Posts

Showing posts from February, 2026

A Strategic Call to Civil Servants in Adamawa State: Positioning for 2027

Image
By Dr. Dogo Victor Ph.D Leadership is shaped by timing, structure, and strategic coordination. As Adamawa State approaches the 2027 gubernatorial election cycle, civil servants across ministries, departments, and agencies must begin to reflect carefully on the political direction that will sustain stability, continuity, and good governance. Over the years, the administration of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has provided an environment marked by institutional strengthening, expanded access to public service opportunities, infrastructural development, and administrative reforms. Many within the civil service acknowledge improvements in coordination, welfare considerations, and governance delivery. As the 2027 elections approach, the central question becomes one of continuity: how can the policies, reforms, and governance trajectory currently in place be preserved and deepened? Understanding the Political Structure Elections in Nigeria are not won solely during the general vote. They a...

Editorial: Security Must Not Eclipse the Constitution

Image
News Rendezvous  The imposition of an 18-hour curfew in Abuja by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, demands sober national reflection. No government should take lightly the decision to restrict citizens’ movement for 18 out of 24 hours. Such a measure is extraordinary.  It carries economic, social, and constitutional implications that extend far beyond immediate security calculations. The Nigerian Constitution, specifically the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, guarantees freedom of movement under Section 41. While rights may be restricted in the interest of security, such restrictions must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. The question before us is simple: Does the present situation in Abuja justify an 18-hour lockdown? Legal scholar and APC stalwart Umar D. Duhu has raised concerns that deserve serious attention. Whether one agrees with his political leanings or not, the constitutional questions he raises are valid. Abuja is not under ...

FINTIRI’S DEFECTION: A CONSTITUTIONALLY PERMISSIBLE EXERCISE OF FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION

Image
Introduction The reported intention of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has generated significant public debate across Adamawa State and beyond. Critics have framed the development in moral and political terms raising concerns about party loyalty, consistency, and respect for supporters. However, beyond political sentiments lies a more fundamental question: Is the governor legally entitled to change his political party affiliation? This piece examines the issue strictly within the framework of constitutional law, party law, and established democratic principles in Nigeria, and concludes that such a decision is fully permissible under the law. 1. Constitutional Foundation: Freedom of Association The starting point is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Section 40 – Freedom of Association Section 40 provides:  “Every person shall be entitled to...

2027: Northern Stakeholders Warn Against Any Move to Replace Vice President Shettima

Image
By Rendezvous News Desk Some northern stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have warned against any attempt to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as the party’s vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such a move as potentially destabilising for the party. The warning followed growing speculation within political circles about possible changes to the APC’s 2027 presidential ticket, although the party leadership has made no official statement on the matter. One of the stakeholders, legal scholar and APC member Umar D. Duhu, said in a statement that removing Shettima would have far-reaching political consequences, particularly in the North, where he said the vice president enjoys strong support. According to Duhu, Shettima’s position goes beyond individual office holding and is tied to the internal balance that holds together the APC’s coalition structure. Concerns Over Party Balance The APC was formed in 2013 throu...