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2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

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1 year ago

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2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

By Dr. James Bwala

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state and the former senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, have severally revealed in their various commentaries and interviews with journalists the kind of person the former governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is and what he represents within and outside the political circles. Many who had also come across such pieces of writing or articles written about the former Kaduna state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, have either aired their sentiments or held their reservations about the person of El-Rufai. Those of us who were born and brought up in Kaduna State can agree or disagree with Governor Uba Sani and Senator Shehu Sani on their conclusion of the person of El-Rufai. But certainly, one thing we may all agree on is better put in the words of Nigeria’s former head of state and president, Olusegun Obasanjo, when he described the Man-El-Rufai in his book, “My Watch,” Vol. 2, pages 110-112.  “El-Rufai has a penchant for lying, disloyalty..’.

The political landscape of Nigeria in 2027 presents a complex narrative of opportunism and strategic repositioning, epitomized by Nasir el-Rufai’s calculated maneuvers within the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai’s persistent party-hopping demonstrates the pragmatic nature of Nigerian political elites, who prioritize personal interests over substantive national transformation. This phenomenon reveals a systemic problem where political leaders view party affiliations as tactical instruments rather than platforms for genuine societal progress. The strategically orchestrated political realignments, particularly el-Rufai’s mobilization of opposition leaders under the SDP banner, underscore a deeper malaise in Nigerian democratic practice. His attempts to reconstruct political narratives reflect a calculated approach to maintaining relevance in an increasingly volatile political environment. The persistent manipulation of electoral dynamics suggests a continued reliance on rhetorical strategies designed to obscure fundamental governance challenges.

In 2027, the political landscape in Nigeria continues to be shaped by complex dynamics involving several players, notably the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and prominent figures like Nasir El-Rufai.  This piece explores the intersection of political strategies, governance, and the pervasive influence of misinformation, encapsulated in the idea of a “refuge of lies.” The SDP has historically positioned itself as a party dedicated to social justice, democracy, and economic advancement. However, as 2027 unfolds, it faces significant challenges that threaten its credibility and electoral viability. One critical issue is the party’s struggle to maintain a clear and honest narrative amid a climate of misinformation. 

In recent years, the proliferation of social media has allowed for rapid dissemination of both information and falsehoods, leading to confusion among voters. The SDP must navigate this reality by championing transparency and engaging with citizens on the ground to rebuild trust. Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, also plays a pivotal role in this narrative. Known for his controversial approaches to governance, El-Rufai’s political maneuvers often stir debate. His strategies, ranging from economic reforms to security initiatives, highlight the necessity of truthful discourse in politics.

In a political climate where misinformation can skew public perception, El-Rufai’s successes and failures must be viewed through a lens of honesty. The SDP could benefit by aligning its objectives with truthfulness, demonstrating how effective governance relies on accurate and factual communication. The “refuge of lies” refers to the tendency of some political actors to resort to deceitful tactics to gain an advantage. This can involve making exaggerated claims about achievements or downplaying failures to manipulate public opinion. This practice erodes the foundation of democracy, as voters are left with distorted views of their leaders and their policies. 

Throughout 2027, as both the SDP and El-Rufai navigate their agendas, it is crucial to foster an environment where integrity prevails over deception. Voter education campaigns that promote critical thinking and fact-checking can combat the effects of misinformation. Indeed, the interplay between the SDP, Nasir El-Rufai, and the concept of the “refuge of lies” presents a critical moment for Nigeria’s political future. It emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in governance and the need for political accountability. As the country approaches the next electoral cycle, the challenges posed by misinformation demand urgent action. A commitment to transparency and integrity from both the SDP and political leaders like El-Rufai can foster a healthier democratic process, ultimately benefiting the electorate and the nation as a whole.

Ultimately, the 2027 political landscape for the SDP and its co-travellers under the umbrella called “A Coalition” represents a refuge of lies, where political survival trumps meaningful democratic engagement. El-Rufai’s maneuvers exemplify a broader pattern of political opportunism that undermines the potential for substantive national renewal. As Nigerian voters navigate these complex political terrains, the imperative for critical engagement and systemic accountability becomes increasingly paramount. Voters are left to discern between the rhetoric of change and the reality of recycled political tactics. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by a political climate where promises of reform are frequently overshadowed by entrenched interests and the perpetuation of power dynamics that favor the political elite over ordinary citizens. The entrenched cycle of political defections and alliances, as evidenced by El-Rufai’s maneuvers, highlights a stark reality where the pursuit of power supersedes the commitment to national development. 

This pattern of political maneuvering not only perpetuates a cycle of disillusionment among the electorate but also poses significant challenges to fostering a stable and transparent democratic process. The electorate’s growing disillusionment is exacerbated by political figures like El-Rufai, whose repeated party affiliations underscore a tactical play for power rather than a commitment to transformative leadership. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by a political climate where promises of reform are frequently overshadowed by entrenched interests and the perpetuation of power dynamics that favor the political elite over ordinary citizens. Such political maneuvering not only undermines the electorate’s trust but also perpetuates a cycle where substantial policy reform remains elusive. The strategic alignment of political figures with parties like the SDP, as advocated by El-Rufai, underscores a pervasive trend where political survival is prioritized over authentic governance reforms. Such a focus on political expediency rather than genuine reform efforts raises critical questions about the future of democracy in Nigeria and whether the electorate will continue to tolerate this cyclical betrayal.

The electorate’s growing disillusionment with these political machinations may eventually catalyze a demand for transparency and accountability, challenging leaders like El-Rufai to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible reforms. Given the electorate’s increasing frustration, it becomes imperative for political leaders to demonstrate a commitment to substantive policy changes rather than mere political posturing. The electorate’s demand for accountability is not only a call for action but also a test of the political will to transcend entrenched interests and foster genuine progress. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) must navigate these turbulent waters carefully, as its credibility hinges on distancing itself from the pervasive culture of political expediency that has long plagued the nation’s governance. 
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/southeast-crises-ipob-peddling-falsehood-disinformation-to-remain-relevant-army/

As the 2027 elections approach, the SDP’s challenge lies in convincing an increasingly skeptical public that it can break away from the entrenched practices of its predecessors and offer a viable alternative to the status quo. The party’s ability to present a cohesive and transparent platform will be crucial in dispelling the pervasive cynicism that has long characterized Nigerian politics. The party’s leadership must recognize that empty promises and shifting allegiances, as exemplified by political figures like El-Rufai, are no longer sufficient to secure the trust of a populace weary of recycled rhetoric and superficial alliances. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by figures like El-Rufai, whose frequent party shifts are seen as emblematic of political opportunism rather than a genuine commitment to reform. 

The challenge for the SDP will be to distinguish itself from figures like El-Rufai, whose political maneuvers have often been perceived as prioritizing self-interest over meaningful reform. To truly resonate with the electorate, the SDP must present a clear and consistent vision that starkly contrasts with the opportunistic tendencies of career politicians like El-Rufai. The SDP must focus on articulating policies that address the systemic issues of governance, resource mismanagement, and public disenchantment, rather than succumbing to the allure of temporary palliatives that have historically characterized political campaigns. The SDP’s commitment to integrity and reform will be tested as it navigates the complex landscape of Nigerian politics, where promises are often made with little intention of being fulfilled. The SDP must also remain vigilant against the allure of figures whose past actions, such as those of El-Rufai, have often contributed to the perpetuation of a political culture rooted in cynicism and self-preservation.  The SDP’s ability to build trust will hinge on its willingness to break away from the shadow of political figures like El-Rufai, whose influence often symbolizes a return to the entrenched power dynamics that many voters are eager to dismantle.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

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Columns

Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

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2 weeks ago

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May 29, 2026

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Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

By: Balami Lazarus

Long-term investments have never been the likes of most Nigerians. In fact, few have come to realize the secret of letting my money work for me through my investments in some going concerns (businesses).

Good and profitable investments in the three businesses

Arms will go a long way for financial independence and freedom.

Let me draw your attention to life in the jungle where rules are conditioned based on territorial control. The honey badger, the most fearless of all animals, has no respect for territories, including the swamps where crocodiles are kings. The Honey Badgers have long realized that their physical strength and ability do not lie in their size but in their biological capacity and anatomical system to do what they are used to doing at ease among other animals in the wild.

Similarly, if you invest and take a position in the three business investments, no doubt your returns on investments (RoI) will give you the desired results to control and rule without territorial limits in your domestic affairs and the environment.

I am not a business owner but a part owner of some businesses. One thing I know, and I always do, is to continue to develop and improve myself with knowledge in business investments for financial freedom and independence, considering my attitudes for self-freedom for when to do and/or not to do. Reasonably, you can exhibit this financial freedom through your returns on investments (RoI).

This has taught me what to do and when. It has further educated me on how, when, and where to invest—short or long-term period. I have also learned to develop some businesses and lease them out to other people to run them.

The information age has these days made making money through investments much easier and cheaper for those who want to be financially independent if tomorrow comes, most times with a modicum of health.

challenges.

Investment benefits will improve and

stabilized your mental and social life; an alibi to aging gracefully when the body is tired, weak, and fragile.

What are these three (3) arm investments? The phrase is my coinage, which simply means property (real estate), agriculture, and stocks. While some called it business streams. However, the good

The thing about investments is that an investor is making money in other businesses and is free from being part of the management of the business.

Therefore, the objective of every business investment is to translate them into financial gains. That is why core investors are always on the lookout for investment opportunities to put their money in and become part owners of the business concerns.

This piece, I believe, will be food for thought for wise minds. Better late than never.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist 08036779290

Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

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Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

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2 months ago

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April 21, 2026

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Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

By: Balami Lazarus

This piece made me recall my attempt to write the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) examinations years ago that I cannot remember now. I deliberately failed to continue with no reasons to give or shift blame as an escape route, which humans many do to console themselves of their failures. I (the writer) have learned never to do that.

However, no knowledge or experience is a waste for a wiseman. Hence, this work is derived from the knowledge gotten from the handouts and books I read on capital, equity, and/or stock market investments, where patience is the guiding principle as an investor taking into consideration this formula: Money > Units (Stocks) × Time + Patience = capital appreciations/dividends.

Many Nigerians are unaware of this equity/capital market. And if they do, they lack knowledge on what to do and how to invest in this market (kasuwan hanun jari).

It will shock you to know that there are so many share certificates in the hands of the citizens, amounting to thousands of units of shares worth billions of naira put together, laying fallow, not knowing what to do with them.

For I have seen many and assisted friends and relatives on what to do. Thanks for the digitalization of the market; it has made things much easier for investors and traders, including dividend payments currently taking place.

And surprisingly, there is over $190 billion in unclaimed dividends in the coffers of the federal government under the watch of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is the regulatory body.

This large amount of money came as a result of some shareholders not knowing how to claim their dividends. While others may be due to the attitudes of procrastination.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), now officially Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, which is run as a public liability company guided by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with its nomenclature as (NGX), also has her stocks traded on the exchange floor at Lagos.

I will not say much on the NGX. But be informed it is the trading floor of public companies’ stocks listed with the exchange where traders and investors can buy and sell their stocks or simply shares from Mondays to Fridays (5 times) in a week from 9am to 2pm daily.

Every year most companies hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM), informing their shareholders of the progress of their companies and whether or not to declare dividends to their shareholders depending on the strength of profits after tax (PAT) to those whose names appear on the list of the company registrars before the date of declaration.

The season of dividend declarations is most times done in April through June of each year. However, companies’ dividends vary in the sum of money paid to their shareholders depending on their units’ holdings in each company as part owners.

Dividends have added monetary value to shareholders and, by extension, improved the capacity of small- and medium-scale businesses in the economy because of the large amounts of money that have been paid into their various accounts either as individuals or as business enterprises.

Investors and capital market watchers are one group in society that is better informed on this segment of the Nigerian economy. And the investing group of citizens are making millions upon millions of naira from their investments in the market.

Take Guaranty Trust Company (GTCO) Plc, owners of Guaranty Trust Bank, as an example. Having declared a dividend of 11.67kobo per share for her shareholders. And assuming you, the reader, have a shareholding of only 1 million units. #11.67k x 1m = to #11,670,000 less 10% withholding tax (WHT), you will be credited with #10,503,000 your dividend as return on investment (RoI) on 28th April 2026 payment date.

What a profitable investment/dividend payment season.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist. 08036779290

Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

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Jos: Living in Conflicts and Crisis for a Quarter of a Century: Where Peace Became Paranormal Stranger (2)

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2 months ago

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April 17, 2026

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Jos: Living in Conflicts and Crisis for a Quarter of a Century: Where Peace Became Paranormal Stranger (2)

By: Balami Lazarus

How do we find lasting solutions to the conflicts and crises in Jos? How do we go about the general insecurity facing the nation? While the utterances of some highly placed Nigerians like Godswill Akpabio, Nuhu Ribadu, Sheik Gumi, and others are fuelling this aged monster called

insecurity and its perpetrators that is burning us to the third degree.

I have radical lasting solutions to the conflicts and crises in Jos. And the general insecurity we allowed ourselves to be webbed in it.

The lingering civil unrest in Jos has fast-forwarded the insecurity in the city. It has also intensified killings, kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism in guerrilla-style attacks, as in the case of Ungwan Rukuba, 29th March, 2026.

Reportedly, there are lots of guns in the hands of many citizens of Plateau State unlicenced. In fact, Nigerians are now leveraging the provisions of the law for self-defense.

But how far and to what extent can we defend ourselves against these bandits or terrorists that are armed with sophisticated firearms? While in Jos, they (terrorists/bandits) are taking advantage of our disunity to launch mayhem on us living in the city.

The recent attacks by unknown gunmen in the city center (Ungwan Rukuba) show the extent of how we have failed in our unity. And that allegedly no arrest has been made. Rather innocent youths of the said area were arrested and are now treated as suspects of the gruesome killings.

Now let me begin to reel out my radical solutions on these issues that have eaten deep into our bone marrows.

Indeed, the need for well-equipped and armed standing state and local government police is a necessity for state security and protection of lives and property of the citizens that will in turn propel

and enhanced our national security, because this issue has engulfed the country.

The conflicts and crises in Jos have always been generated from within by some individuals or groups of persons who lack peaceful coexistence in their DNA.

The immediate thing to do is for each and every ward to organize, train, and arm their vigilante groups with assault rifles. An example of one such group is the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) of Maiduguri in Borno state. This vigilante group is doing well in protecting the city. I commend them.

I hereby believe the application of the method aforementioned will bring back peace as a permanent resident in Jos but not as an itinerant. Because it is only in the Jos Plateau that peace is always travelling, and you hear us saying, “Peace has returned.”

The government and the people are now paying dearly for the consequences of the inactions and deliberate refusal of the recent past and present administrations—federal and state—to take decisive actions to bring an end to these compounded insecurities destroying the polity.

I am one individual who holds strong beliefs and believes in radical ways of finding solutions to problematic issues.

Using Plateau State as an example, where incessant killings are a permanent feature. Therefore, Nigerians should begin to agitate for the breakup of the country through peaceful means like a referendum or restructuring of our systems for a better Nigeria, on the one hand. It is now the right time for regions or groups to begin the process of secession as radical change for the good of the balkanization of the country, on the other.

Whereas if and when two can no longer live together in an agreed-upon and peaceful atmosphere, having exhausted reasonable avenues. What will be the next action?

And here we are. What are we going to do? Tell me sincerely and truthfully.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist 08036779290

Jos: Living in Conflicts and Crisis for a Quarter of a Century: Where Peace Became Paranormal Stranger (2)

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