Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines with our advocacy calls for Wednesday, 26 March, 2025.

1. ‘Failed democracy: Presidency tackles Obi, others’ –  Vanguard 

The Presidency yesterday warned the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi over his comments on the status of democracy in the country.

Our Take: Instead of engaging in rhetorical battles with opposition figures, the Special Advisor on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga and other government officials should present clear, verifiable improvements in democratic processes, rule of law, and institutional independence under this administration.

If the presidency truly believes democracy has not collapsed and has even improved under President Tinubu, then the most effective way to silence critics would be through evidence-based governance.

2. ‘Natasha: Petitioners failed to meet requirements for recall, says INEC’ – The Guardian

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not seen the need to commence the recall of Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), as the petitioners have yet to meet the requirements.

Our Take: We urge INEC to thoroughly verify the authenticity of the signatures submitted by the petitioners to prevent electoral fraud and uphold the sanctity of the recall process.

3. ‘Dollar-for-petrol: Marketers protest, Dangote exports fuel to US, others’ – Punch

Oil marketers under the aegis of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria have rejected the decision by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to sell refined petroleum products in dollars.

Our Take: President Tinubu should urgently intervene to ensure that the sale of refined petroleum products are conducted in the naira in order to protect the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.