Mon. May 25th, 2026
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The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has performed below expectations of Nigerians in the past seven years it has been steering the affairs of the country.
As an alternative to this abysmal situation, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which is at the forefront of seeking to dethrone it, must set aside its contretemps, personally and collectively, in order for it to win the 2023 elections.
These were the submissions of Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state when he met with the rank and file of the PDP in Kaduna on Saturday in continuation of his nationwide consultation on whether or not to seek for the nomination of the party as its Presidential flag bearer.
Tambuwal, who had earlier in the day met with the former Governors of Kaduna state, who are also the party’s bigwigs in the state: Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Makarfi and Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, offered that “all members of the PDP and the party as a whole must work together and forge a united front with good and well meaning Nigerians to rescue the country.”
According to the Governor, “APC can’t manage its affairs talk less of a complex country like Nigeria.”He listed the ills currently afflicting the country among others as: intra party wrangling, economic confusion, skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation and insecurity.
“APC has failed Nigerians,” Tambuwal said, reiterating that “it is imperative that we all come together to rescue our country.”
He advised that: “PDP shouldn’t waste time on squabbles but have its eye on the ball,” and win all the forthcoming elections, assuring that if given mandate to rule the country he shall ensure good governance, devoid of religious or ethnic sentiments and inclusiveness.
The Governor further carpeted the APC for opting for zoning in favor of a section of the country, observing that in the past the APC didn’t talk about zoning when, for instance, it allowed Buhari to seek the same seat with late President Yar’adua.
He urged all PDP members to understand that the dynamics of politics in the country has changed since 1998, thus the reason for them to nominate someone who can deliver by winning the election.
He alluded that the parable of President Buhari’s union with Nigeria is like that of a forced marriage. “He doesn’t understand the country,” Gov. Tambuwal said, pointing out that Nigeria needs a pan Nigerian leader who has a grips of governance, is hands-on, understands issues and has a link with all parts of the country.
In his remarks, former Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa said the Governor and his team were in Kaduna to seek the support of the party on Governor Tambuwal’s aspiration.
“We can only succeed if you give us your backing,” he opined, stressing that Tambuwal has the requisite experience in all the three tiers of government and even in the monarchy, where as Mutawallen Sokoto, he is the exchequer of the revered Sultanate; just as he is also, a scion of the learned Waziri (Vizier) lineage of Tambuwal, his hometown.
Governor Tambuwal was accompanied during the visit by Barrister Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari, Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan, Dr Bello Halliru Muhammad, Sen. Shehu Sani, Engr Bello Suleiman and Hon. Musa Koko among others.
He was received at the PDP secretariat in Kaduna by Felix Hassan Hyat, Kaduna Chairman of the PDP.
The post 2023: APC has failed, PDP must jettison bickering to win appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.