By Samson Adeyanju

As preparations intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, a coalition formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu is already facing internal chaos.

The movement, which has been promoted as a unifying front for the opposition, is now riddled with conflicting ambitions, as at least seven of its key leaders are reportedly eyeing the presidency themselves.

Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Ralph Nwosu, disclosed in an interview that several influential figures within the coalition are being promoted by their supporters as presidential candidates.

The coalition, which recently adopted the ADC as its political platform, is led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Other prominent figures reportedly seeking to contest include former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola, Oyo State’s 2023 ADC governorship candidate Ganiyu Bamidele Ajadi, and former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido.

Each of these politicians has a loyal support base actively advocating for their emergence as the coalition’s flag bearer.

Nwosu stated that the coalition would operate a transparent selection process, noting that every stakeholder has a right to ambition.

He said the new party structure being built encourages freedom of expression and democratic competition among all aspirants.

Despite the assurances, political observers have described the development as laughable and self-defeating.

Critics argue that the coalition may be headed for collapse if it fails to streamline its ambition and rally behind a single credible candidate.

The irony, many have pointed out, is that a movement formed to replace one president is now housing multiple presidential hopefuls under the same platform.

While Nwosu insists that the internal competition is a sign of healthy democracy, many see it as a symptom of a fragile and unstable alliance.

He claimed that the coalition has already attracted massive defections, saying that 95 percent of the Peoples Democratic Party has joined the ADC, along with over 35 percent of the All Progressives Congress and 80 percent of the Labour Party’s base.

However, analysts warn that numbers on paper may not translate into real strength at the polls, especially if the coalition fails to resolve its internal contradictions.

Without a united front and a clear vision, the group may struggle to convince Nigerians that it offers a better alternative to the current administration.

As the race toward 2027 gains momentum, the coalition’s biggest challenge may not be President Tinubu, but its inability to rise above personal ambition and speak with one voice.

The drama within the alliance is unfolding early, and Nigerians are watching closely to see whether this political experiment will stand or stumble.

By Musa Aliyu

In the heart of Nigeria’s northeastern region, a quiet revolution is taking place in the Taraba media landscape — and at the center of it is Rock FM 92.3 Jalingo. Since its launch on April 22, 2022, Rock FM has grown from being the first privately-owned radio station in the state to becoming the most influential and most listened-to station in Taraba. With a bold tagline — “Solid Voice of the People” — the station is living up to its name, playing a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and influencing government action through people-centered journalism. Rock FM Jalingo remains the number radio station of choice in the North East with its waves hitting parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe and Plateau very loud.

Among Rock FM’s flagship programs, Today Tori, its daily newspaper review airing Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., has carved a unique place in the hearts of listeners. Anchored by seasoned broadcasters, the show is presented in a bilingual format — English and Hausa — allowing for wider reach and inclusiveness. But what sets Today Tori apart isn’t just its content or language. It is its interactive format, where listeners are not only informed but also empowered to contribute to discussions on matters affecting them directly.

The program amplifies the voice of the people, giving real-time feedback to authorities and spotlighting social issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

From the Studio to Government Action: Real-World Impact

A compelling example of Rock FM’s impact occurred on Friday, June 27, 2025, during a live edition of Today Tori. The discussion that day focused on the condition of the Taraba State Specialist Hospital. The presenters did more than review headlines — they gave depth, context, and human faces to the stories. They shared voices from patients and staff, exposed systemic challenges, and painted an unfiltered picture of the healthcare situation.

In an extraordinary turn of events, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, who was listening in real time, responded immediately. He made an unannounced visit to the hospital to assess the situation himself. The result? A landmark decision to donate ₦10 million monthly from his personal funds to the hospital’s pharmacy unit, ensuring that drugs would be available free of charge for less privileged patients.

But it didn’t stop there. The Governor also ordered the renovation of the hospital’s dental unit to world standards and vowed to overhaul other parts of the facility with modern medical equipment. The Specialist Hospital episode is a testament to the station’s role as both a watchdog and a catalyst for change.

This is not an isolated case. Rock FM has a growing reputation for prompting timely responses from government through its investigative and issue-based programming. Earlier in the year, the station spotlighted a deteriorating bridge in Npanti Napu, raising safety concerns. Soon after, the government swung into action, initiating urgent repairs.

Similarly, Rock FM was instrumental in exposing extortion by some public schools that were still demanding money from parents despite the state government’s declaration of free education. The expose forced a clampdown on the erring schools and reinforced policy enforcement.

Rock FM’s influence extends beyond governance. By offering a platform where ordinary citizens can air their grievances, share insights, and ask questions, the station is redefining the relationship between the people and those in power. Its dedication to giving voice to the voiceless, especially in rural and marginalized communities, has created a new standard for local broadcasting in the region.

Rock FM has also become a bridge between policymakers and the grassroots. In an environment where access to decision-makers can be limited, the airwaves have become a powerful avenue for civic engagement.

From driving emergency responses to healthcare issues, to pushing for infrastructural improvements and policy accountability, Rock FM has proven to be more than just a radio station. It is a force for development, a voice for the people, and a watchdog for good governance.

As Taraba continues to grow and evolve, the presence of a station like Rock FM — independent, fearless, and community-focused — will remain critical. For a region often underrepresented in national discourse, Rock FM’s blend of journalism and activism is not just making waves — it is making history.

Musa Aliyu is a Mass Communication student at the Taraba State University Jalingo

By Onilede Titi Faith

Alcohol, derived through fermentation, has long been a staple of social and cultural life across the globe.

While moderate consumption is often deemed socially acceptable and, in some contexts, medically permissible, the excessive intake of alcohol poses profound risks to human health.

Scientific evidence consistently highlights that chronic alcohol abuse is a significant contributor to a range of medical conditions. Chief among these are liver diseases such as cirrhosis, cardiovascular complications, and various mental health disorders.

The link between sustained alcohol consumption and chronic illnesses like pancreatitis and cancers, particularly of the liver, throat, and esophagus has been firmly established.

Moreover, alcohol compromises the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections. It also impairs brain function, often exacerbating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Cognitive judgment is affected, frequently resulting in poor decision-making, heightened aggression, and social consequences including domestic violence, accidents, and strained relationships.

The cumulative toll of alcohol abuse is not only personal but societal, affecting productivity, public safety, and healthcare systems.

To mitigate these risks, health experts strongly advocate for moderation in consumption, if not complete abstinence.

As the global burden of alcohol-related diseases continues to rise, the call for responsible drinking has never been more urgent.