The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for what it described as excessive foreign trips and wasteful spending, accusing him of neglecting pressing domestic challenges.

In a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Bola Abdullahi, the party faulted the President’s latest foreign trip, claiming that he has embarked on 40 foreign visits since assuming office, spending a total of about 181 days — nearly six months — outside the country.

“By public records, this means that in the 26 months he has been President, almost 25 per cent of his time has been spent abroad,” the ADC said.

The party argued that despite billions of naira reportedly spent on these trips, there have been “no real economic gains,” while insecurity and poverty continue to worsen.

“Set against the growing insecurity that claims the lives of an average of 30 Nigerians daily, and widespread poverty that has left the majority of citizens in misery, this frequent flier presidency stands in stark contrast to the realities on the ground,” the statement read.

The ADC cited reports of bandit-imposed taxes in states such as Benue and Zamfara, rampant killings, worsening economic hardship, and a growing population of malnourished children.

The party also questioned the rationale behind Tinubu’s latest trip amid speculation about his health. “Nigeria deserves a President who is present. While millions suffer, our leaders cannot afford to treat governance like a part-time job,” it stated.

The ADC warned that speculation over the President’s health could harm the economy, discourage investors, and embolden the country’s adversaries.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 637 candidates will contest 68 positions in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.

The positions comprise six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats across the six area councils. According to a statement on Thursday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, 17 political parties submitted nominations before the 6:00 p.m. deadline on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Olumekun said the personal particulars of all candidates, including academic credentials submitted via Form EC9, will be published on Monday, August 18, 2025, at INEC offices in all six area councils, in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

He urged the public to scrutinise the documents and noted that any aspirant with evidence that a candidate provided false information could challenge the nomination in court, as provided in Section 29(5) of the Act.

The final list of candidates will be released on September 22, 2025, in compliance with Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act, which requires publication at least 150 days before the election.

The FCT Area Council election is scheduled to hold on February 21, 2026.

The Federal Government has charged the newly appointed Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Adeyemi, to reposition and transform the agency.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the charge on Thursday while decorating Adeyemi with his new rank at the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) headquarters in Abuja.

Adeyemi assumed office on Wednesday, succeeding Abdulganiyu Jaji, who retired after reaching the statutory age of 60.

Tunji-Ojo urged the new CG to envision where the FFS should be and work towards making it one of the most impactful agencies in the country.

“Your job is to serve Nigerians. Leadership is about doing what is right, not waiting for 100 per cent support. Be focused, courageous, and determined,” the minister said, adding that a new fire service law is being considered by the National Assembly to replace the outdated legislation.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, advised Adeyemi to work within the laws and put national interest first, assuring him of the ministry’s full support.

In his remarks, Adeyemi thanked President Bola Tinubu and the minister for the appointment, pledging to deliver on the service’s mandate.

“We will do our best not to disappoint the president and Nigerians,” he said.