes and structural challenges at both national and state levels.

Governance Distractions: Concerns that the PDP’s ongoing crises were hindering his administration’s ability to deliver democratic dividends.

Strategic Alignment: The need for closer synergy with the Federal Government to bolster security and developmental initiatives in Zamfara.

Focus on Unity and Security
Governor Lawal emphasized that the decision was a “bold step” taken in the best interest of the state. He noted that while he appreciates the support he received during his time in the PDP, current political realities necessitate a platform that offers greater stability.

By joining the APC, Lawal intends to leverage federal cooperation to address Zamfara’s pressing security challenges and accelerate infrastructure growth. He urged citizens and political actors to remain calm and supportive as the state transitions into this new political chapter.

This defection marks a significant shift in the North-West political landscape, as Lawal becomes the latest high-profile opposition figure to join the ruling party ahead of future electoral cycles.