Exposing the worrying numbers in Nigeria’s political space

N11.5b

This is the amount of money projected to be the cost of a national secretariat project for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) conceived in the heydays of the umbrella association. But the project has become stalled following the internal wrangling that has decimated the party. Who is talking about the project again when everybody is running? Who is talking about the jaw when the head has not been saved? Chai, PDP, and the glory of yesteryear!

N150m

This is the amount of money the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has said anybody or political party hoping to campaign in the state should cough out. The recent announcement stated that the amount was mandatory for all politicians hoping to employ outdoor and visual campaigns. Observers believe that the amount is as frustrating as it is prohibitive. The political space should be made conducive for every player. Putting what seems a stumbling block goes against the grains of true sportsmanship.

N5m

This is the controversial amount allegedly paid as bribe for Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) position. The Police Service Commission (PSC) has vehemently denied the allegation that senior officers paid about that amount of money each to secure promotion to the rank of ACP. The new Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu should please look into this scandal. If there is any merit in the allegation, the Augean Stables must be properly cleaned to show that indeed, a Daniel has come to judgement.

87

This is the number of the senators on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as at the close of plenary last week. The number has continued to change in favour of the APC, following a rash of defections from the opposition. But despite the huge advantage, the leadership of the upper legislative chamber appeared riled by the defection of Enyinnaya Abaribe from All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), threatening that the senator could lose his minority leader position if he failed to recant. The threat has since been described by political watchers as hypocritical.

6 and 43

These are what have remained of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the bicameral legislative chambers of the National Assembly. While the umbrella association has only six members in the Senate, it has 43 out of 360 members in the House of Representatives. PDP, a party that ruled Nigeria for 16 straight years, has been reduced to a ridicule. At a point, the party bragged that it would rule Nigeria for 60 years. The tragic aspect of it all is that the same people who populated the PDP when it was in power are the same individuals who have changed address. They have become broom-wavers today. What has remained constant are the hapless masses whose conditions have worsened over the years as the country itself is being pummeled by undertakers. In the next few years from now, the table will turn. What a country!

100%

That is the percentage Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said may not be possible as he supervises the 2027 general election. He promised that the commission would do its utmost best to give Nigeria credible election, but said he was not promising perfection. Here is reminding Amupitan that no Nigerian is expecting 100 percent from him. If he can give 80 percent, he would have scored an “A”. Nigerians are not difficult to please; they would want him to do his best, and must be seen to have done his best. He must avoid blaming “glitches” which may remind citizens of his predecessor. May the Almighty God guide his steps. Amen.

2.2 million

This is the number of children the Borno State government said had gone back to school in its efforts to tackle the out-of-school children crisis in the state. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has continued to fight tooth and nail to boost education, infrastructure and completely rebuild a state that has experienced devastation from insurgency. The more the governor tries, the more agents of darkness continue with their bloody campaign and destabilisation efforts. Maiduguri is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the North irrespective of the insurgency. Our prayer goes out to the governor and the good people of Borno. You will overcome.

N1.275bn

Following the allegation of possible misapplication of the N1.275 billion donated to victims of the June 13, 2025 Yelewata attack, the Benue State government recently gave blow-by-blow account of how the funds have been applied. The state government said that relief distribution, rehabilitation and phased resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) were still on. There must be transparency in the disbursement of the funds. A clear conscience fears no accusation. If the state government and its agencies know they are doing the right thing, they should not bother about name-calling or being bad-mouthed. Transparency must be the watchword here.