₦airaland Forum

Two years after Samuel Ashola was shot in the leg during a peaceful protest in Nigeria’s econ youomic capital Lagos, the unemployed artist boils with anger as he prepares to vote.

“My blood is hot,” said the 30-year-old, before campaigning for the 2023 general elections starts later in September.

“I’m from the ghetto, the slum, the gutter… and I can tell you, Nigerians are really mad. The way our government is running things, with all that happened… I want to vent it out.”

Many young Nigerians behind the largest protests in the country’s modern history were traumatised by shootings in Lagos State on October 20, 2020, when security forces violently dispersed a crowd demanding better governance.

Mass protests, which rallied to the hashtag #EndSARS – referring to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad that was eventually disbanded over reports of extortion and brutality – ground to a halt after that fateful night.

Amnesty International said at least 10 people were killed by the security forces, a claim the government has repeatedly denied. A Lagos investigative panel described the incident as a “massacre”.

For those who were there and many others watching online, it was a moment of political awakening that could impact the outcome of next year’s vote.

“We stopped fighting because we knew we had a chance to change the people at the top in 2023,” said 27-year-old Esther Jonathan. “We’ve been waiting for this.”

Since 2020, the economy has deteriorated, insecurity has spread and public universities have been shut for eight months due to strikes, spurring on those who want change.

– ‘Momentum’ –

Vying to replace President Muhammadu Buhari, who is to step down after his two constitutional terms, are Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress party.

But outsiders Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party and the popular Peter Obi of the Labour Party could benefit from an emerging protest vote.

Voter turnout is generally low in Nigeria — 33 percent in the last election — and young people are not known for being the most politically active.

But “there has been a positive progression from 2015 until now” in interest in politics, said Udo Jude Ilo, analyst and consultant with Thoughts and Mace Advisory.

Last month, the electoral commission said around 70 percent of newly registered voters were aged 18 to 34.

“(The) 2023 election is not going to be like every other election,” said Akinwunmi Ibrahim Adebanjo, 26. “This time we will be coming outside… to get the country back from the hands of political thieves.”

Odunayo Eweniyi, a 28-year-old founding member of the Feminist Coalition, a key group behind the movement, believes the 2020 protests inspired people who had not directly supported them.

“Whether you were pro or against, the truth is, a change was made, voices were heard,” she said. “And now because we realise it is possible — wherever you are in Nigeria — to have your voice heard, people are building on that momentum.”

The protests were also a turning point for the political elite, according to Hamzat Lawal, a 35-year-old activist who recently announced he intends to run for office.

The government “could have created an enabling environment for dialogue,” he said, but instead resorted to force because “they were scared.

“They never saw young people this organised… mobilising resources, coordinating themselves, speaking in one voice.”

– Challenges –

Five out of seven protesters AFP interviewed in Lagos and the political capital Abuja said they would vote for Obi. At 61, his age is one of his attractions, since Abubakar and Ahmed are both over 70.

“Right from independence we’ve been ruled by one old person to another,” said 27-year-old Anita Izato. “I think it’s time to see if a younger person could do better.”

While Obi used to be a member of the PDP, he is now running with the much lesser known Labour Party and has managed to position himself as anti-establishment.

FreeStuffsNG:
Sen. Adeleke will do same in his shoes too It is just to ensure security as nobody will influence the Judges.
check my signature for free stuffs!

kingsways:
I agree

This is that Governor under whose watch Chibok girls were kidnapped. Under Shettima's watch, Borno State became the headquarters of evil terrorist elements who perpetrate unimaginable atrocities including kidnap of innocent school girls

Shettima as vice president is grossly unacceptable to me, and I think should be to every right thinking person

I don't even want to mention that he went to NBA dressed like a mad man

If Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, becomes president next year, it is not only his exclusionist Muslim-Muslin presidency that would unsettle Nigeria, but also his would-be deputy, Alhaji Kashim Shettima. With Shettima’s inherent tetchiness and truculence, he would be gratuitously provocative. And with his uncouthness and indiscretion, he would be utterly divisive and toxifying. Truth is, a Vice-President Shettima would be unlike any civilian vice-president in Nigeria’s history.

AdamuKD:
You are welcome back
Why did they ban you?

A constitution lawyer Mr Kayode Ajulo says three governors from the North are willing to support the presidential bid of Mr Peter Obi the Labour Party LP candidate Ajulo made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

He however observed that Obi appeared not to be too serious about his ambition because he was not reaching out enough to critical stakeholders across the country. I will still say Peter Obi is not ready to be president because he is not ready to cross River Niger and even River Owena Ajulo said He said that three governors had given indications that they would support his quest to be the Nigerian president in 2023 Ajulo said there was need to take advantage of the time before real electioneering campaigns began to reach out to the northern part of the country I am aware of three governors from the North who have given indications to support him He urged Obi to move beyond southern Nigeria and reach out to the northern part as selling himself to the people of northern extraction may change the narrative Ajulo called on the LP Presidential candidate to go beyond social media and embrace real term politics by reaching out to every nooks and crannies of the country.

3 Northern governors willing to support Obi – Ajulo

1 A constitution lawyer, Mr Kayode Ajulo, says three governors from the North are willing to support the presidential bid of Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate.

2 Ajulo made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday, ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

3 He, however, observed that Obi appeared not to be too serious about his ambition because he was not reaching out enough to critical stakeholders across the country.

4 “I will still say Peter Obi is not ready to be president because he is not ready to cross River Niger and even River Owena,’’ Ajulo said.

5 He said that three governors had given indications that they would support his quest to be the Nigerian president in 2023.

Ajulo said there was need to take advantage of the time before real electioneering campaigns began to reach out to the northern part of the country

“I am aware of three governors from the North who have given indications to support him.
”He urged Obi to move beyond southern Nigeria and reach out to the northern part, as “selling himself to the people of northern extraction may change the narrative.’’

Ajulo called on the LP Presidential candidate to go beyond social media and embrace real term politics by reaching out to every nooks and crannies of the country.

Buckeyemedia1:
Hypocrites everywhere Mr AntiTerrorist, he who is without sin should cast the first stone.

BAT is perhaps the most dangerous politician alive today in Nigeria for four reasons: he is very smart, very ambitious, very immoral and extremely rich.

He has decided to run for President, and he foisted himself on the party. Trying to deny him the ticket would have broken the party, so they let him have his way. Below are 10 reasons why any sensible person with a healthy conscience should not vote for him.

1. No Childhood/Heritage

The strongest form of citizenship is by birth. Likewise, the strongest forms of legitimacy are proofs of your ancestry, familial origins, childhood life and relationships. BAT's origins are shrouded in darkness, including his primary and secondary school education. It is deliberate.

So, what is he hiding? No matter how lowly and lacklustre your background is, why should you be ashamed of it? This is a worrisome trait, associated with some of the worst of crímínals. Someone who deliberately conceals his childhood history is not a man you want to trust with the highest office in the land.

2. History of Criminality

David Hundeyin has done a great job in exposing the crímínal history of BAT as it relates to drug trafficking in his article “From Drug Lord To Presidential Candidate”. And as a typical crímínal that he is, attempts have been made to erase the documents from its online storage site. The court containing suit filed against Tinubu was completely burnt down in Lagos in 2020. Coincidence? No. A clear crímínal act to obstruct justice. This is not someone you want to elect as President.

3. Unbridled Ambition

A lot of the immorality and evíl we see in BAT can be traced to this trait. He has a very contentious relationship with his former Deputy Governor, and hear what she said about it in an interview on her 70th birthday in 2009

“The real bone of contention was that he wanted to be vice president to Atiku in 2007 and he wanted my support in taking over the party (AD) from the leader. Of course, supporting himself and Atiku for the 2007 election was wrong. I felt the party elders made us governor and deputy. You don’t bite the finger that feeds you. I also thought it was rather too early, they were planning in 1999 while the election was in 2007. I felt it was better to face the task of governance ahead of us rather than plotting how some people will be vice president and president in 2007”.

Did you read that? He hasn't even started governing as a Governor, and he was already plotting to SEIZE THE PARTY STRUCTURE. Take note of the emphasis. This is definitely not the man you want to make President and place in command of your armed forces.

4. Kleptomaniac

BAT's greed and primitive acquisition of properties knows no bounds. It is believed that the value of lands he owns in Lagos is over N500 billion. He continues to suck from the treasury of the 5th largest economy in Africa like a leech. This is how he became extremely wealthy and powerful. He can employ thousands of experts to work for him and pay them handsomely without feeling it.

Of course, this is not the man you want to hand over the largest economy in Africa to as President.

5. Dictatorial

It is common knowledge that BAT is the one who determines who becomes Governor of Lagos State. He's the only Governor of the 1999 era who still controls everything that happens politically in his State. He has totally seized the party structure in Lagos, and everyone does his bidding. Once you go against his wishes, you cannot win your election. They're all his servants, and he's their overlord.

Of course, this is as a result of first taking hold of the economy of the State, and empowering thugs. With such enormous financial war chest, you have the remote control for everyone. This is not the man you wish to have as President, and in charge of the armed forces.

6. Failing Health

It is also no news that BAT is ailing. His slurred speech, his constantly trembling hands, his poor cognition, are all very visible to the casual observer. Waziri Adamu, a former Minister of Police Affairs said on national TV, that he has intelligence that BAT was in France taking care of his health, and that they will roast him when the time comes.

It is even alleged from close sources that he has urinary incontinence. To be clear, it is not a crime to face health challenges, especially at his age. But it is ‘crímínal’ to want to seek the highest office in the land when you know you've since past your prime and your strength is seriously failing. This is not a man you want as President representing you before the world.

7. He Hates Accountability

It is all too obvious that Tinubu will not be accountable to anyone if he becomes President. Accountability is answerability. So many questions have been asked about his source of wealth, age, certificate etc., But BAT has never bothered to answer any of them. He ignores, and pretends not to know. He turns down interviews. He will also most likely avoid a Presidential debate.

The foundation of good governance is accountability. BAT lacks it. This is not the one you want to be President.

8. He Abhors Justice, Equity and Fairness

During his campaign and consultations leading to the primaries, BAT visited all States except South East States. His Presidential Campaign Council was made up of eminent politicians from all regions except the South East. Why does he not regard the Igbos? Why?

This tells you how his presidency is going to be, one of marginalization. To crown it all, he chose a Muslim-Muslim ticket against all warnings. BAT definitely doesn't believe in fairness and equity. He will definitely not run an all-inclusive government. That's not who we will want to vote for.

9. He Facilitated Emergence of Buhari

It is to be agreed beyond reasonable doubt that the Buhari govt has failed woefully in fulfilling its campaign promises. Some will even call it the worst Government since Nigeria's independence. Can BAT extricate himself from the failure of the Buhari administration? Certainly not!

He contributed majorly to Buhari's emergence that has caused Nigeria so much pain. Should we a reward a facilitator of failure with votes? Should we vote the flagbearer of a party that has caused us so much pain? Absolutely not!

10. BAT Hasn't Developed Himself Further

There's no evidence anywhere that BAT has earned any additional degrees or qualifications, taken extra courses, for the last 30 years. Leaders are learners; they're dedicated to continuous improvement through learning and application. It's obvious that BAT is now very obsolete, intellectually sterile and incapable of leading in a 21st century world of high tech.

May we never move from frying pan to fire.

ImperialYoruba:
So you finally admit you need structure to win election.

Sebi una said no need for structure.
Mmmtchhheeeeewww...

Too late though. You should have started this two years ago.

Bar Association, churches, weddings, airports, and even market places? It is not because he is Obi, it is because for the first time Nigerians have seen a pathway to escape from the prison of our taskmasters.

All tags on Obi could not hold. They tagged him structureless it did not hold. They tagged him corrupt, no evidence. They tagged his followers violent it got no traction, tagged him IPOB it had no traction, tagged him importer of fake goods, it had no traction, they even sat together and created fake videos and WhatsApp groups to attack themselves and turn around to blame his followers, that too did not work.

Desperate and evil men will stop at nothing! They think Obi is the problem, no, their albatross is the faceless Obedients. They attempted to change from electronic collation to manual with INEC, they met a backlash and backed down, at the end, no tag on him has worked.

Their biggest fear is not Obi, don’t be confused, Obi is a mere man, after all “Obi is a Boy”, their fear is the transformation of our freedom fighters into the Obidient movement. ObiDient is an event whose time has come, it cannot be stopped.

Again don’t mix it up, the target is not Atiku or Tinubu, it is a class warfare. It is a battle between the “haves” and “have not” a battle between “ the rich vs the poor”, the bourgeoisie vs the proletariat. The target is opening the jailhouses of poverty, misery and joblessnesses among Nigerians, freeing the captives to “let my people go”.

They are scared poverty will be reduced and the poor will not be there to serve them and massage their ego again. They are scared the poor will be liberated to speak for themselves, they are scared a new Nigeria will advance the equitable distribution of goods and services, the bourgeoisie is scared of the rule of the proletariat and the common man.

The fear is real! If they have a way to round up all obedients and lock them up under the pretense of Revolution, they would have done this long ago, unfortunately we are playing the game using a play book they designed themselves. If you are a young man or woman, join the team of freedom fighters don’t align with our oppressors. Let your children tomorrow grow up to know you were part of the “new Nigeria” and you played a positive role. It is now or never, the Obedients are here to stay.

No tag will stick except the tag of “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last!"

Mandate2023:
For dis life nobody mumu reach u

Mandate2023:
Nobody mumu reach u, no be lie don't worry report him to obi......werey oloriburuku omo igbo

Mandate2023:
Hw did u know d the igbo man is competent, from d lies from his mouth I guess, or bcoz he turned Anambra to London and did not embezzle when he was governor pls enlighten me pls am waiting?

Why is d yoruba a criminal, bcoz that's what some use against him to paint him bad or d development in lagos or was he proven guilty by any court of law on criminal charges, or did he commit any crime against u?

Mandate2023:
Join and campaign for omo Igbo

Something dey won't do if it was them

TheNiceGuy:
Werey.

If a whole Ikolaba(Lasun Yusuf) could get just 2000+ votes in the guber election because of his Party, is it unknown Obi that you're all dreaming help get up to 2% vote in the general election?

You're all delusional

Mandate2023:
Join and campaign for omo Igbo

Something dey won't do if it was them

ObosiUkwalla:
PandoraObi and his fellow Tinubu urchins (who Tinubu said will labour in vain till death) will rather choose to ignore. I just hope they won't guzzle sniper by next year after Obi is declared winner of the presidential polls

Parachoko:
Advise them to vote for Asiwaju

Asiwaju will make sure Bonny get a seaport.

PandoraObi:
Hypocrite you exclude your father

Rawgold29:
Am you will still see some fools supporting this people to rule Nigeria...

I never cringed in Kaduna with fear because I know the God I serve his name is YAHWEH ELOHIM.

The Powers in Kaduna fear me , so why should I fear them?

I went to Pray somewhere in Kaduna about 3 years ago when ELRUFAI gave 2000 houses noticed to evacuate or he demolishes the Houses.

I declared to over 200 residents who came that day to pray , he forgets the demolition or "ya kwanta" 3 years have passed I believe he has chosen the best decision to Forget it.

When I left that day a young man came to our church and said Pastor I saw something about you, when you came to pray against Elrufai demolishing our houses. When you are leaving 5 Angels are moving with you. 1 in the front, 2 by your sides and 2 behind you. That's security every Christian should have.

This week I will be talking of THE SIGNATURE OF THE DIVINE OR DIVINE ORDINANCES OR DIVINE SECURITY OR THE STAMP OF YAHWEH ELOHIM. It's a security that every Christian should have

Fulani Terrorists to enter Church and kill People and also Kidnap People is an ERROR. Where is our divine Security?

THE SIGNATURE OF THE DIVINE ON JOB
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
Job 1:6‭-‬10

DO YOU KNOW YOU CAN TELL YAHWEH ELOHIM TO SEND A DREAM TO YOUR ENEMY? LIKE ALMIGHTY NEBUCHADNEZZAR A SIMPLE DREAM DEVASTATED HIM.

Come and learn how to protect yourself Spiritually as a Christian.

About 8 times they wanted to kill Jesus

John 8:59
At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

David Had Divine Security
1Samuel 24:4-5
Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.

Many times Saul wanted to kill David but he couldn't , David came so close to Killing Saul but he refused.

WHAT THE CHURCH NEEDS TODAY IS DIVINE SECURITY.

What are the Qualities for Signature of The Divine or Divine Security

1) Good Name
2) Sincerity
3) Love and Unity
4) Forgiveness
5) Good Character
6) Prayer and Fasting.
7) Purity of heart.

A Muslim chatted me from Kano and said Pastor Azzaman nothing will happen to you, your heart is pure.

YOU CAN ENJOY THIS SECURITY TOO. Join me as I teach you on this DIVINE SECURITY.

Sabonbuharirufa:
We will collect Tinubu's and Atiku's money and use it to campaign for Labour Party. Those who think we are joking or making online will understand that Nigeria is Labor Party and labour Party is Nigeria. Since Tinubu and Atiku think they can play with Nigerians, we will teach them small lessons.