₦airaland Forum

The Presidency has dismissed claims that the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), Peter Obi poses a political threat ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is focused on governance and confident of victory.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, where he said the administration’s achievements had placed it in a strong position ahead of the next presidential poll.

This government is not afraid of Peter Obi. He is not a nightmare to our government. Maybe before, Peter Obi was a threat, but right now, he is no threat because we stand on the solid ground of performance,” Dare said. He said the Tinubu administration had identified the country’s key challenges and continued to roll out policies and programmes aimed at tackling them while pointing to its record in office as evidence of progress.

We have been able to interrogate the problems of this country. Decisions are being taken, policies are being unfolded across the country, and we have a scorecard to show,” he added. Peter Obi

Dare also took a swipe at Obi’s public comments, saying many of his reactions and interviews lacked substance and clear direction. Peter Obi is not a nightmare. Maybe you replace nightmare with nuisance because if you see some of his reactions, they are very pedantic. Sometimes you wonder. You listen to some of his interviews, ask him a question, and he goes in a roundabout direction that does not make sense.”

Speaking on the 2027 presidential election, Dare expressed confidence that Obi would not repeat his 2023 electoral success in Lagos, where he defeated Tinubu during the presidential election.

“Peter Obi defeated President Tinubu in Lagos in 2023. This is 2026; it can’t happen again.”

Owning Up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility

This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible. -PO

Peter Obi has said he would engage and negotiate with agitators if he were president, arguing that dialogue is necessary to address the root causes of insecurity.

The NDC presidential candidate seen addressing people outside the country, criticised the arrest of individuals solely for making inflammatory comments on radio, saying such actions do not make sense in a democratic society.

As far as I’m concerned, there’s no reason, no reason whatsoever that you cannot (sic) arrest somebody because he was speaking on radio, calling people names. It doesn’t make sense. You know, everybody can tell you anything,” he said. “Even with agitators, if I’m in government today, I will discuss with them. I will engage, I will consult them.

Mr Obi noted that as a politician, he has been called different names by critics but does not consider that an offence. According to him, dialogue remains the best approach to resolving conflicts and addressing insecurity.

Mr Obi stated that all agitators have reasons for their action, adding that engaging with them would pave the way to tackle the insecurity.

Because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do. It’s only by engaging them that we’ll learn and see how we can solve it and everything”, he added.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified efforts to persuade former Kano State governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, to contest the 2027 governorship election on its platform, as the party seeks to strengthen its political structure in key states ahead of the next general election.

Sources familiar with the development told Very Nigerian that top figures within the party have been engaging in consultations with Mr. Gawuna’s close political allies in a bid to convince him to accept the ADC governorship ticket.

According to the sources, the party has offered wide-ranging political concessions, including nominations for State House of Assembly and House of Representatives seats for loyalists aligned with the former deputy governor.

It was also gathered that ADC leaders have assured Mr. Gawuna of strong financial backing for his campaign should he agree to join the party and fly its flag in the 2027 race. Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and former Ambassador Faruk Yabo are reportedly among prominent political actors spearheading the ongoing moves to bring Gawuna into the ADC.

Although Gawuna has previously reaffirmed loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya political movement, insiders say sustained pressure and attractive political arrangements from the ADC have triggered fresh deliberations within his camp.

The party is also yet to officially announce the winner of its Kano governorship primary, which was contested by Ibrahim Khalil and Ibrahim Little, a delay sources link to ongoing efforts to finalise discussions with Gawuna.

Mr. Gawuna, a former deputy governor of Kano State and APC governorship candidate in the 2023 election, remains one of the most influential opposition figures in the state, with a strong grassroots following across several local government areas.

Political observers believe his entry into the race under the ADC could significantly alter the dynamics of the 2027 governorship contest in Kano, particularly against the incumbent administration. Neither Mr. Gawuna nor ADC officials have publicly commented on the reported negotiations as of the time of filing this report.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that the frequency of school abductions in Nigeria has increased under President Bola Tinubu’s administration compared to previous governments.

Obi made the claim in a statement posted on his official X account on Friday, where he revisited the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls and warned that Nigerians may be becoming desensitised to worsening insecurity.

He said the Chibok abduction triggered global outrage and led to the international #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

The abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014 triggered a global movement. One school abduction was enough to unite Nigerians, attract international attention, and place enormous pressure on the government through the #BringBackOurGirls campaign,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor lamented that, despite the increasing number of school kidnappings in recent years, public reactions have become less intense. Under President Buhari’s eight years in office, Nigeria witnessed about ten school abductions. Under President Tinubu’s administration, in just three years, we have already recorded over ten school abductions,” he said.

Obi questioned why repeated attacks on schools no longer generate the same level of outrage that followed the Chibok incident. Despite these repeated tragedies, there has been neither sustained national outrage nor significant international attention comparable to what followed Chibok,” he said.

This raises an important question: have we become so accustomed to insecurity that what once shocked our national conscience is now treated as normal?” he asked.

He also criticised what he described as the growing focus of political leaders on electoral calculations rather than urgent national challenges such as insecurity and poverty. At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, poverty, and hardship, it is deeply troubling that those in power appear more focused on political calculations and preparations for the next election than on addressing the urgent challenges confronting our people.

Obi further argued that persistent insecurity and economic hardship have continued to damage Nigeria’s international image, though he rejected any attempt to define the country by its challenges.

It is, therefore, no surprise that some observers have labelled us a ‘Now Disgraced Nation’. While we do not agree with any attempt to define our great country by its present difficulties, we must acknowledge that persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and leadership failure have damaged our reputation and standing among nations.

He maintained that only accountable and compassionate leadership can address Nigeria’s challenges. The answer is not denial, propaganda, or political distraction. The answer is leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and genuinely committed to the welfare and security of the Nigerian people,” Obi said.

Calling on young Nigerians to remain engaged in national affairs, he urged them not to normalise insecurity and governance failure.

Sadiq Abubakar, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leader, has emerged the winner of the Gombe State, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship primaries.

Abubakar disclosed this development in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday. It could be recalled that the former APC National Youth Leader had dumped the APC, citing the hardship faced by many Nigerian homes due to difficult policies and programmes by the party.

According to him, the move was also driven by an objective of securing a free and fair victory in future election primaries to continue to serve the people with strength and integrity, and he promised to announce his newly adopted political party in no distant time.

Speaking with newsmen after the governorship primaries, Abubakar expressed gratitude to the party leadership, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him. He described the nomination as a collective responsibility to the people of Gombe State.

This honour is not for me alone but belongs to every young person searching for opportunity, every farmer striving to make a living, every mother hoping for a better future for her children, and every community yearning for development,” he affirmed.

Just as I had testified when I defected to the NDC that this is a political party where members are treated fairly and equally, it is a party where members’ mandates are not stolen or suppressed for favoured individuals, and this attestation has manifested now,” he said.

The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into the alleged unauthorised access and leakage of sensitive voter information from the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission, leading to the arrest of an INEC official and the interrogation of a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Security sources disclosed that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) are investigating allegations of database misuse, cyber-related offences and the unlawful disclosure of classified electoral records.

As part of the probe, an INEC electoral officer, whose identity has not been made public, has been detained, while Lere Olayinka was questioned by investigators at the Police Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The investigation reportedly followed a petition submitted on behalf of INEC, accusing those involved of criminal conspiracy, cyber intimidation and the unauthorised release of restricted electoral information. The controversy erupted after Olayinka shared screenshots on social media allegedly showing details of a voter registration transfer involving Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike from Imo State to the Federal Capital Territory.

The disclosure came amid public debate over Ike’s eligibility to contest a House of Representatives seat in the FCT after he challenged the outcome of the Nigeria Democratic Congress primary election.

The social media post sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning how the information was obtained and alleging that it could only have originated from INEC’s restricted voter registration database.

Responding to the incident, INEC denied reports that its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database had been hacked, maintaining that the disclosure resulted from the misuse of legitimate internal access credentials by an authorised official.

Investigators reportedly found that the detained electoral officer initiated contact with Olayinka through Facebook Messenger before forwarding voter registration documents via WhatsApp. The documents were allegedly intended to show that Emeka Ike’s voter transfer request had been initiated but had not yet received final approval.

During questioning, Olayinka reportedly told investigators that he had no prior relationship with the INEC official and was unaware that the documents were classified. He maintained that the official never indicated the information was confidential or restricted.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services has commenced a parallel investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disclosure.

Police authorities are reportedly considering possible charges against both the INEC official and Olayinka, including criminal conspiracy, cyber-related offences, unlawful disclosure of classified information and actions capable of causing a breach of public peace.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, has officially joined the race for the 2027 general elections after declaring his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.

The actor announced that he would be seeking to represent the Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency under the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking on his decision to enter politics, Emeka Ike said his aim is to help build a “proper systematic structure” capable of promoting national development and improving governance in the country.

According to him, Nigeria needs leaders who are committed to creating effective systems that will support growth and better service delivery to citizens. His declaration adds to the growing number of entertainers showing interest in active politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

I am running for the federal house of representatives under the Bwari federal constituency in Abuja,” he said. We want to make a statement. I want to step into the real thing right now if I have made you, Nigerians, happy. Let us see how we bring dividends close to you. Let us block the boys who think they have the power. If we stand they will run.”

In a video circulating online, the actor was seen receiving his nomination form from a party official, signalling the formal commencement of his political campaign. A member of Ike’s campaign team also disclosed that the actor had already emerged winner of the NDC primaries and is now preparing for the 2027 elections.

This is not Ike’s first attempt at elective office. In 2018, the Nollywood star contested for a seat in the House of Representatives under the Young Progressive Party (YPP), representing Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State. His latest political move adds to the growing list of Nigerian entertainers seeking public office ahead of the next election cycle.

Beyond politics, Ike remains one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors. He rose to prominence after starring in the 1994 film Deadly Affair and went on to feature alongside several leading stars including Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic, Chioma Chukwuka, Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, Jim Iyke, and Ramsey Nouah.

After years away from the screen, the actor returned to Nollywood in 2023 with a role in Malaika by Toyin Abraham. The President was in Jos, Plateau State capital, on Thursday evening to condole with the state government and residents of the state following the killings.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken a commanding lead in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries after results from 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory placed him far ahead of his closest rivals.

The ADC on Tuesday night adjourned collation of the nationwide exercise until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, with results from 12 states still outstanding.

Figures announced so far show Atiku polling a total of 1,390,276 votes, maintaining a wide margin over former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who has secured 248,455 votes, while former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has recorded 156,075 votes.

The suspended collation follows growing controversy within the party, as both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen separately rejected the exercise, alleging widespread irregularities and voter disenfranchisement during the state-by-state primaries conducted on Monday.

Despite the protests, the ADC proceeded with collation in Abuja on Tuesday under the observation of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Atiku recorded overwhelming victories across several northern states, including Adamawa, where he polled 177,141 votes against Amaechi’s 1,896 and Hayatu-Deen’s 18,949 votes.

He also dominated in Kano with 155,595 votes, Gombe with 136,933 votes, Borno with 86,084 votes, and Niger with 79,206 votes.

In Kebbi, the former vice president secured 65,523 votes ahead of Amaechi’s 5,931, while in Sokoto he polled 63,823 votes against Amaechi’s 292 votes.

Atiku also emerged victorious in Zamfara, Yobe, Taraba, Kogi and Benue States.

Amaechi, however, recorded notable wins in Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi States. In Akwa Ibom, he polled 20,343 votes against Atiku’s 17,623, while in Ebonyi he secured 6,400 votes compared to Atiku’s 1,210.

Hayatu-Deen’s strongest performances came in Borno, where he secured 23,011 votes, and Benue, where he polled 22,141 votes, though he trailed behind the leading contenders in most states announced.

In the Federal Capital Territory, Atiku also maintained the lead with 18,704 votes, ahead of Amaechi’s 14,721 and Hayatu-Deen’s 5,576 votes.

Results from Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun and Rivers states are still being awaited as the party prepares to resume collation on Wednesday night.

ADC presidential primary results – 25/36

1. Kebbi
Amaechi — 5,931
Atiku — 65,523
Hayatu-Deen — 454

2. Anambra
Amaechi — 17,085
Atiku — 58,566
Hayatu-Deen — 7,861

3. Abia
Amaechi — 18,339
Atiku — 25,153
Hayatu-Deen — 2,264

4. Ekiti
Amaechi — 1,574
Atiku — 18,395
Hayatu-Deen — 149

5. Ondo
Amaechi — 6,031
Atiku — 18,287
Hayatu-Deen — 875

6. Gombe
Amaechi — 1,140
Atiku — 136,933
Hayatu-Deen — 455

7. FCT
Amaechi — 14,721
Atiku — 18,704
Hayatu-Deen — 5,576

8. Oyo
Amaechi — 1,553
Atiku — 23,011
Hayatu-Deen — 568

9. Imo
Amaechi — 7,659
Atiku — 52,222
Hayatu-Deen — 1,121

10. Yobe
Amaechi — 300
Atiku — 44,841
Hayatu-Deen — 365

11. Nasarawa
Amaechi — 13,656
Atiku — 41,649
Hayatu-Deen — 6,774

12. Enugu
Amaechi — 15,127
Atiku — 33,879
Hayatu-Deen — 669

13. Benue
Amaechi — 30,881
Atiku — 55,177
Hayatu-Deen — 22,141


14. Osun
Amaechi — 72
Atiku — 12,321
Hayatu-Deen — 4,558

15. Kogi
Amaechi — 23,573
Atiku — 48,351
Hayatu-Deen — 9,173

16. Taraba
Amaechi — 25,150
Atiku — 48,523
Hayatu-Deen — 8,369

17. Kano
Amaechi — 9,994
Atiku — 155,595
Hayatu-Deen — 15,914

18. Akwa Ibom
Amaechi — 20,343
Atiku — 17,623
Hayatu-Deen — 2,054

19. Adamawa
Amaechi — 1,896
Atiku — 177,141
Hayatu-Deen — 18,949

20. Sokoto
Amaechi — 292
Atiku — 63,823
Hayatu-Deen — 319

21. Zamfara
Amaechi — 191
Atiku — 60,500
Hayatu-Deen — 446

22. Borno
Amaechi — 2493
Atiku — 86,084
Hayatu-Deen — 23,011

23. Ebonyi
Amaechi — 6,400
Atiku — 1,210
Hayatu-Deen — 4,840

24. Niger
Amaechi — 10,560
Atiku — 79,206
Hayatu-Deen — 15,840

25. Plateau
Amaechi — 13,494
Atiku — 47,559
Hayatu-Deen — 3,330

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has hosted a dinner meeting for governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries. The meeting was attended by the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, while former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was said to be absent due to other party engagements in Kano ahead of the primaries.

In his remarks, Dickson expressed appreciation to aspirants for their commitment to the party’s vision, noting that the NDC had grown rapidly in a short time despite initial skepticism from critics. He described the party as one of the fastest-growing political platforms in the country, stressing that it had positioned itself as a unified opposition movement focused on strengthening democratic institutions.

Dickson also used the opportunity to emphasise party discipline and ideological commitment, warning against political opportunism. We are not just building a political platform that people will use to win elections and later jump and leave for another party. We are building a party with a clear ideology of service. You cannot use our party to win an election and then decamp.

He also commended the party’s leadership and screening committee, chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor Senator Sam Egwu, for what he described as a thorough and transparent screening process for aspirants. He explained that the newly inaugurated Selection Committee, chaired by the National Chairman and supported by other party leaders, would review screening reports, engage stakeholders, and make recommendations based on competence, local realities, and the overall interest of the party.

According to him, the party is encouraging consensus-building among aspirants where possible due to limited time before the elections, while still ensuring democratic primaries where consensus cannot be reached. Dickson reminded aspirants that only one candidate would emerge per position, but assured them that the party would not abandon those who had invested their resources and trust in the movement.

He also disclosed that the NDC is compiling a database of aspirants and supporters who have contributed to the party’s growth, adding that they would be considered for roles in campaign structures and other strategic assignments.

The former governor further revealed plans by the party to introduce electronic systems for future primaries to improve transparency, credibility, and efficiency. He thanked participants for travelling from different parts of the country despite insecurity and economic challenges, assuring that party resources would be managed transparently.

The dinner comes as the NDC continues preparations for its primaries and seeks to consolidate itself as a structured opposition platform ahead of the next general elections.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has admitted that the economic reforms introduced by his administration have been personally demanding, saying the burden of governance has taken a toll on his health and well-being just as it has on ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking on Sunday after accepting the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket for the 2027 election at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, the President said the pains of reform were shared across all levels of society, including his own household and person.

He said, “I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters. If you lost sleep, I’ve lost some too. If you’ve lost weight, I’ve lost some too. But I’ve always remembered one thing: in 2022, I asked for this job. You all supported me and I got it. So I must do it.”

Tinubu, who was officially declared winner of the APC presidential primary with 10,999,162 votes against his only challenger Stanley Osifo, said he had followed the nationwide voting process from Lagos with keen interest, describing the turnout as a reflection of strong party cohesion.

I was glued to the television after voting. I saw the mammoth crowd in Kano and Kaduna, the city boy walking the streets of Calabar. It was a good feeling to see that there was no bloodshed, no rancour. This is politics in earnest. This is where we want Nigeria, facing one focus,” he added.

This country is made up of three Major Ethnic Group/Tribes. Yoruba, Hausa, & Igbo (WA-ZO-BIA). Hausa and yoruba have been ruling for the past 47 years, Therefore Igbo Also Have Freedom and Right to Contest And Win Election.

From 1999 We've tried Wa-Zo But never Try Bia. This time around let's try them and see.
Wherever Obi/Kwankwaso goes my Family and I will support them.

I will not only vote for them, I will use my hard-earned money to mobilize people to vote for them. If they like let them join, DSTV, ORT, CD DVD, ARTV, NNPC, OPAY OR NEPA. The only Solution to Injustice, is Justice.

Nigeria 🇳🇬 Will be OK Insha Allah

Excellency Murtala Dan Osi ⁸