Coverage
Party Dynamics & Elections
National Weekender followed the shifting landscape of Nigerian politics, reporting on the major parties — the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) — as they navigated internal rivalries, defections, and electoral contests. Coverage included the 2014 Osun State gubernatorial election, where the two parties clashed in a closely watched race.
The political desk also tracked the high-profile conflict involving Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, whose move from the PDP to the APC in 2014 triggered a dramatic standoff in the House of Representatives and raised questions about party loyalty and legislative independence.
National politics in Nigeria is defined by a constant push and pull between the country's major parties, with the All Progressives Congress and the People's Democratic Party often trading momentum in closely fought contests. Party dynamics frequently dominate the news cycle, from high-profile defections to internal leadership battles that reshape alliances ahead of election seasons. The National Weekender's political desk keeps readers informed on these developments, offering coverage that captures both the drama of the moment and the longer-term implications for governance across the federation. Whether reporting on governorship races or national-level maneuvering, the paper aims to provide clarity amid the noise of campaign seasons and coalition politics.
The National Assembly has long been a theatre of political intrigue, with leadership contests and floor fights occasionally threatening to stall legislative business. When a sitting speaker crosses the aisle to join an opposing party, the ripple effects are felt far beyond the chamber walls, often triggering constitutional questions and procedural standoffs. Such episodes underscore how individual political choices can reverberate through the entire system, affecting committee assignments, bill passage, and the balance of power between the executive and legislative arms of government. The Weekender's reporting on these institutional battles helps readers understand the stakes behind the headlines and the rules that govern political transitions.
Elections remain the ultimate test of Nigeria's democratic resilience, and the National Weekender has chronicled many of these moments with an eye for both the big picture and the telling detail. From gubernatorial races in the southwest to senatorial contests in the north, the paper tracks campaign strategies, voter turnout, and the electoral commission's management of polling day logistics. Beyond the results themselves, coverage examines what each election says about the health of the country's democratic institutions, the role of money in politics, and the evolving expectations of Nigerian voters who continue to demand accountability from their leaders at every level of government.
Key Stories
Notable Political Reports
Analysis
Governance & Federal Developments
Beyond party politics, the section examined governance at both federal and state levels. Reports covered appointments by the Federal Government — including the naming of five new Deputy Comptrollers-General of Customs in February 2014 as three senior officers retired — and tracked economic policy moves such as the Central Bank of Nigeria's earmarking of N220 billion for micro businesses.
Editorial and opinion contributions from staff writers and columnists offered commentary on the political climate, providing readers with context and perspective on the decisions shaping the nation.