Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. The Guardian: Desperation Heightens as 2027 Campaign ‘Begins’ 15 Months Ahead
Despite the clear and unambiguous provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibiting early political campaigns, findings by The Guardian show that major political parties have already begun electioneering for the 2027 general election, well ahead of the 150-day limit stipulated by the law.
Our Take: We call on INEC to uphold the integrity of the Electoral Act 2022 by investigating and sanctioning political parties and individuals flouting the law through premature campaigning. Failure to act undermines the rule of law. INEC must reassert its authority, issue clear warnings, and initiate legal actions where necessary to ensure that electoral timelines are respected and that governance is not sacrificed on the altar of unchecked political ambition.
2. Daily Trust: WAEC Records Worst Result in Five Years
Stakeholders in the education sector, including educationists and parents yesterday decried the poor performance of students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Our Take: The Federal Ministry of Education, state education ministries, WAEC, and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) should urgently convene a nationwide review to investigate the root causes of the alarming decline in WASSCE performance, particularly the staggering drop from 72.12 percent in 2024 to 38.32 percent in 2025. There should be an assessment of the implementation of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) method, teaching quality, curriculum delivery, and student preparedness.
3. Punch: Arrears Crisis: Protesting Ex-Soldiers Pressure FG with Friday Deadline
Retired soldiers who protested at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday suspended their action following a meeting with ministry officials who assured them that their outstanding entitlements would be paid by Friday.
The protesters had blocked the entrance of the ministry’s gate with a canopy and chairs to demand their unpaid entitlements.
Our Take: We call on the federal government to honour its commitment to pay the outstanding entitlements of retired soldiers by Friday, as promised, and take immediate steps to review the broader concerns around the Contributory Pension Scheme raised by both ex-soldiers and serving police officers. These are men and women who dedicated their lives to national service, and continued delay or neglect undermines their dignity and also threatens national morale and trust in government accountability.
