A member of House of Representatives representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central federal constituency, Anthony Adepoju has announced his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Adepoju, who is currently serving his second term in the office, announced this decision in a letter of resignation addressed to the PDP Chairman in his ward.

The lawmaker, in the letter obtained by DAILY POST on Thursday, cited the prolonged internal crises as the reason for his decision.

He said that the PDP crises had affected his performance negatively.

Adepoju also disclosed that the crises had created cracks within the party.

He said, “I regret how this resignation may be received by my millions of followers at home and abroad and I assure everyone that my next political move will be made known in due course”.

Kebbi State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has urged political parties yet to conduct congresses, as well as those that have concluded theirs, to ensure strict compliance with Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, guidelines and constitutional provisions ahead of party primaries.

The call was made in a statement on Wednesday by the Kebbi State IPAC Chairman, Faruku Garba, NATO, who stressed the need for transparent and credible congresses to strengthen internal democracy within political parties.

Garba said prompt, genuine, and impartial congresses serve as a “litmus test” for credible primary elections, noting that internal party democracy remains key to producing quality leadership.

According to him, “good leaders are produced through fair congresses,” adding that credible processes are essential tools political parties can use to achieve success in elections.

He warned that poorly conducted congresses often lead to litigation, which could jeopardise parties’ chances at the polls and create avoidable tensions within the democratic system.

Garba also urged all political parties in Kebbi State and across Nigeria to ensure their internal activities comply strictly with INEC laws and guidelines.

“We watch closely as events unfold in political party congresses, and we admonish them to ensure seamless congresses to avoid political rancour, or parties may risk being delisted for refusing to follow laid down rules provided in the constitution and INEC,” he said.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, along with his delegation, met at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to establish a strategic plan aimed at ensuring peaceful elections.

The meeting was attended by the Force Management Team and other distinguished representatives from the commission, including the National Commissioner for the North-Central Region, Professor Sanni Muhammed; the National Commissioners for the North-East Region, Mrs. Jamila Abubakar Malafa, and Dr. Baba Bila; the National Commissioner for the South-South Region, Rear Admiral Rhoda Gumus; the National Commissioner for the South-West Region, Professor Kunle Ajayi; as well as senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The discussions centered on the security framework necessary for the forthcoming electoral cycle, particularly in light of the current national security challenges affecting the imminent Ekiti and Osun off-cycle elections, the upcoming bye-elections, and the 2027 General Elections.

During his address, Professor Amupitan emphasized the critical importance of implementing proactive security measures and providing specialized training for personnel.

He specifically called for the establishment of a secure environment that allows Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Persons Living with Disabilities, PWDs, to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or obstruction.

In his reply, IGP Olatunji Disu characterized the visit as a timely contribution to democratic stability. He revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has already initiated strategic actions, including precision intelligence mapping to counter political violence, cult-related activities, and intimidation; comprehensive planning for the secure transportation of electoral materials and personnel; coordinated communication with allied security agencies to ensure a unified operational front; and efforts to combat misinformation.

The IGP further assured the delegation that all officers assigned to election duty will be strictly guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

He emphasized that personnel are currently undergoing comprehensive training on the rules of engagement and the safeguarding of human rights.

As the primary agency responsible for election management, IGP Disu stated that the Force is dedicated to upholding public order with a strict policy of zero tolerance for professional misconduct.

He also assured that any officer found lacking in their responsibilities or engaging in actions that compromise the integrity of the elections will face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.

In his concluding remarks, the IGP reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens, with special consideration for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and Persons with Disabilities, PWDs.

While pledging the full support of the Nigeria Police Force to INEC, he called for unreserved cooperation from the Commission and other stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and successful transition for the nation.

 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at closing regulatory gaps and strengthening enforcement against unsafe products and unfair market practices.

The agreement, signed in Abuja on Wednesday, is expected to deepen collaboration between both agencies in areas such as product safety, consumer protection, and enforcement of standards.

The agreement also introduced a structured system for information exchange between both regulators, aimed at eliminating delays that often hinder investigations and enforcement.

Speaking at the event held at the commission’s corporate headquarters, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji Bello, said the pact marks a deliberate step towards coordinated regulation in Nigeria’s consumer market.

He said, “This event marks a deliberate step towards strengthening collaboration in the service of Nigerian consumers, particularly in areas where product safety and consumer protection overlap and require coordinated action.

“The mandates of the FCCPC and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, are clearly set out in law, although their functions increasingly overlap in practice.”

Bello explained that while both agencies have distinct legal mandates, their responsibilities increasingly intersect in practice, especially in dealing with substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and misleading product claims.

According to him, “FCCPC focuses on protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive, or exploitative market behaviour. It also promotes competition, investigates complaints, and enforces remedies where consumer welfare has been undermined. NAFDAC’s responsibilities are more product-specific.

“It regulates the manufacture, importation, distribution, advertisement, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water. Its central concern is safety and quality, ensuring that regulated products meet required standards both before and after they enter the market.”

Bello acknowledged that their regulatory functions increasingly overlap in practice, particularly in areas affecting both product safety and consumer rights.

He noted that issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising often cut across the mandates of both agencies, requiring coordinated intervention.

He further explained that a harmful product in the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction, but also a consumer protection issue that falls within the enforcement scope of the FCCPC.

Similarly, cases involving false or misleading advertising of regulated products typically demand joint action from both institutions.

Against this backdrop, the agencies said the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding provides a structured framework to address these overlaps, enabling more effective collaboration, clearer responsibilities, and improved regulatory outcomes.

The FCCPC boss stated, “In reality, the work of both agencies often converges. Issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising raise questions that fall within both product safety and consumer protection. For instance, a harmful product that reaches the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s remit, but also a consumer protection issue for FCCPC.

“The same applies to false advertising of regulated products, which typically requires input from both bodies. Given this overlap, a formal Memorandum of Understanding provides a practical basis for cooperation. The MoU being executed today, therefore, establishes a clearer and more workable framework for collaboration between the two institutions.”

He added that the new framework would eliminate confusion for consumers and improve response time to complaints.

“Rather than leaving consumers to decide which agency to approach, complaints can now be received and reviewed in one place, and then directed through clearly defined channels. This will make the system more efficient and more responsive,” Bello said.

The FCCPC boss also disclosed that the agreement provides for data sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions, as well as capacity building through training and technical collaboration.

He stressed that the ultimate goal is to build trust in the market.

“Effective regulation is not just about enforcement. It builds confidence. When consumers trust that products are safe and their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently,” he added.

In a stern warning to violators, Bello said the collaboration would strengthen oversight and deter non-compliance.

“This will send shivers down the spine of those who are mischievous in our society, those who try to circumvent the rules. The message is clear: enforcement will be stronger and more coordinated,” he said.

On her part, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, described the agreement as critical to protecting Nigerians from harmful products and ensuring that consumer rights are upheld.

She said the partnership goes beyond documentation and must translate into action.

“This MoU is extremely important for the nation. But beyond the document, what matters is action. We do not need theory when it comes to consumer protection, we need results,”* she said.

Adeyeye recounted instances where FCCPC responded swiftly to complaints she personally raised as a consumer, leading to immediate corrective actions by erring businesses.

“The two times that I complained, he responded almost immediately, and the enterprise made amends. That is the way it is supposed to be. That is the kind of leadership we need,” she said.

She emphasised that while NAFDAC ensures product safety and quality, FCCPC plays a critical role in protecting the rights of consumers who use those products.

“NAFDAC is about the safety and efficacy of products, but it is people who use those products. That is where FCCPC comes in. Consumers have the right to complain, and we must ensure those complaints lead to action,” she added.

The NAFDAC boss further noted that the collaboration would strengthen enforcement tools, including sanctions against violators, while enhancing public awareness through coordinated communication.

She said, “NAFDAC has the mandate to act against violators, FCCPC will fight for the consumer, and together we will ensure that Nigerians are protected. For our people that are watching us. Because this will be televised. Just know that you are on our mind.

“In terms of product quality, safety and efficacy. In terms of your rights as a consumer to complain. We are watching your back.”

The MoU is expected to streamline complaint handling, improve regulatory coordination, and ensure faster resolution of consumer issues, while also creating a more predictable compliance environment for businesses.

The move comes at a time when Nigeria is battling the proliferation of substandard products, fake drugs, and deceptive advertising, all of which have continued to undermine consumer confidence and public health.

With both agencies now working under a unified framework, stakeholders say the success of the agreement will depend on sustained implementation and consistent enforcement.