Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Reaffirms internal democracy ahead of 2027

ABUJA — The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, on Wednesday declared that the party has undergone a full rebirth and is now operating as a “true party” anchored on internal democracy, fairness and transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Turaki spoke during a strategic meeting between the newly inaugurated National Working Committee (NWC) and PDP members of the National Assembly in Abuja.

He said the new leadership was determined to end the culture of impunity, favouritism and internal manipulation that previously undermined the party.

“We have rebuilt this party on a new foundation of openness and accountability,” Turaki said.

“There will no longer be room for impunity, manipulation or favouritism. Nigerians will be allowed to aspire and achieve their goals without hindrance. PDP is now a true party.”

He assured Nigerians that the NWC had adopted an open-door policy that would give every member direct access to the leadership and opportunity to participate in shaping the party’s direction.

Turaki described the meeting with the National Assembly caucus as crucial to the PDP’s efforts to reclaim power in 2027, noting that lawmakers play a central role in the reforms and mobilisation needed for victory.

“Together with members of the National Assembly, we will transform Nigeria through the instrumentality of the PDP. Our focus is to rebuild trust, strengthen unity and deliver a party that truly reflects the will of Nigerians,” he said.

Senator Abdul Ningi, who spoke on behalf of the Senate PDP caucus, commended the new leadership, saying the party had regained clarity, direction and the confidence required to return to power.

He stressed that the internal issues confronting the PDP were man-made and therefore solvable.

“We know the issues in PDP are man-made. Man-made problems require man-made solutions. The challenges are solvable,” Ningi said.

He insisted that the party’s vision extends beyond the 2027 elections, warning against attempts by individuals to undermine the party’s long-term objectives.

“Our thinking is beyond 2027. Anyone seeking to terminate PDP over 2027 issues is not aligned with our values,” he added.

Also speaking, the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Ali Isa, reaffirmed the commitment of PDP lawmakers to partner with Turaki’s leadership in defending Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening national institutions.

He urged Nigerians to support the PDP, stressing that the party remains equipped to provide credible alternatives and guide democratic governance.

Meanwhile, the NWC also met with the party’s ex-officio members to harmonise key strategies and consolidate the reforms driving the party’s renewed identity.

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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.