₦airaland Forum

Lifestylecom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7b-a6SZDkA

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stirred fresh political debate after declaring that Nigeria’s presidency cannot be attained through coercion, while also suggesting that there are more qualified leaders from the South-East than Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Speaking on the country’s political climate, Shettima stressed the importance of inclusivity and consensus-building in a diverse nation like Nigeria. According to him, leadership must be built on trust and broad national acceptance rather than pressure tactics.

“In a multi-ethnic, multi-religious politics like ours, nobody can bulldoze his way to power through deceit, intimidation, threats or blackmail,” he said. “You get to power by building bridges and reaching out.”

The Vice President, however, expressed support for the emergence of a president from the South-East, describing it as a potential step toward healing longstanding historical divisions dating back to the civil war.

“I am for the emergence of a Nigerian president of South-Eastern extraction to heal the wounds of the civil war,” Shettima noted, though he criticized what he described as certain confrontational approaches adopted by some political actors from the region.

His remarks took a more direct turn when he asserted that the South-East has individuals he considers more qualified for the presidency than Obi, referring to the former Anambra State governor in pointed terms.

Shettima highlighted former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha as one such figure, praising his national reach and political experience across different regions of the country. He also commended former Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi for his infrastructural record, describing him as one of the most effective leaders to have emerged from the South-East.

Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, the Vice President emphasized the role of grassroots mobilization and alliances in achieving electoral success. He referenced the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s strategy of building nationwide support networks, underscoring that political victories are often determined by coalition-building rather than regional popularity.

Shettima’s comments are expected to generate reactions across the political spectrum, particularly among supporters of Peter Obi, who remains a prominent opposition figure with strong backing among young voters and urban populations.

Political observers say the statement may also signal early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, as conversations around power rotation and regional representation continue to shape Nigeria’s political discourse.

As debates intensify, Shettima’s remarks have once again brought to the fore the complex dynamics of leadership, regional equity, and political strategy in Africa’s most populous nation.

https://voicenews.com.ng/shettima-says-presidency-cant-be-won-by-coercion-suggests-south-east-has-better-qualified-leaders-than-obi/

Lifestylecom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY-qXCI8FQw
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not only participate in the 2027 general elections but will also field a presidential candidate.

Wike made this known during a media parley on Friday, dismissing growing speculation that the opposition party may lose relevance ahead of the next election cycle due to its lingering internal crisis.

According to him, despite the challenges facing the party, the PDP remains a strong political force capable of contesting and making significant impact in 2027.

“The PDP will be on the ballot in 2027, and of course, we will field a presidential candidate,” Wike said, pushing back against claims that the party might collapse before the elections.

The former Rivers State governor noted that the PDP has continued to exist and function effectively even after losing the presidency in 2015, stressing that its survival over the years demonstrates its resilience.

“From 2015 till now, we have not produced a president, but the party is still standing. The issue is not whether the PDP will exist, but what we are going to do to keep it competitive and relevant,” he added.

Wike, however, emphasized that winning future elections would require more than just presenting a presidential candidate. He urged the party to prioritize strengthening its structures at the grassroots and sub-national levels, including states and local governments.

He warned that a weak foundation at lower levels of governance could undermine any potential presidential victory, noting that political strength must be built from the ground up.

“Parties must not focus only on the presidency. You must build from the grassroots. Without that, even if you win at the top, you may not have the control needed to govern effectively,” he said.

The minister also cautioned against rushing into presidential contests without adequate preparation, highlighting the need for emotional and psychological readiness among party stakeholders.

The PDP has been grappling with a leadership crisis since 2025, with rival factions emerging within the party and holding parallel conventions. The internal disputes have led to ongoing legal battles over the control of the party structure.

Political analysts say these divisions could pose a major challenge to the PDP’s chances in 2027 if not resolved in time.

Despite these concerns, Wike’s latest remarks signal confidence within some quarters of the party that the PDP can regroup, reorganize, and remain a formidable contender in Nigeria’s political landscape.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually begin, attention is expected to focus on whether the PDP can reconcile its differences and present a united front capable of mounting a strong presidential challenge.

Lifestylecom:
Tension flared once again at the National Assembly as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was reportedly involved in a confrontation at the office of Senator Titus Zam. Eyewitnesses say the incident escalated when the senator’s aide allegedly assaulted a staff member in Zam’s office.

During the confrontation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly expressed her frustration, stating, “I will not allow any senator here to undermine my people.”

While details of the altercation are still emerging, sources indicate that the disagreement centers on ongoing legislative disputes and lingering political tensions between the senators. Security personnel at the National Assembly intervened to calm the situation and prevent further escalation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef429EJ7_Wk


The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has again engaged in a heated confrontation with a colleague.

The latest confrontation reportedly took place in the office of Benue West senator, Titus Zam.

Natasha was heard saying, “I have your mate at home.”

This is coming barely one week after the female lawmaker engaged in a heated exchange with Imo North senator, Patrick Ndubueze.

Lifestylecom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NZIAa4nQSw

Popular Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, has raised serious concerns over the Senate’s recent update of the Electoral Act, warning that the new provisions could weaken electoral transparency rather than strengthen it.

Reacting to the amendment, Oseni said the Senate’s decision to leave an “alternative” option in the law was predictable and troubling. According to him, such flexibility creates room for manipulation during elections.

“Just as I predicted, I knew the Senate would pass a law that leaves an alternative because I think ten steps ahead of many of them. My question is: who decides when there’s no network to transmit results?” Oseni asked.

His comment strikes at the heart of the ongoing controversy surrounding electronic transmission of election results, a key demand of civil society groups and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Critics argue that allowing manual or alternative processes under the guise of network failure gives electoral officials excessive discretion, potentially undermining the credibility of the vote.
Oseni’s intervention has further fueled public debate, with many Nigerians echoing his concern that the absence of clear, independent criteria for determining “network failure” could be exploited on election day.

As protests and public pressure continue, the question Oseni posed now resonates widely: in a system meant to protect the people’s mandate, who truly holds the power to decide when technology should fail?

Popular activist Randy Peters has accused Nigeria’s political class of betraying the ideals of democracy, as protests against the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results intensified at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Peters, who addressed demonstrators on Monday, vowed that protesters would return daily until lawmakers reverse their position. He described the Senate’s action as a direct affront to the principles of free and fair elections, which he said many members of the current political leadership once championed.

“Tomorrow, we will be back here until the Senate does the right thing,” Peters declared. “The current administration supported the June 12 campaign. That struggle was about free and fair elections.”

Invoking the spirit of the June 12, 1993 presidential election—widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history—the activist questioned why elected leaders would resist reforms designed to strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.

Peters warned that opposition to transparent electoral reforms raises concerns about the commitment of political leaders to democracy, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Do we have democrats who are afraid of losing elections?” he asked. “In 2027, our votes must count. The most important thing is that our votes must count. Tomorrow, they will meet us here again.”

The protest forms part of growing public pressure on lawmakers to adopt reforms that guarantee transparency and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Marvieduke:
God has a way of rewriting stories men thought were over.

This is grace speaking… and Hearts for Jesus obeying.”

Time failed. Grace prevailed.

Time could not cancel what God ordained.
Restoration has a voice and today it spoke.”

To my spiritual father, Papa
you will never see a better yesterday.
Thank you for your unwavering submission to God’s call.
Through you, God transformed who I once was into the woman I am becoming—
strong, grounded, and full of His grace
May God continually reward you beyond words.”

#DR.KUNLECHURCHILL
#KING-ANDRECHURCHILL
#KINGTONTODIKEH

Lifestylecom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbQHkgycJSg

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has dismissed the notion that state governors will determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections, insisting that ultimate power lies with the electorate.

His comments come amid growing concerns within the opposition following the defection of several PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 polls.

While acknowledging the political influence of governors, Sowunmi argued that their power does not equate to control over voters.

“Governors are important; I will not downplay that. But governors don’t make the totality of the electorate,” he said. “I have seen the holy anger of people topple nations. How much more is civic authority that people can exercise just by voting?”

He noted that the wave of defections has created a perception that the 2027 elections are already decided, but maintained that such assumptions are premature.

“It looks like it’s a done deal in the minds of some people, but I can guarantee you, if only PDP got out of court on time, things wouldn’t have been like this,” Sowunmi stated.

The PDP chieftain further predicted internal political upheavals across parties, including the ruling APC, particularly during the ticket selection process.

“You will be shocked at how many people, even in the present APC, will not get the ticket for what they want,” he said, adding that once campaigns commence, the strength and reach of the PDP would become evident.

Describing the PDP as a deeply rooted political institution, Sowunmi highlighted its long-standing presence and nationwide recognition.

“You will then understand what it means to be a 27-year-old political party with name recognition, grassroots restructuring, and strong image and logo identity,” he said.

Although he admitted dissatisfaction with the party’s current situation, Sowunmi expressed confidence in its historical role in Nigeria’s democracy...

https://voicenews.com.ng/2027-governors-dont-control-the-electorate-segun-sowunmi/

ogododo:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/2027-seven-governors-defying-the-apc-hurricane/

Lifestylecom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7JwhALJDD0

Reactions, predictions have continued to trail the Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who on Thursday toured several Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, ahead of the forthcoming Area Councils’ elections, engaging directly with residents and grassroots communities.

Many have assessed the impacts for his mobilisation on local elections.

wwwihy:
Enugu State NURTW members head to Enugu Airport to welcome MC Oluomo.

I thought it was only the Southwest that MC Oluomo was lording over.

NURTW members in Enugu State head to Enugu Airport to welcome MC Oluomo. pic.twitter.com/87gw5CfMH2

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) January 29, 2026

givedemwotowoto:
Rejoinder to this post: Chukwueze In Hot Waters For Mocking His Teammates For Being Committed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geYuBfaesmk

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has cautioned former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi against underestimating the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general election.

he described Amaechi as a politician with deep-rooted structures and alliances capable of making him a formidable contender should he decide to seek the presidency.

According to Sowunmi, his assessment is informed by years of involvement in high-level presidential campaigns within the PDP, giving him insight into how internal party dynamics and coalition politics often evolve.

He explained that any serious political coalition ahead of 2027 is likely to draw support from multiple blocs, particularly from the PDP and elements of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a faction closely associated with former President Muhammadu Buhari and now embedded within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sowunmi noted that Amaechi could benefit significantly from these dynamics, regardless of whether a future coalition adopts zoning or decides to throw the presidential contest open.

“If they say they want to throw it open, where do they know the CPC end will go? If they say they want to zone it, where do they know they will go?” he asked, suggesting that Amaechi could emerge as a beneficiary under either arrangement.

He further argued that Amaechi’s chances would be boosted if influential political figures, including former ministers and power brokers within the APC, rally around his ambition.

“If Rotimi doesn’t back down, I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t pull an upset,” Sowunmi said.

He specifically mentioned figures such as former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Communications and Digital Economy Minister Isa Pantami as part of a network that could strengthen Amaechi’s political base if they decide to make a decisive move ahead of 2027.

Sowunmi stressed that dismissing Amaechi’s political relevance could prove costly for rival contenders.

“Let me tell you why I say those who underestimate Rotimi Amaechi have a problem,” he said. “If you underrate Rotimi, it’s at your own peril.”

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in the formation of the APC, has remained a notable voice in national politics since leaving office, with persistent speculation about his future political ambitions.

Lifestylecom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEcVAxKiMRc

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has challenged public perceptions that state executives live in comfort, insisting that the office of governor is defined more by hardship than luxury.

The governor made the remarks while speaking on the heavy burden of responsibility involved in managing state affairs amid Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges.

Governor Radda dismissed the notion that visible privileges of office—such as security convoys and official motorcades—translate into a life of ease, stressing that the reality behind the scenes is one of intense pressure and personal sacrifice.

“They see you moving in convoy with police escorts and start thinking you are enjoying yourself as a governor,” Radda said, addressing what he described as common assumptions held by many Nigerians.

He emphasized that the psychological and physical demands of governance are often overlooked by the public, noting that citizens tend to focus on the ceremonial aspects of leadership while ignoring its grueling nature.

“We are really suffering; there is nothing enjoyable about being a governor,” he added.

The comments have sparked renewed debate on social media, with users divided over the true nature of political leadership in Nigeria. While some sympathized with the administrative and security challenges faced by governors, others pointed to the sharp contrast between the lifestyle of political leaders and the daily struggles of ordinary citizens grappling with inflation and insecurity.

Governor Radda has previously voiced similar frustrations. Shortly after his inauguration last year, he described the governorship as being “caged,” a reference to the loss of personal freedom and constant public scrutiny that come with the office.

https://voicenews.com.ng/nothing-enjoyable-about-being-governor-katsina-gov-radda/

Lifestylecom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImlPNAzYl2E

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has weighed into the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, insisting that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remains a dominant force in the state’s politics and cannot be sidelined.

Speaking during a media interaction on Monday, Fayose argued that attempts to politically isolate Wike would be futile, stressing that political influence is built over time through loyalty, relationships, and performance.

“Even God himself hates ingratitude. You can’t sack Wike from Rivers politics, you can’t sack me from Ekiti politics,” Fayose said. “Politics is not played on social media alone. It is about structure, people, and long-standing relationships.”

Fayose also commented on the position of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, noting that the governor’s emergence and political strength were not solely self-made.

“Governor Sim Fubara got his strength from other people,” he said, in an apparent reference to the political machinery and alliances that supported Fubara’s rise to office.

The outspoken former governor warned against underestimating political godfathers, noting that experience and grassroots connections often outweigh momentary popularity or public sentiment.

Fayose’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Wike and the Rivers State government, a crisis that has continued to generate debate within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria’s wider political space.

Observers say Fayose’s intervention underscores deep divisions within the party, while also highlighting the enduring influence of former governors in shaping political outcomes at the state level.

Pakute:
https://punchng.com/just-in-tinubu-arrives-abu-dhabi-for-sustainability-summit/