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2027: Why NNPCL has become target in power struggle – Analyst
An Abuja-based journalist and author, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, has said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bayo Ojulari, are being unfairly targeted by political actors as part of a wider strategy to weaken President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Melah made the statement in an article titled “2027, NNPCL and the Gathering of Termites”, where he argued that as the 2027 elections approach, some politicians have shifted focus from genuine criticism to deliberate attempts to frustrate Tinubu’s key appointees.
“The most attractive vocation in Nigeria today, is to attack Tinubu and pour tar on his administration; and this would continue, even get worse. as 2027 draws closer. The idea is to attack the president, either directly, or send the missiles against his loyal aides and appointees, especially those manning strategic ministries, departments and agencies that are seen as critical to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The overall mission is simple- Muffle and diminish the President’s positives and in the process, impact the government’s public perception in order to achieve the regime change project in 2027.
“In the ongoing anti-Tinubu war, the President’s First Eleven, must be attacked relentlessly and ferociously, as a way to either prod Tinubu to sack them or cause them enough distraction so that they would fail in their mandate of helping the administration achieve results.
“It is therefore no surprise, that Dr. Bayo Ojulari, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, who assumed office barely three months ago, is on the radar and has become a major prey of the hawks, the termites and the vultures of destruction and enemies of progress.”
According to him, he was chosen purely on merit with the mandate to reform the NNPCL and make it more profitable for the country.
Melah dismissed recent reports alleging that the NNPCL breached due process by hosting a retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, saying the story was deliberately twisted to paint the management in a bad light.
“Are the authors of the so-called ‘exclusive report’ suggesting that before the management of NNPCL or any other government agency travel for official engagement… they should wait until public bidding process is conducted to determine whether they would travel by bus, donkey, boat, train or plane?” he asked.
He further noted that while the NNPCL is being investigated over past contracts related to refinery rehabilitation, Dr. Ojulari was not in charge when those deals were awarded or executed.
“It is neither Ojulari nor his management team that is being investigated,” he clarified.
Melah urged Nigerians to support reformers like Ojulari and give them space to deliver on their responsibilities rather than distract them with politically motivated attacks.
“While we all agree that elected and appointed leaders should be subjected to public scrutiny and make them accountable to the people, well-meaning citizens should take all necessary precautions before drinking the coffee from the double-bellied coffee mug of some critics. This is in view of the well-known fact that a huge number of them are bigoted by either political biases, ethnic and religious prejudices or outright mischief and hatred for Nigeria while some others are ready to do anything for money.
He warned that many of the critics attacking the current administration are the same individuals who contributed in escorting Nigeria to where she is today.
He urged the public not to be swayed by those driven by personal interest or political ambition.
“Dr. Bayo Ojulari and the new management/Board, should be allowed to work without unnecessary distractions, so that we can objectively assess them on the merit of their performances, rather than on preconceived prejudices against NNPCL.”
The Supreme Court has nullified the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
The convention had produced a factional national executive of the party led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
The apex court’s decision has now affirmed earlier judgments which held that the exercise was conducted in violation of subsisting court orders.
The Ibadan convention had been the subject of prolonged legal disputes before the Supreme Court’s verdict.
A Federal High Court had earlier restrained the PDP from going ahead with the convention, citing alleged breaches of the party’s constitution and failure to comply with due process.
The court also noted unresolved disputes from state congresses and the alleged exclusion of some aspirants from the process.
Despite the order, the convention went ahead, leading to further litigation. The Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the decision of the lower court.
It affirmed that the convention was held in violation of valid judicial pronouncements and that its outcome could not stand.
Dissatisfied with the concurrent judgments, the Turaki-led faction approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the decisions and validate the convention as well as the executives it produced.
The Supreme Court’s decision to void the convention has effectively settled the legal dispute over the legitimacy of the factional leadership that emerged from the exercise.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
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