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Political Realignment in Plateau Sparks Debate on Accountability and Democratic Responsibility

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Political Realignment in Plateau

Plateau State is witnessing a major political realignment as an increasing number of political actors and governing structures defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering renewed debate around democratic responsibility, governance, and the ethical use of power.

Analysts describe the development as unusual in both scale and speed, noting that it goes beyond routine political defections and may represent a defining moment in the state’s democratic evolution. While party switching is a familiar feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, the current trend has raised concerns about the implications of a weakened opposition and the concentration of political power.

Commenting on the development, National President of the Plateau State Association, USA, Inc., Dr. Barth Shepkong, a public policy scholar and social entrepreneur, cautioned that democracy depends not only on electoral victories but on strong institutions, pluralism, and accountability.

Dr. Shepkong observed that Nigeria’s highly centralized political system often incentivizes political actors to align with federal power structures for access to resources and political survival, making many defections strategic rather than ideological.

While acknowledging that political consolidation can offer benefits such as improved access to national resources, coordinated security responses, and faster development, he warned that these advantages must be guided by ethical leadership and transparent governance.

“Where political competition weakens, legislative oversight and civic scrutiny may also decline, increasing the risk of unaccountable governance,” he said.

He further noted that Plateau State’s complex history—shaped by identity, land ownership, faith, and communal relations—makes inclusive and transparent governance essential, warning that any political arrangement perceived as exclusionary could undermine peace and social cohesion.

Dr. Shepkong emphasized that alignment with the federal government is not inherently negative, stressing that the true measure of leadership lies in how power is exercised, balanced with accountability, and translated into effective service delivery.

With opposition voices thinning, he said public office holders now bear a greater moral responsibility to govern with transparency, competence, and inclusiveness, while strengthening oversight institutions and welcoming public scrutiny.

Beyond political leaders, he urged citizens, civil society organisations, the media, faith-based and traditional institutions, as well as members of the Plateau diaspora, to remain actively engaged in civic life.

“Democracy weakens not only when leaders fail, but when citizens disengage,” he said, calling on the public to consistently demand transparency and measurable outcomes from government.

He also warned that a dominant political party must uphold internal democracy and ethical standards to avoid factionalism and weakened governance structures.

As Plateau State navigates this period of political transition, stakeholders have been urged to reinforce democratic safeguards, including transparent procurement processes, credible internal party mechanisms, effective legislative oversight, and sustained civic engagement. Observers say decisions made during this period will shape both the state’s present governance outcomes and its long-term democratic legacy.

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Legends Return to the Pitch: IASC Above 45 Tournament 2026 Begins with Blockbuster Opening Fixtures

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August 4, 2026

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The stage is set for another memorable chapter in the history of the Island Allstars Sports Club (IASC) as the much-anticipated IASC Above 45 Tournament 2026 kicks off on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the LBS Sports Arena, Lekki, promising an exciting display of football, sportsmanship and camaraderie among veteran players.

The annual tournament, one of the club’s flagship sporting events, celebrates the enduring passion, fitness and competitive spirit of football enthusiasts aged 45 years and above. It has become a unique platform where experience meets talent, bringing together distinguished members of the club to compete while strengthening the bonds of friendship that define the IASC family.

Read Also: Island AllStars Celebrate Grand Synergy Cup Finish As President Okeke Commends SMC and Competing Teams

According to the fixtures released by the Sports Management Committee (SMC), the opening match will see Team A take on Team D at 8:30 a.m., while the second fixture will feature Team B against Team C at 10:30 a.m. Both matches will be played at the LBS Sports Arena, with the tournament concluding on August 15, 2026, when the champions will emerge.

Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the Above 45 Tournament continues to promote healthy living, active ageing and community engagement, proving that football remains a lifelong passion capable of inspiring generations.

This year’s competition is proudly supported by Sure B Homes, Dinice Royal Investment Limited, Network Times Nigeria Limited, and Cartel Beach House Del Viento, whose sponsorship underscores the growing corporate confidence in the vision of the Island Allstars Sports Club.

To ensure supporters across Nigeria and beyond do not miss the action, selected matches will be streamed live on Sports247 YouTube Channel and website: sports247.ng, allowing football lovers around the world to follow every tackle, goal and dramatic moment as it unfolds.

Speaking on behalf of the Sports Management Committee, the committee’s Secretary, Ugochukwu Chukwudalu, assured members and supporters of a professionally organised tournament that reflects the values of excellence, unity and fair play for which the club is known.

As anticipation reaches fever pitch, all roads lead to the LBS Sports Arena this Saturday for what promises to be an unforgettable football spectacle. For the players, it is another opportunity to chase glory. For the fans, it is a celebration of football at its finest—where legends return to the pitch and experience takes centre stage.

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Coronation Insurance, Coronation Life Meet NIIRA 2025 Minimum Capital Requirements Following Successful ₦9.2bn Capital Raise

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August 4, 2026

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Coronation Insurance Plc and Coronation Life Assurance Limited have successfully met the new minimum capital requirements stipulated under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

This marks the successful completion of the Nigerian insurance industry’s year-long recapitalisation exercise as announced by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

A statement released today by both underwriters, that the milestone follows the successful conclusion of a ₦9.2 billion private placement by both companies, which attracted strong participation from existing and new investors. The offer, comprising 4.2 billion ordinary shares, was oversubscribed, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the companies’ long-term strategy, sound corporate governance, and growth prospects.

Meeting the new regulatory capital requirements reinforces the financial strength of both Coronation Insurance and Coronation Life Assurance, positioning the companies to accelerate innovation, expand access to insurance solutions, and create greater value for customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders.

The strengthened capital base will support strategic investments in product innovation, digital transformation, customer experience, and the expansion of the companies’ distribution footprint. It will also reinforce their bancassurance partnership with Access Bank, enabling both companies to extend insurance solutions to customers across one of Africa’s largest banking networks.

Reacting on the milestone, Olamide Olajolo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Insurance Plc, said: “Meeting the new capital requirements under NIIRA 2025 is a significant milestone for our business and reflects the confidence investors continue to place in our strategy and long-term vision. The successful completion of our private placement is a testament to the strength of our governance, our business model, and our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient insurance company that consistently delivers value to customers, shareholders, and the wider economy.

“With our strengthened capital position, we remain focused on expanding our product offerings, deepening our distribution capabilities, investing in digital innovation, and delivering exceptional service across every customer touchpoint. We are well positioned to respond to emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving insurance market while driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

Also Adebowale Adesona, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Life Assurance Limited, “said: The successful completion of this recapitalisation represents much more than regulatory compliance; it is a strong affirmation of our commitment to building a future-ready life insurance business that inspires confidence and delivers lasting financial security for our customers.

“This stronger capital base enables us to deepen our investment in innovative life insurance and wealth creation solutions, enhance our digital capabilities, strengthen our customer experience, and expand access to insurance through strategic partnerships. As Nigeria’s insurance industry enters a new era, Coronation Life Assurance is well positioned to help more individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most while creating sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

Both firms continue to strengthen their market position through customer-focused solutions spanning general insurance, life insurance, risk protection, savings, retirement planning, and wealth creation for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

The successful recapitalisation underscores growing investor confidence in the long-term prospects of Nigeria’s insurance industry while reaffirming Coronation’s commitment to building resilient financial institutions that create sustainable value.

With enhanced financial capacity, strong corporate governance, and a clear strategic growth agenda, Coronation Insurance and Coronation Life Assurance are well positioned to accelerate innovation, broaden market access, deepen customer relationships, and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Nigeria’s insurance sector under the new regulatory framework.

The post Coronation Insurance, Coronation Life Meet NIIRA 2025 Minimum Capital Requirements Following Successful ₦9.2bn Capital Raise appeared first on Business Today NG.

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