The Tinubu Media Force, a support group for President Bola Tinubu, says Nigerians will reject the opposition coalition and their new platform, the African Democratic Congress in 2027. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that opposition figures and aggrieved All Progressives Congress leaders have adopted the ADC as a platform to unseat Tinubu in 2027. Reacting to the development, TMF National Coordinator, Gbenga Abiola, said on Wednesday that the coalition was born from desperation, not conviction or a genuine desire to serve Nigerians. He said, “The resurrection of the ADC is not based on principle, but is a desperate coalition of displaced politicians seeking lost relevance. “It is neither visionary nor purposeful, just a forced alliance of familiar faces trying to revive their political careers without real solutions.” According to him, the ADC is not a third force, but a weak version of the second — driven by frustration, not direction or unity of purpose. “It is a patchwork held together by shared grievances, not shared goals or national interest. “Nigerians must reject alliances offering only recycled chaos, unrepentant ambitions, and no clear path to progress or stability,” he said. He said the coalition consists of two camps, ex-PDP powerbrokers and displaced APC elites from the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. He said the latter failed to hijack Tinubu’s focused governance and thus chose to align with their former rivals. “These individuals once wielded enormous influence and power under Buhari, controlling patronage and amassing vast wealth. “However, Tinubu’s refusal to serve old interests or maintain outdated political structures has unsettled them deeply. “Now, these power seekers stand with their former PDP rivals under the ADC banner, craving control again,” he said. Abiola said the name ‘ADC’ is phonetically similar to ‘APC’, a deliberate attempt to confuse unsuspecting voters. “It is a low-effort strategy aimed at deception, but Nigerians are now more politically aware and discerning. “We can see through the mimicry. This is not a movement, it’s a recycling hub for failed political ambition,” he said. He said Tinubu’s government continues to deliver calm, focused, and policy-driven leadership across key sectors. “From economic stabilisation to structural reforms, this administration is pursuing accountability, innovation, and national recovery. “While the opposition distracts with noise, Nigerians are beginning to notice the difference sound leadership can make,” Abiola said. He reaffirmed support for Tinubu’s vision and urged citizens to focus on lasting progress, not political distractions. “We need builders of the future, not looters of past influence,” he added. NAN recalls that ex-Senate President David Mark and ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola were named ADC Interim Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Mark officially launched the ADC as the platform for the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement. Prominent opposition figures present included Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Rotimi Amaechi. Others included Nasir El-Rufai, Abubakar Malami, Aminu Tambuwal, Ireti Kingibe, Liyel Imoke, and Bolaji Abdullahi. Also in attendance were John Oyegun, Gabriel Suswam, Tunde Ogbeha, Mohammed Abubakar, Emeka Ihedioha, and Oserheimen Osunbor. Victor Umeh, Celestine Omehia, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Bindow Jibrilla, Babachir Lawal, Aishatu Binani, and Dele Momodu also attended. Sen. Dino Melaye, Prof. Olushola Eleka, and Sen. Ishaku Abbo were likewise present at the event.  

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector has said it will meet on Saturday (today), to consider the promises made by the Federal Government at a meeting yesterday. The union denied reports that it had suspended its ongoing nationwide seven-day warning strike.  Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the National Public Relations Officer of NANNM-FHI, Omomo Tibiebi, clarified that the strike, which began on Wednesday, remained in effect despite a meeting with the minister earlier in the day. The nurses embarked on the strike to press home their demands, including an upward review of shift allowance, adjustment of uniform allowance, a separate salary structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health, among others.  Tibiebi said, “The strike has not been suspended. Earlier today (Friday), the NANNM executives had a meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and it was the minister that went to press to say the strike was called-off. “He wasn’t the one that called the strike in the first place, so he has no right to call off the strike. So, the strike is still on.” He added that the union’s National Executive Council would meet today (Saturday) to review the Federal Government’s promises and determine the next line of action. “There will be a National Executive Council meeting today (Saturday), and that’s when a decision will be made, and we would know if what the Federal Government has promised is good enough for us to suspend the strike,” he stated. Meanwhile, hospitals nationwide continue to feel the impact of the strike, with patients facing disruptions in healthcare delivery. Overwhelmed by patient loads, the few available medical staff members are struggling to maintain basic operations. Many patients have been discharged due to the shortage of nurses, numerous hospital wards remain deserted, skeletal services are running in some areas, while others are completely shut down.

For many Nigerians, malaria and its symptoms are all too familiar and quite predictable. Once the pangs of headache, joint pain and fever are felt, most resort to anti-malarial medications to manage it. Across cities and towns, citizens generally opt for anti-malarial drugs sold over the counter at neighbourhood or roadside pharmaceutical stores, most often without a prescription. In the past year, however, the prices of anti-malarial medications have increased significantly. Findings by Sunday PUNCH showed that anti-malarial drugs now range from N2,500 to N5,000. Malaria has had a long history in some parts of the world. The Chinese, Egyptians and ancient Greeks documented evidence of diseases now believed to be malaria. Until 1880, when French physician Charles Laveran discovered malarial parasites, no one knew the organism responsible for malaria. Before then, it was widely believed that malaria was caused by spoiled air. In modern science, five types of malaria parasites have been identified based on their morphology: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Of the five, Plasmodium falciparum has been documented to cause severe, potentially life-threatening malaria, and it has been responsible for more than 95 per cent of malaria cases in Nigeria. Data from the World Health Organisation revealed that an estimated 2.2 billion cases of malaria and 12.7 million deaths have been averted since 2000, but the disease remains a serious global health threat, particularly in the WHO African Region. According to WHO’s 2024 World Malaria Report, there were an estimated 263 million cases and 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2023. This represents about 11 million more cases in 2023 compared to 2022, and nearly the same number of deaths. “Approximately 95 per cent of the deaths occurred in the WHO African Region, where many at risk still lack access to the services they need to prevent, detect and treat the disease,” the report stated. Since 2015, the WHO African Region has also achieved a 16 per cent reduction in its malaria mortality rate. However, the estimated 2023 mortality rate of 52.4 deaths per 100,000 population at risk is still more than double the target level of 23 deaths per 100,000 population set by the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030. Fake, substandard medicines In November 2024, 44 countries and one territory had been certified malaria-free by the WHO, and many more are steadily progressing towards the goal. Of the 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 now report fewer than 10 cases of malaria a year, an increase from just four countries in the year 2000. In August 2024, Ministers of Health from 11 African countries that account for two-thirds of the global malaria burden — Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda — signed a declaration pledging to sustainably and equitably lower the disease burden and tackle its root causes. However, there appears to be a challenge confronting the goal to reduce the burden of malaria in the country: the influx of fake drugs and the possible rise in resistance of malaria parasites. On a hot Tuesday afternoon, in a small pharmaceutical store in Gbagada, Lagos, a woman with a little boy strapped to her back approached the pharmacist on duty for an anti-malarial tablet. Mrs Mary Odion had been treating what she believed was malaria in an on-and-off cycle for three weeks. Her son, Dominion, had just recovered from malaria the previous week. “I don’t understand what could be wrong,” she complained. “I treated malaria last month, and now here I am, feeling the symptoms again. It seems as if the kind of malaria we have nowadays is resistant to medicines.” An Ibadan-based accountant, Olayemi Dairo, also complained that he had treated what he was convinced was malaria for several days without any relief. “There was no improvement in my health, and I suspect that the medicines I took were fake. I’ve had to take some herbs because it appears that I’ve been taking coloured chalks all the while,” he said. “I have treated malaria twice this year,” a Lagos-based graphic designer, Seye Ayelabola, told our correspondent. “I was treated by a nurse for typhoid and had to take injections because I don’t know why the malaria returned.” Also sharing an experience he described as “scary,” a business owner, Paul Koboko, said he had purchased an anti-malarial medicine from a reputable store in Lagos during a visit to the country in 2023. “The medicine was produced in India, but after a week of taking it, I developed a horrible skin problem all over my body, which looked like eczema. I was confused. I used various ointments, but to no avail. “It was when I returned to Europe that I went for a laboratory test, and it was discovered that I had hyperpigmentation caused by that anti-malarial drug I took in Lagos. Now, this medicine was cleared by customs for circulation in the cities, but the medicines were most likely fake,” Koboko said. On Tuesday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control raised the alarm over the presence of counterfeit Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets circulating under the brand name Aflotin 20/120 in Nigeria. The agency said on its X handle that the counterfeit product was discovered and reported to it by the genuine manufacturer, Ajanta Pharma Limited, based in Mumbai, India. Aflotin 20/120 tablet is a combination of Artemether and Lumefantrine, and is primarily used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. Similarly, last month, NAFDAC notified the public about the circulation of a confirmed falsified Cikatem (Artemether 180mg/Lumefantrine 1080mg) suspension. “This product was discovered in the Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Kano following a consumer complaint received and investigated by the post-marketing surveillance officers of the agency in Kano,” the agency said. The suspension is indicated for the treatment of malaria in children caused by all forms of Plasmodium, including severe malaria. In December 2024, NAFDAC again alerted the public about the sale and distribution of confirmed counterfeit Paludex tablets and suspensions in Nigeria. The products did “not exist on the NAFDAC registered product database, and all NAFDAC registration numbers stated on the products are false.” Renewed war against malaria Over two decades ago, the war against malaria in Nigeria suffered a massive setback when the Plasmodium falciparum parasite developed resistance to chloroquine. This reversed much of the progress achieved in child survival and significantly hampered the country’s efforts to eliminate the disease. In 2005, Nigeria officially changed its recommended treatment for malaria from chloroquine to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy. The shift was prompted by the increasing resistance of malaria parasites to chloroquine and a consequent spike in malaria-related deaths. However, in recent years, the recurring malaria infections experienced by citizens, even after using anti-malarial medicines, have fuelled concerns about the possible emergence of Plasmodium strains resistant to current treatments. Reports of artemisinin-resistant malaria have already emerged from Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos. Similar resistance patterns have also been recorded in parts of Africa. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the Chief Executive Officer of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, Dr Michael Charles, noted that resistance to malaria drugs is a complex scientific issue that cannot be confirmed without thorough laboratory analysis. “Resistance occurs over a long period when people take fake drugs; when they take medications for malaria when they don’t have it, or even when they have malaria and take the right medications but fail to complete the dosage,” he said. “So, if people claim to be treating malaria and it’s not going away despite using the correct drugs, perhaps what they are treating isn’t malaria at all. I’m not saying there is or isn’t resistance. What I am saying is that to make such a claim in any society or country, there needs to be a scientific test where we assess both the efficacy of the medication and the response of the parasite. “It’s not something a layman can conclude. There has been confirmed resistance to ACTs on the African continent — in East Africa, some parts of South Africa, and even parts of West Africa. Nigeria hasn’t been scientifically proven yet, but that doesn’t mean resistance doesn’t exist. We must be cautious in accepting such claims without scientific proof,” Charles explained. He stressed the need for Nigeria to sustain its fight against malaria, noting that the country currently bears the highest burden of the disease globally, with an estimated 27 per cent of global cases. While this figure is alarmingly high, he urged that Nigeria’s large population — over 200 million — must be considered when interpreting the data. He also pointed to Egypt and Cape Verde as examples of African countries that have achieved malaria-free status. “Defeating malaria is not the responsibility of the health sector alone. We must involve agriculture, education, development, and poverty alleviation,” he stated. “If you look at how malaria is spread, particularly by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, and then examine Nigeria’s topography, you’ll find rice fields in states like Kebbi that require stagnant water to thrive. “Who is responsible for larval treatment of that water? Is it the Ministry of Health or Agriculture? You have open gutters — who should maintain them? Urban planning or the Ministry of Health? Then there are potholes and the effects of climate change causing more floods and stagnant water. “If we’re approaching malaria elimination solely from a health perspective, we’re doing society a disservice. The Ministry of Health should lead the charge, but other sectors must come on board to ensure that malaria elimination becomes everyone’s priority,” Charles added. Reducing the disease burden Commenting on the cases of malaria resistance, a pharmacist, James Uche, attributed it to people who sometimes use the same type of medication without knowing. “Take, for instance, Coartem is the same drug as Amatem and Lokmal. There are several brands, but they are still Artemether/Lumefantrine. So, when people keep using the same set of drugs, after a while, the parasite will no longer be affected. “The second reason is when people take anti-malarial drugs without actually having malaria. People may have a cold that mimics malaria symptoms, or they have joint pains and fever, and they conclude that they have malaria. “That’s why we have rapid diagnostic tools to confirm if it’s malaria we are treating. But when people use these drugs when they are not supposed to be used, the parasite gains resistance. “Many people also resort to injections, and they sometimes fail. So, a more complex pattern is, after treating the patient with the normal malaria medicine, we then follow them up with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine drugs like Amalar or Fansidar. When we notice the patient is resistant, we can change the drug from SP to P-Alaxin to increase its chances of giving better results. We sometimes use chloroquine also,” Uche told our correspondent. Also speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a Medical Microbiology and Parasitology expert, Dr Ernest Ohanu, noted that studies have indicated a concerning rise in resistance to ACTs, which have been described as “the current gold standard for malaria treatment.” He explained that in several African countries, including Nigeria, researchers have documented delayed parasite clearance, which indicates a tell-tale sign of emerging resistance. “This was compounded by the widespread availability of substandard and falsified antimalarial drugs, which not only failed to cure the disease but also contributed to the selection and spread of drug-resistant parasites. “Treatment failures, often attributed to these factors, fuelled a cycle of drug abuse. Desperate for relief, individuals frequently resorted to self-medication, using incorrect dosages or incomplete treatment courses. “This practice, coupled with the easy accessibility of antimalarial drugs without proper prescriptions, created a fertile ground for the evolution of resistant parasites,” Ohanu noted. He pointed out that for the growing problem of malaria resistance in the country to be tackled, the government and health authorities must take urgent action. The medical expert also called for an improvement in the accurate diagnosis of malaria and its treatment with effective drugs. “Regulatory systems should be strengthened to prevent the sale of substandard or fake malaria drugs. There should also be a promotion of rational drug use. The public should be educated on the proper use of anti-malarial drugs and the dangers of self-medication. “There should be more support for research and development. We need to encourage research into new anti-malarial drugs and vaccines to stay ahead of emerging resistance. “Beyond the immediate medical response, tackling the root causes of drug abuse, such as poverty and limited access to healthcare, is imperative. The battle against malaria resistance is not just a medical challenge; it is a socioeconomic one, demanding a comprehensive and sustained approach,” Ohanu added.

LAOLU AFOLABI examines the implications of the APC National Caucus and NEC meetings on the party’s stability and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections The All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday, finally held its National Executive Committee, after almost two years of appointing Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as its National Chairman. Ganduje was appointed on August 3, 2023, by the National Executive Committee, following the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu. The NEC meeting on Wednesday was well attended by major stakeholders of the party. The meeting, led by President Tinubu, had top party leaders in attendance, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, Ganduje, governors, and members of the National Working Committee. They converged on the party secretariat in Abuja to discuss economic recovery, internal party reconciliation, and strategic governance decisions. Before the NEC meeting, some members had accused the party leadership of sidelining key organs in decision-making. Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, went further, criticising the APC for straying from its founding principles. Some political analysts view the NEC meeting as a crucial test of the party’s strength and leadership, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gain momentum. The gathering provided an opportunity for the party to assess its internal cohesion, address lingering disputes, and reaffirm its support for Tinubu’s administration amid ongoing economic recovery efforts and political realignments. The APC NEC meeting took place a day after the party’s caucus meeting held on Tuesday night. At the caucus meeting, party leaders praised Tinubu’s administration for turning the economy around, with GDP growing by 3.84 per cent in the last quarter of 2024 and inflation going downhill. Ganduje’s leadership established A significant outcome of the meeting was the validation of Ganduje as the National Chairman, following previous speculations about his potential resignation. The party dismissed these rumours, affirming Ganduje’s leadership and commitment to his mandate. Prior to the NEC meeting, the APC faced internal dissent, particularly from the North-Central faction, which had been vocal in its demand for Ganduje’s removal. This group argued that the national chairmanship should be retained within their region, leading to legal actions and public protests. However, in a recent development, the North-Central APC Forum announced the suspension of its agitation, expressing a willingness to collaborate for the party’s unity and success. Vote of confidence in Tinubu The NEC, in a move that signals party unity, unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the President and his economic policies. Addressing the audience, the President expressed his determination to work harder for the country’s greater good, assuring them that the Nigerian economy was on the path of recovery. He said the commendation from the party’s highest decision-making organ was a call for more hard work and promised not to fail the party faithful. The President also expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the APC National Working Committee for contributing massively to his electoral victory. “I am happy with your vote of confidence, and I accept it. The vote is a challenge to do more work; we will vigorously pursue our sovereignty in food security, investment and development. “I am happy with food prices coming down, especially as Ramadan approaches. The sun is high, and the sky is bright outside. While the rest of the world unravels, we see growth in Nigeria. We are seeing a gradual return to stability. We are seeing improvements. I thank you, governors,” Tinubu said. The President pledged to continue working assiduously with other arms of government to ensure the greater good for Nigerians and commended APC governors and executives for their continued and unwavering commitment. “Let the NEC find a way to celebrate our progressive ideals, and I promise you, our governors and Nigerians, that we will sustain these progressive changes. Everywhere in the world, especially in Europe, we have economic shocks, and we are doing everything possible. “I’m grateful to all Nigerians for the electoral successes recorded from one state to the other. Governors, you have embraced these changes, and I thank the leadership of our party. I also thank members of the National Assembly for expeditiously considering the budget. We can only build the party on a progressive platform to deliver good service to Nigerians,” he added. Call for reconciliation In recent times, the APC has been grappling with internal crises, with several state chapters entangled in leadership tussles and factional disputes. Many aggrieved members, frustrated by unresolved grievances, have become disillusioned and disengaged from party activities, raising concerns about unity and stability ahead of future elections. Tinubu, who commended the party’s National Working Committee for its performance, called for measures to end some of the crises in the states. “The National Working Committee is doing a very good job; I am pleased with them. However, there are a few conflicts in the various states. Let’s set up committees to look into the lingering problems in the states and appeal to these party leaders in various states to please be calm and be collaborative,” the President said. Commenting on the call, Ganduje briefed the NEC on efforts taken so far to appease and reconcile aggrieved members of the party. “Your Excellencies, we have also embarked on massive reconciliation of aggrieved party members, and this move is gradually yielding desired positive results for the party. Through dialogue, we have initiated high-level discussions amongst party leaders and other stakeholders with a view to resolving lingering differences between our members,” he stated. APC secretariat and financial burden Ganduje appealed for Tinubu’s support in acquiring a new APC secretariat, citing the inadequacy of the current facility. He stated that the current structure is old and not befitting for the status of a ruling party and, therefore, urged President Tinubu to help secure a parcel of land where a new secretariat can be sited from the Federal Capital Territory Administration. He said, “Your Excellencies, as part of our commitment to secure and own a national secretariat complex befitting of a ruling party and one that would conveniently accommodate our national officers, the newly established The Progressives Institute, as well as the three wings of the party, we have formally applied for land at the Federal Capital Territory Administration that will drive this project. May I, therefore, appeal for the kind intervention of Mr President for this project to materialise? “Let me once again applaud the Leader of our party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for initiating laudable programmes that would subsequently ensure rapid inclusivity.” The national chairman also revealed that the party inherited a debt of N8.9bn, mostly from legal expenses related to election battles. He noted that the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections. Reacting to the new secretariat appeal, Tinubu said, “The place we are gathering today is too small for us and I agree with you that we need a bigger location. I think the minister of national economic planning is here. We will discuss it with the minister in charge, and we will do something about it.” Legislative support for Tinubu’s agenda Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting Tinubu’s policies, particularly in passing bills aimed at national development and economic improvement. Akpabio reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu in lifting the nation from its economic and developmental woes. “The Senate will expeditiously pass bills that would enhance our national development, improve the economy and redirect our national pathway,” he said. Also, Abbas commended the President for his vision and courage in making unpopular but essential decisions. He said the decisions were pivotal for Nigeria’s developmental efforts. Why Buhari was absent Speaking on Buhari’s absence, his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, told the BBC Hausa that the former President received the invitation late. According to Shehu, the invitation was sent on Monday but only reached Buhari on Tuesday, making it difficult for him to travel from Daura to Abuja in time for the meeting. Despite his absence, Shehu stressed that Buhari remains a committed APC member. He recalled that Buhari was twice nominated by the party for President and remains involved in party affairs, even if he was unable to be physically present at the meeting.