₦airaland Forum

Speaking on Daily Politics, a programme on Trust TV, on Saturday, Sani argued that Jonathan’s candidacy would better serve the North’s interests because his constitutional term limit guarantees he can only serve one term.

Sani, who served as media aide to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, said supporting Jonathan would complete the South’s eight-year tenure and pave the way for the North to return to power in 2031.

He said, “I will prefer that President Jonathan takes the ticket, not because I do not like Obi, but because that will ensure that the South will have completed their four years.


“By law, Jonathan cannot exceed one term. So, if he returns, it will be for a single four-year term, unlike Obi, whose promise of one term is not legally binding.”

According to Sani, the North would be more confident in Jonathan’s legal limit than in Obi’s verbal pledge to serve only one term.

He said, “Between somebody making a promise and somebody who is compelled by law that he must leave, which one will you take?


“Jonathan has to go after four years. This one [Obi] is making a promise. A promise can be kept and may not be kept either way.”

He further stated, that while Obi’s integrity is not in doubt, political realities demand certainty.

Sani said, “On this one [Jonathan], you are sure that it must be kept. So for the North, I think Goodluck Jonathan is the best choice.”


Sani’s comments come amid speculation that the PDP is seeking to bring Obi, who left the party ahead of the 2023 elections, back into its fold for a possible joint ticket.

But the former presidential aide warned that if the North agrees to support another Southern candidate in 2027, it must be under the understanding that such a tenure ends in 2031, aligning with the power rotation narrative.

“It’s about equity and fairness. Buhari, a northerner, did eight years. The South should complete their eight, and then the North takes over again. That’s the basis of stability,” Sani said.

Some Ghanaians on Saturday staged a protest at the popular Obra Spot in Accra, demanding the immediate expulsion of Nigerians from their country over alleged involvement in crime and social vices.

The protesters, who gathered in large numbers, displayed placards with messages such as “Nigerians Must Go,” “End Kidnapping,” “End Prostitution,” “End Armed Robbery,” “End Fraud,” and “End Ritual Murders.”

They accused some Nigerians of fueling insecurity and moral decay in Ghana, with some of the placards reading, “Who protects the right and freedom of Ghanaians?”,

“Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals,” and “Our kids are getting missing because of Igbos.”

In a viral video obtained by SaharaReporters, several protesters are seen draped in the Ghanaian national flag while others donned red clothing — a traditional symbol of resistance.

One female protester, dressed in red and holding a placard, declared, “Nigerians must go because you cannot be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow.”

Another placard read: “Our Health At Stake Due to Mass Prostitution,” explaining growing public frustration over perceived health and safety risks allegedly linked to activities of some Nigerian nationals in the country.

The protest comes amid rising tensions between Ghanaian citizens and segments of the Nigerian community, following repeated incidents of criminal activity blamed on foreign nationals.

Another protester, riding on a motorcycle, explained how the presence of Nigerians in Ghana is fueling insecurity in the country.

He said a time would come when even they and their children wouldn’t be able to go out to buy something and return home safely.

He pointed to the incident involving an official of the Ghana High Commission, who recently died in Abuja, Nigeria, after a robbery incident.

He stated, "We know that we are all part of ECOWAS, but what is the purpose of this heavy Nigerian presence in Ghana? What are they really coming here to do? Now they are killing us. A time will come when you and I—and even our children—won’t be able to go out, buy something, and return safely.

"You can’t step out at night just to buy Indomie noodles. You and I can’t go to work and come home peacefully. Just look at what they did to our mother at the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria.

"The High Commission in Nigeria – they killed her inside her car. Why, Nigerians? Are you the only ones in Ghana? Are you the only people in the world?

"China is chasing Nigerians, South Africa is chasing Nigerians, Uganda is chasing Nigerians. Why is it always Nigerians — especially the Igbos and the so-called ‘Igbo King’?”

"This message is for him: he should stop calling himself a king in this land ever again,” he added.


Recent Controversy Over Igbo Monarchy In Ghana

SaharaReporters reported on July 8 that protests and intense public debate erupted in parts of Ghana following the installation of a traditional Igbo leader, Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu, as the “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana” (King of the Igbo People in Ghana).

The development triggered a complex discourse around issues of sovereignty, cultural identity, and the limits of foreign community leadership in the country.

Youth organisations in Accra and the Eastern Region led the uproar, which escalated further after photos of Eze Ihenetu’s opulent palace in Accra—featuring regal emblems and elaborate architecture—circulated widely online.

Following the controversy, the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers recently abolished the use of the title "Eze Ndigbo" by Igbo leaders residing outside Igbo land.

In a communique signed by prominent traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty, Eze E.C. Okeke, (Eze Imo), and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Leader), the council introduced a new title, "Onyendu Ndigbo," to be used by Igbo leaders in foreign lands or outside Nigeria.


According to the communique issued earlier in July, the decision was made to provide clarity on the use of the title "Eze" outside Igbo land, citing that it is a sacred traditional title exclusively reserved for recognised traditional rulers in the Southeast.

The council explained that a true "Eze" is enthroned and coronated by his community or kingdom following traditional rites, divinations, and sacred ancestral ceremonies, and must have a kingdom or community to govern.

According to the communique, the traditional rulers deemed it necessary to abolish the use of the "Eze Ndigbo" title in the Diaspora, citing that it is not a political or ceremonial title, but one deeply rooted in Igbo tradition and heritage.

The traditional rulers directed that a new title, "Onyendu Ndigbo," should be adopted by all Igbo leaders in the Diaspora immediately.

The Council warned that failure to comply with the directive would be considered a serious act of defiance, misconduct, and disregard for Igbo traditional authority and judicial pronouncements.

Dumebi Kachikwu, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2023 election, says the opposition coalition is on a “slippery slope”.

Speaking during an interview on The Volume Pod , Kachikwu said the opposition coalition “will fail”.
Since opposition politicians formally adopted the ADC earlier this month, Kachikwu has consistently criticised the alliance.

Among the coalition leaders are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, a former transportation minister; Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections; Nasir el-Rufai, former Kaduna governor; and John Oyegun, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Others include Sule Lamido, ex-governor of Jigawa; Uche Secondus, former PDP national chairman; Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger state; Sam Egwu, former governor of Ebonyi; Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto; and Liyel Imoke, former governor of Cross River, among others.

Kachikwu challenged the coalition’s legitimacy, citing unresolved legal disputes in court over ADC leadership.

He said Ralph Nwosu’s term as ADC national chairman expired two years ago, and he lacked the authority to transfer leadership to select persons in a controversial coalition.

“They are walking down a very slippery slope that only ends in one place: failure. You cannot build something on nothing,” he said.

“Two courts in two different jurisdictions did not make a mistake when they ruled that this man’s [Nwosu] tenure had elapsed.

“So, there is nothing they [ADC] would do that would make sense. Nwosu’s tenure expired two years ago; there has been no national executive committee (NEC) or convention.

“They (ADC) have been trying to have a convention. In fact, they did two conventions, and INEC refused to recognise it.

“That is the problem of the party. We [ADC] are facing special circumstances that our constitution never envisaged would have a lacuna within the party.”

Kachikwu said only the court can decide the fate of the ADC.

He said some coalition members now regret forming an alliance using the ADC.

“All these men now realise that they made a mistake in entering this party without dealing with these issues because they are reaching out to me through several people,” Kachikwu said.

He claimed that the opposition leaders bribed state chairpersons of the ADC to endorse their adoption of the party as an alliance platform.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has reacted to what he called the unfortunate statement by His Excellency, Sen. Kwankwaso that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is developing more roads in the South than in the North.

In a statement, he said: “I consider this statement as a grave misleading information made intentionally to deceive our brothers and sisters in the North and to pretend that he loves the North more than any other leader from the North. I consider Sen. Kwankwaso’s statement as a statement made out of desperation and as part of his struggle with few others who believe that they can inherit the impeccable legacy of our dear late President Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR and that the only way available for them towards achieving same is to be divisive and pretentious.

Trying to be like our late President Buhari cannot be a job of three decades and can not be done with deceit. I think our younger generation has such a chance and must be worked for through hard work, honesty, transparency and commitment to the unity of our country, a legacy that our late President Buhari, GCFR achieved in all his life on earth. May God continue to bless his legacies and give him a peaceful rest, Amen.

3. For the interest of all Nigerians, especially our dear brothers and sisters in the North, I wish to highlight just a few key ongoing projects in each of the six Geo-Political Zones.

4. The four legacy projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR:

5. a) Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is 750 km: As of today, a total of 110 km is ongoing within Lagos State and 65 km within Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. The total ongoing is 175 km by 6 lanes or 350 km by 3 lanes in the South.

6. b) The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, which is 1068km: As of today, we have 258 km ongoing at Kebbi section and 120 km ongoing at Sokoto section. Total ongoing is 378 km by 6 lanes or 756 km by 3 lanes in the North.

7. c) Trans Sahara road spanning through Cross River – Ebonyi – Benue – Kogi – Nasarawa – Abuja, which is 465km: 118 km by 3 lanes or 59 km by 6 lanes is ongoing in Ebonyi State – South.

8. d) Akwanga – Jos – Bauchi – Gombe road, which is 439km: Project is being redesigned from flexible pavement to rigid pavement for more durable pavement as directed by Mr. President and to conform to the other legacy projects.

In the four legacy projects, the North has 52% and South 48%.

Within the ongoing projects as of today, the South has 409 km by 3lanes and the North has 756km by 3 lanes .

The facts are there. I wonder why people don’t talk about other legacy projects of Mr. President but will always dwell on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

This road has only 220 km by 3 lanes in Lagos State that is ongoing now , crossriver and Akwaibom has 130km by 3 lanes that is ongoing whereas kebbi alone has 316 km by 3 lanes that is ongoing. Sokoto has 240 km by 3 lanes that is ongoing.

I think Sen. Kwankwaso is not fair to Mr.President and the unity of our country.

9. The following major projects are also ongoing in the North.

10. a) Sokoto – Zamfara – Katsina – Kaduna road: This is 275 km dualized (750 km), costing about ₦824 Billion. This project is being handled by CBC, Triacta, Setraco, and Mothercat. Projects are ongoing mostly on reinforced concrete pavement. Despite the insecurity within this corridor, work is ongoing.

11. b) Abuja – Kaduna – Kano road: 350 km dualized (700km) project is being constructed on concrete pavement with a total sum of ₦764 Billion with Infiouest Nig Ltd and 30% of the contract sum already paid and work is ongoing.

12. c) BUA Tax Credit road passing through Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano States: 256 km dualized (512 km). Project redesigned and constructed on rigid pavement.

13. d) 156 km of Zaria – Hunkuyi road is being constructed by mothercat Nig Ltd.

14. e) The Kano Northern Bypass: 49 km is being constructed by CCECC.

15. f) The 100.9 km dualized (201.8 km) Kano – Jigawa road is being constructed by Triacta.

16. g) The Bama and Dikwa roads (49+51= 100 km) by Dangote Tax Credit are ongoing in Borno State.

17. h) The Borno Ring Road: 110 km is being constructed by CCECC.

18. i) The 76 km Malando road in Kebbi State is being constructed by Episolyn Nig Ltd.

19. j) The 250 km dualized (500 km) Benue to 9th Mile road costing $958 Million by China Harbour is ongoing.

20. k) The dualization of Lokoja – Okene 86km dualized (172km) by CGC is ongoing.

21. l) The sections 1 and 2 of Kaduna to Katsina roads by CCECC costing about ₦150 Billion is ongoing.

22. Major ongoing projects in the South:
23. a) Completion of Lagos – Ibadan 8.5 km costing ₦33 Billion by RCC.

24. b) completion of Lagos to Sagamu 12 km dualized (24 km) and flyovers by CBC costing
25. c) completion of Oyo – Ogbomoso to Ilorin Road costing ₦146 Billion by JRB.

26. d) Repairs of Carter bridge, Third Mainland bridge, Eko bridge with total contract sum of about ₦120 Billion.

27. e) In South East, we have:

28. Completion of Enugu – Onitsha road by MTN tax credit which is 107 km costing ₦202 Billion.
29. Completion of Enugu – Onitsha road by CBC, which is 72 km costing ₦150 Billion.

iii. Enugu – Abakaliki 36 km road by reinforced global resources.

17. iv) 2nd Niger bridge access road in Anambra State, 17.5 km dualized with many bridges and flyovers – ₦175Billion by CGC Vii ) the completion of 61km dualized of lokpanta in Imo state to Enugu state by CGC costing 100bn.

f.) In South – South:

1. Completion of Eleme – Onne road project, which is 30 km with bridges and flyovers costing ₦156 Billion.

2. Eket bypass road of 9.7 km dualized costing ₦76 Billion.

iii. Completion of East West Road section 2 which is ₦186 Billion by Setraco.

1. Nembe Brass road costing ₦150 Billion.

2. v) completion of Lokoja to Benin road by four contractors costing about ₦167 Billion.

3. vi) 2nd Niger bridge access road in Delta 17 km dualized by CCECC costing ₦146 Billion.

Vii) completion of Bodo Bonny Road in Rivers State 35 km with 12 bridges by Julius Berger Nig Plc, costing 200bn.

7. I have a duty in the coming week to publish all inherited projects and new projects that are either completed or ongoing in this present administration . I can say with all sense of responsibility that President Tinubu is a fair President.

He has favoured the North in road development more than the South, especially North West, where Sen. Kwankwaso comes from. Apart from these four legacy projects, 80% of the above named ongoing projects were projects awarded by the past administration towards the end of that administration in 2023 but never took off effectively which President Tinubu decided to continue to fund towards completion.

If he had abandoned them, same people will complain.

I have been under pressure by some stakeholders for the construction of their major roads like the abandoned Ibadan – Oyo by Arab contractor , Ibadan – Ife – Ilesa, Ilesa – Akure – Benin and Ore – Sagamu road. I have been badly accused that I am only doing projects in the North, especially North West.

Third Mainland bridge is being closed down to heavy trucks because of underwater structural defects. The Carter bridge is so deformed that it needs to be removed and reconstructed. These are the real major projects in South West which I have been appealing to Mr President to give me money to do those projects because the people of South West may think that I am doing nothing about the major projects in their zone.

These projects are projects that are within major economic corridor between the South and the North and deserve attention. Again, these bridges, if allowed to further deteriorate, will lead to serious economic consequences for the nation.

Mr President is not only fair in the completion of major inherited projects/ new projects, but they are all within the major economic corridor of our nation.

I will publish all ongoing projects which are above 20 billion naira each next week . We still have many projects within the six geopolitical zones that are not listed here.

In this circumstance, I don’t know where Sen Kwankwaso got his misinformation from.


8. It is unfortunate that the utterances of some of our political leaders are just intended to deceive Nigerians and gain political favour instead of making statements that will unite the country and move her forward.

9. I will offer more explanation on this topic, and am ready to face a debate with anyone just to put the records straight.

10. Let me say that in the ongoing NNPCL Tax Credit roads and bridges as inherited, the North has 53% while the South has 47% out of which South East has only 4% and South West only 5%.

The records are there with NNPCL. Mr. President did not complain about the unfair distribution of these inherited projects by the past administration but has continued to fund all the projects as inherited.

11. To my brother Senator Kwankwaso, you owe our President, Tinubu, an apology and a duty to withdraw your statement using the information I have provided herein for the benefit of Nigerians and the unity of the nation.

12 I request the good people of Nigeria to ignore Senator Kwakwanso’s misleading statement and know that President Tinubu is fairly committed to developing every part of this country with fairness, equity and the fear of God”

A fresh crisis has erupted in the Adamawa State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, following allegations by the state chairman, Shehu Yohanna, accusing former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, of working to undermine the party from within.

Yohanna alleged that Lawal was acting as a political spy for the ruling All Progressives Congress, with a mission to destabilise the ADC and thwart the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also accused the former SGF of plotting to replace him with an ally to gain control of the party’s structure in the state.

But reacting in a phone interview with The PUNCH, the ex-SGF dismissed the allegations as “laughable” and “desperate,” describing Yohanna as an illegitimate interim chairman who is afraid of being removed.

He further denied any links to the APC or President Bola Tinubu, insisting he had no intention of supporting the party, now or in the future.

Recall that Atiku recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the coalition ADC.

Also, Babachir, who resigned his APC membership recently, had been a critic of the Tinubu administration, firstly before his election over the Muslim-Muslim ticket and for what he termed anti-people policies.

Yohanna, in an exclusive phone chat with The PUNCH from his Abuja hotel on Thursday, alleged that the former SGF was deployed by the ruling APC to spy on ADC, saying that with Lawal, ADC would not move forward.

He further accused Lawal of working hard to replace him with his candidate, since he could not control him to support his private project.

“Lawal is working to replace me with his tribal man, Suleiman Umana, but his project will not see the light of the day.

“It is not today I started politics, it’s been from my secondary school days to university. I’m not a novice in the game of politics,” he said.

The ADC chairman cautioned Atiku over the antics of the former SGF, adding that the attempt to remove him was to ground the presidential ambition of Atiku in 2027.

Yohanna insisted that the only condition to remove him as chairman was through a delegate congress, not through an individual using illegal means.

He said Atiku would formally receive his ADC membership card in Jada Local Government on August 6.

Reacting to the claims, Lawal told The PUNCH on the phone that Yohanna was only running away from his shadow.


“Yohanna is an interim chairman by arrangement, because he resigned and contested for the House of Representatives in 2023. So he cannot claim to be the legitimate chairman of the party, “ he said.

Lawal further said that based on the ADC constitution, Yohanna is not a legitimate chairman but an interim leader.

“Let him go and read the constitution of the party. He should tender the result or report of the congress that elected him. He is just afraid that he is going to be replaced,” he stated.

Speaking on the APC spy allegation, Lawal said, “It is laughable for any normal person to say that I’m working for APC or President Tinubu.

“The people who know me can say that the last thing I will do is to support the APC in my life,” he said.

Lawal said that during the days of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, he only worked for Buhari and not the APC.

“I did not work for any APC candidate, including the Adamawa State governorship candidate, apart from Buhari, so how can I work for Tinubu or APC today?”

A fresh wave of controversy has erupted over the involvement of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the opposition coalition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). It was revealed that Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was tricked into joining the opposition coalition.

Currently, there are indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as a key contender for the ADC coalition’s presidential ticket, following hints that he would contest in 2027, DAILY POST observed. Speaking at a function, Atiku said,

“I swear to God, if elected, whoever steals or engages in any corruption-related activities, we will declare war against them and they must be punished.”

Similarly, Obi disclosed plans to run for a single term, after which he would hand over.

“I have not joined in any form of discussion on joint tickets, including with Atiku. If there is any form of agreement that will restrict me to four years in office, I will comply with the agreement and be ready to leave office on the 28th of May 2031; not the 29th, but the 28th,” Obi said.

Obi tricked into coalition

Obi’s former Special Adviser on Public Affairs during the 2023 presidential election, Katchy Ononuju, said the former Anambra governor was deceived into joining the coalition with hopes of emerging as its candidate. Speaking with DAILY POST, Ononuju disclosed that Obi was deceived to join the coalition and that after its inauguration, they would negotiate the terms of his presidency.

According to Ononuju, “The coalition was just a trick. They tricked Peter Obi, saying don’t worry, go and register, go, let us inaugurate. We will zone to the South and after the inauguration declaration, we will now start negotiating on the terms of you being the presidential candidate.

I told him that these people are tricking; they are not proper. “By the way, I served as Peter Obi’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs during the last election. I and Doyin Okupe founded the youth movement from the PDP. We decided that we would not allow the party to run away from inclusion which is driven by zoning.

After several pleadings, we convinced Peter Obi to head what we were doing. That is why it became the Obidient Movement. I would not allow what I founded to be reduced to nothing and that is why I told Peter Obi that I and my people would not support him if he ever submitted to anything that we do not believe will allow our aspirations to be given expression.

You know that when you are Vice President you are nothing. Look at Shettima; remember the days of Goodluck; look at Osinbajo. It does not work that way. “Our problem is very simple. We worked in the PDP and we know that the pendulum between the North and South in terms of zoning means even if you get to the North in a Volkswagen Beetle, you have gotten to the North.

The next thing is that the pendulum must return to the South. If it returns to the South in a Mercedes, it does not matter. What I mean is that no matter the party you use in getting a Northerner into power, when it comes the other way, it has to be a Southerner.

We said if the North has done eight years, it has to be the turn of the South.”

Atiku refusing to honour zoning of presidential ticket to South

Ononuju, who is Director General of the Heritage Centre, a think tank focused on research into economics, politics, and opinions, also accused Atiku of deception and of refusing to zone the presidency to the South. He said,

“The same Atiku that refused and tried to lie to some people by saying it should go to the South and Southeast in the same year. Why is he suddenly refusing to allow zoning to the South? That was why I told Peter Obi that this is a trick.

That was why he went on Channels Television four days ago and gave that coded interview that the ADC is a futurist prospect for cooperation in 2027; but for now he remains in his party. But by that time the harm had been done.

“Atiku started talking about what his government would do. I told Peter Obi even yesterday that it is builders that plant the pillars; they are the ones who will ground-fill.

ADC is an Atiku Abubakar construct. You are not going to get it and we are dealing with people who are masters of deceit called Takiyah. You have now seen that Atiku has brought out his real dealings.”

Peter Obi will die politically as Vice President

Ononuju insisted that Obi would die a political death if he agrees to be the running mate to Atiku or anybody. He explained that the youths would turn against Obi if he accepts a joint ticket as a running mate; adding that the voice of Vice Presidents is either muted or degraded by the President.

“We have given them a condition which is simple; accept zoning. We are not fighting for today. We are fighting for the future. I am confessing to you the reason why I started the youth movement.

I spoke to Omoba, Doyin Okupe, and said let us do southern campaign president. If it does not work, history will remember what we have done. I am grateful to Okupe for agreeing and we started asking candidates. Peter Obi never agreed.

He told us that he would never go against Atiku.

But I called people like Okwadike. I even organized a meeting at Nnabuenyi’s house.

He asked me, ‘Katchy, what are you doing? Has Peter Obi told you he will run for president?’ He told me that he is loyal to Atiku.

I said do not worry, I am working. After that, Peter agreed to run.

“The moment Obi becomes Vice President to anybody, the youths will walk away and I do not want this creation to die. Peter Obi as a political creation will die if he abandons the youths.

Obi will die as a political icon if he abandons the youth and they will not accept it. In every single administration, the voice of the Vice President does not matter; it is muted and if he complains, he is degraded. Check with Osinbajo; check currently with Shettima; check with Jonathan; check also with Obasanjo and Atiku.

After they degrade you, you will not be able to recover. As a student and teacher of history, I know this for sure. It is difficult to recover after you have been smashed as the Vice President.”

ADC coalition is Atiku’s construct

He maintained that Atiku would not agree to step down his presidential ambition for anybody because the ADC coalition is his brainchild. Ononuju said,

“To be fair to him, Atiku constructed the ADC coalition and I do not think he would have constructed it for another person to become the presidential candidate.

“I am not here to tell you who can remove Tinubu. Mine is nation-building. As Peter Obi tells you, he seeks an alliance of nation-building. You cannot just say you want to remove Tinubu.

Remove Tinubu to do what? You removed Gaddafi to do what? You want to remove him, what is the replacement strategy? You do not just remove. Who are you bringing? Without Peter Obi in that picture, what you will have is the CPC faction and the remnant of the nPDP.

The CPC faction are not happy with Tinubu but when Buhari was doing what Tinubu is doing or even worse, they were silent. Because Tinubu has not allowed any militia to start killing Nigerians and because we are successful.

“We ran the last campaign using what I called ethnic connotation. We talked to the Igalas in Kogi State; we talked to the Ebiras in Kogi State; we talked to the Merigi in Adamawa; we talked to the Babur in Borno; we talked to the Jamba in Kaduna; we also talked to the Birom in Plateau; we also talked to the Tiv in Plateau. We did not run a campaign where we just told somebody in Abuja, a Fulani man, that you are in charge of the North. No. That was why Peter Obi won.

They are trying to create disharmony – Yunusa Tanko

Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, has dismissed the claims that Obi was tricked with the presidential ticket into joining the coalition. Noting that there is no iota of truth in the revelation, Tanko insisted that those responsible are trying to create distractions and disharmony.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Tanko said, “They are trying to create distractions and disharmony. We are focused and will meet our position. If Peter Obi is going to make any statement as regards the coalition, you will get it from him directly, from me, or from any of his aides.

“There is no iota of truth about him being tricked or not. Those are people who are trying to create a lot of distractions as the case may be.

“Peter Obi has always maintained that the issue of rescuing Nigeria is not in the hands of one person; it has to be collective, especially when it means pulling people out of poverty, addressing health situations, education, and the economic well-being of the Nigerian people.

“These are the things he has always been saying that he is interested in, and that is his position all the time.

Peter Obi remains with LP; coalition is for 2027

Tanko also maintained that Obi is still a member of the Labour Party and added that his involvement in the coalition is for 2027.

“He has made it clear that he is a member of the Labour Party to protect the interest of his followers who are running under the Labour Party and to ensure he protects and supports them.

“The coalition is a coalition he is interested in for the 2027 general elections and we are in 2025. I repeat, Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party and the coalition is for 2027,” he added.

Senator Victor Umeh has expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate leadership for including the reconstruction of the Eastern rail line in the newly approved $21 billion foreign loan request.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Umeh recalled how he passionately raised the issue of excluding the Eastern corridor—running from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri—during the 2025 budget discussions.

He commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for giving him the opportunity to voice the concerns of the Southeast and for promising to escalate the matter to the President.

“I was thrilled to see that $3 billion has now been allocated to the Eastern rail line. This inclusion in the foreign loan request is a fulfilment of a long-standing demand by people of the Southeast and other regions along the corridor,” Umeh said.

The lawmaker recalled President Tinubu’s earlier promise during a January visit to the Southeast, where regional stakeholders raised similar concerns. “With this move, the federal government has shown that it listens and acts. This is a significant step toward equitable development,” Umeh added.

Senate President Akpabio responded warmly, applauding Umeh’s bipartisan support and reiterating that good governance knows no party lines. “This is the Nigeria we all want—where national interest comes first,” Akpabio said.

The Senate on Tuesday approved President Tinubu’s $21 billion loan request, which included allocations for major infrastructure projects nationwide. The Eastern rail line, which has long been neglected, is set to benefit substantially from the financing.

The development has been hailed as a win for inclusivity, national integration, and infrastructure equity, particularly for the Southeast and Northeastern regions that rely heavily on the corridor for economic activity.

https://guardian.ng/news/umeh-praises-tinubu-for-including-eastern-rail-line-in-21b-loan-plan/

Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for allocating $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail line, describing it as vital to South East development.

According to Kalu, the project which is a component of the external loans approved by the National Assembly, is a vital component of the government’s efforts to drive economic development, regional connectivity, and improve the lives of people from the South East and Nigeria generally.

While commending the President, the Deputy Speaker in a statement on Thursday, he disclosed that the rail line is projected to unlock about ₦50 billion in annual trade, linking Aba and Onitsha hubs to the markets in the northern region.
According to him, the President has, through this gesture, underscored the action-oriented nature of his Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating a clear commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the South East.

Kalu assured the President that Ndi Igbo will reciprocate his goodwill at the appropriate time to reflect the region’s deep appreciation for his efforts to foster growth and prosperity in the South East.

“I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of the South East region. He has again demonstrated his love for the people of the South East region by this bold step of completing the Eastern rail line which is expected to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth once completed”, he said.

“We can’t but show our immense gratitude to the President for this initiative to upscale the infrastructure in the South East. Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is not in words but in action especially for Ndigbo and at the right time, we will reciprocate this kind gestures. We are so grateful, Mr. President”, he added.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MAG International Links Ltd, a private investor, for the development of City Walk Abuja.

Speaking during the ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said that the project would be a replica of City Walk Dubai.

The project, which would cover about 200 hectares, was inspired by the City Walk concept in Dubai. It will bring together a thoughtfully curated mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional and healthcare facilities.

Wike said that the MoU was to ensure the company delivers the project based on agreed work plans and timelines.

“I wish to say that the company has submitted their drawings, which have been approved, and their Certificate of Occupancy, C-of-O, is ready.
“But we have to sign an agreement such that if you don’t comply within the outlined specification and agreed timeline, then we have the right to revoke the land.

“We are not going to just give you a C-of-O and then nothing happens. We will not accept that again,” he said.

He pointed out that many people had collected land for mass housing and other developments “but ended up as land speculators, selling the land. We will not accept that.

“People have collected 200 hectares, 300 hectares and in 20 years nothing has happened. We have changed that pattern, so we are going to monitor the developments strictly,” he said.

He said that Abuja City Walk would be developed in the area earlier designated for Abuja Technology Village, located along Airport Road, which had remained undeveloped for the past 20 years.

“I want to make it clear that we have had problems with land grabbers in Abuja Technology Village, even those in the technology village are part of the problems.

“In the past 20 years, nothing has happened in the area and therefore, I would not like to lose this opportunity that we have seen investors who really want to invest and develop the land for the good of the city.

“If anybody has gone to Dubai and has seen the City Walk, there is no way you will not appreciate and encourage investors that are willing to do the same in Abuja.

“This is because the whole essence of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is not only to bring investors, but also to create employment for our people,” he said.

The minister said that the project would be developed in phases, with foundation laying expected to take place between July and August. He added that the first phase of the project would be completed and delivered in May 2026, to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.

Describing the project as crucial to the development of Abuja, Wike assured the investor of full support, as directed by Tinubu, to encourage investors to invest in the FCT for national development.

He said that the FCT would provide access roads to enable the investor to begin work on the site immediately.

“The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority is doing his best to see that there is no delay in this project.

“We have made sure that legally nothing will hinder the company from executing the project.

“To encourage them, Director Development Control is here to make sure that nobody obstructs them and the Director of Land is here to make sure they have access to their land,” he added.

The Executive Director of the company, Dr Kassim Gidado, noted the ongoing transformation in the FCT, which he said had increased investors’ confidence to make returns on investment.

Gidado assured the minister that the City Walk Abuja would not replicate the one in Dubai but edge it.

According to him, the project would be built to suit local cultural and traditional flavour and transform the Lugbe axis completely.

“This development represents a bold new direction for real estate in Nigeria, blending elegance, sustainability, and economic value to create a truly world-class destination.

“The City Walk Abuja, a landmark master-plan will redefine urban experience in the FCT,” he said.

A Nigerian cleric, Prophet Elijah Bamidele Ilukholor, has slammed Nigerians attacking his state governor, Monday Okpebholo over his recent comments to ex-presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Okpebholo has been receiving heat from Nigerians over his declaration that Obi must inform him before he visits the state. Many interpreted his comments as a threat to Obi while others have argued that the governor was only watching out for Obi and his security anytime he visits the state.

In a video that is now making the rounds on social media, Bamidele said anyone insulting the Governor is ‘’useless'', especially indigenes of his state, According to him, Governor Okpebholo was right in the statement he made.

‘’If you are an Edo social media influencer or human rights activist and you are among those insulting the governor of Edo state, Mr Monday Okpebholo over his statement on Peter Obi, you are a useless person. I owe no one an apology.

want to ask you a question. You are the head of the family. Don't you have the right to tell your father or mother that before you come to my house, call me so I can prepare myself for you so I can receive you well. Is it bad?

The governor said if Peter Obi is to enter Edo state, he should call him on the phone. He is the number one citizen of Edo state. ‘’Call me before you come so I can make adequate arrangement of your coming'. Don't just walk into someone's state because you are what?

I have told you before. 2027, Peter Obi cannot rule Nigeria. If he like make e go anywhere. If Peter Obi will rule Nigeria, not 2027. If he likes he should gather all the youths in the whole world. That Aso Rock, now, Peter Obi cannot see it''



He went on to tackle activist, Aisha Yesufu, an indigene of the state, for also joining others to condemn the governor.

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has chided the former presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, for serving food at a party he attended recently.

Wike said the action is a show of shame and an attempt by Obi to deceive Nigerians into believing that he is humble.

The minister made this remark at the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Tuesday.

“This is not where a presidential candidate will begin to serve food. No! No!! How long will he be serving the food? As a president, you will be carrying food and serving (sic). And then Nigerians are laughing. Who told you that is humility?

“And you people give audience to that kind of thing. And somebody will be telling you that as a presidential candidate, he will be using commercial flight, and you will think he is telling you the truth. Which security personnel will allow you?

“We must tell ourselves the simple truth. Nigerians, you like people who will play you ‘wayo’. When he was governor, was he serving food? And now election is coming, he has begun serving food at an event.”


The ex-governor also threw his weight behind Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo, over his comments directed at Obi.

Recall that Okpebholo, while addressing supporters at a rally in Benin City on Friday, warned Obi to obtain security clearance before visiting the state.

Okpebholo further claimed that the last time Obi visited the state and made a donation of N15 million to a nursing school in the state, there was unrest in the state, leading to the death of at least four people.

“If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance. We cannot guarantee his safety otherwise, if anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” he had said.

Wike said Okpehbolo was right to insist on prior notice from visiting political figures for security reasons, adding that the governor’s stance was in the best interest of public safety.

The ex-Governor of Rivers State said, “All I am saying is, if you are coming, tell me because I am here to protect you.

“You didn’t say, ‘Don’t come.’ But people play politics. They give people money to go on television and twist facts.”

Nigerian students, under the aegis of the National Association of Polytechnics Students (NAPS), have barred the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, from their campuses nationwide.

The students said their decision was informed by Obi’s failure to retract his alleged misrepresentation of what occurred during a recent student union election in Auchi Polytechnics in Edo State.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, NAPS’ president, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, said Obi’s failure to retract his alleged misleading claim creates doubt about his integrity as a leader.

Oghayan said, “Even more concerning is the pattern emerging from his actions. Mr. Obi, without due verification, recently misled the public with false information regarding the student union government (SUG) elections in Auchi Polytechnics.

“In a widely circulated statement, he claimed: ‘I watched a heartbreaking video that showed students in Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State running for their lives as they were being shot at during their student election yesterday, which left two students dead and several injured.’

Oghayan noted that the said statement by Obi was not only false, but it was also reckless, adding that Obi went further to draw comparisons between the actions of students and those of political leaders, implying that student unrest was a result of ‘leaders, who have chosen to fight, snatch, grab and run with it.’

The students’ leader said, “We, as the direct custodians of student welfare, held a press conference and called on Mr. Obi to retract the statement and issue a public apology, especially to the student community of Auchi Polytechnic.

“Yet, he remained silent. The same man who built his campaign around ‘go and verify’ failed to verify before peddling unsubstantiated claims. That is not leadership; it is manipulation.


He further clarified, “The first truth is this: Governor Okpebholo did not bar Mr Obi from entering Edo State.

He emphasised a need for preemptive security coordination, a requirement not borne out of bias but of responsible governance.

“When a figure of Peter Obi’s stature visits a state, it is not just a movement but a magnet. And magnets attract more than metals; they attract crowds, expectations, risks, and sometimes, chaos. Indeed,

“Let the records show: security clearance for high-profile visits is standard protocol in modern governance. In 2020, Governor Sanwo-Olu called for restraint and order after the EndSARS protests. In 2019, Governor El-Rufai urged foreign observers to seek clearance before entering volatile regions of the state. This is not political gatekeeping; it is administrative foresight.

He faulted Obi’s claim that Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, barred him from the state, arguing that the governor’s directive was only intended for security coordination, which is a standard practice.

Oghayan said, “Governor Okpebholo may have spoken with bluntness, but his concern was rooted in security intelligence and recent events.

“If any high-profile visit carries a track record of civil unrest and casualties, then a call for security coordination is not just justified – it is essential.

“Indeed, reports confirmed that three lives were tragically lost shortly after Mr Obi’s last visit to the state. In light of such unrest, what responsible governor would fold his arms and play passive?

“It is commendable that Mr. Obi made a N15million donation to St. Philomena’s Catholic Hospital. Generosity towards health and humanitarian causes is noble and worthy of note.

“This is the same Mr. Obi, who famously declared during his campaign that ‘he doesn’t give shishi,’ a slogan that became both a mantra and identity of his political movement.

“But today, we see him making high-profile donations in public glare. Is this growth or contradiction?

“Furthermore, when public donations are made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, they must be approached with strategic discretion and in consultation with relevant security authorities.

“Otherwise, such noble institutions may become unintended targets of violence – as evidenced by the chaos that followed his recent visit,” Oghayan said.

“Having failed to retract his false statement and refusing to issue a public apology to the student community in Auchi Polytechnic and the nation at large, we are left with no choice.

“By the moral authority and Constitutional responsibility vested in the office of the President of NAPS, I, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, hereby declare Mr. Peter Obi as persona non grata on all campuses of our institutions across the country, with a mandated distance of not less than 10 kilometres from any student community.

“This is not vengeance. It is a call for accountability. Leadership cannot preach what it refuses to practice. Influence must not become an avenue for institutional interference,” Oghayan.

A Yoruba socio-political organisation, Think Yoruba First Group, has declared that the Yoruba people will not allow outsiders to dictate what happens in their land.


In a statement, the group’s Public Relations Officer, Ogbeni Oluwole Lewis, made this declaration in response to Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s reaction to the renaming of streets in Lagos.


’He said “We won’t outsource, lease or rent out our sovereignty and birthright to any settler colony, no matter how many statements or noise they make; this decision is non-negotiable!”

He stressed that Yoruba share no ancestral or historical links with Lagos and that the decision to rename streets is a matter for Yoruba to decide.

“The convention worldwide is for settlers to respect the host communities and their right to make decisions; whoever feels wronged by decisions taken by Yoruba in Yorubaland is constitutionally empowered and advised to relocate.”

The group warned that Yoruba reserve the right to give streets in their land any names they wish, and that migrants or settlers have no right to dictate such decisions.

He advised settlers to prepare for more changes in the weeks ahead, stating that the names of places must reflect the cultural ties of the locals.

“We are not obliged to even engage or debate such changes with settlers, the moment we start allowing outsiders to dictate such, it stops being Yorubaland.”

The African Democratic Congress has emphasised that every step involved in forming and endorsing the party as a coalition platform to oppose President Bola Tinubu in 2027 was firmly backed by legal principles.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also stressed that the ADC’s foundation was built on a strong legal framework.

PUNCH Online reports that since ADC was launched as the coalition party on July 1, concerns have been raised by many Nigerians over potential internal conflicts, especially in managing the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, among others.

Answering questions on how the party intends to choose its presidential candidate, the ADC spokesperson stated that the party will not endorse any anointed aspirant.

He emphasised that ADC has no hidden agenda or preferred candidate, assuring all that the party will ensure a level playing field and a transparent process for the selection of its flagbearer.

“I have not heard Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar say if it’s not them, then it’s nothing. It’s their supporters or people who purport to speak for them that are saying this.

“Whether it’s Peter Obi or Alhaji Atiku Abubakar or any other aspirants on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, understand that this is democracy, and we are not going to anoint any aspirant or candidate.

“Like our chairman has emphasised, we don’t have a predetermined agenda. We don’t have any favourite candidates. We are going to provide a level playing ground and a transparent process for the emergence of our presidential candidate.

“I’m not aware, therefore, that any of these aspirants have directly said that it’s either them or they are no longer part of the coalition.

“It’s ok for supporters to continue to say what they want to say, but they don’t necessarily represent the sentiments of people that they claim to support. And that’s why we say that for us in ADC, we are going to maintain strict internal democracy.

“And if anybody has any preferred aspirants or candidates, what I would advise them is to get a membership card of the ADC so that they will be in a position to vote for these aspirants when the time comes to elect a candidate for the party”, he stated.[/b]

When asked about potential legal challenges facing the party since the formation of the coalition, Abdullahi assured all that the ADC had carefully taken legal precautions to prevent the ruling APC from exploiting any loopholes to destabilise the party.

Abdullahi said, “We’re not aware of any encumbrance. There’s no encumbrance as far as I know,” but, however, agreed that some individuals have gone to court.

“Yes, you are right, some individuals have said they are going to court or have gone to court. But like I repeatedly said, it’s possible that they don’t have the correct information. For us in the ADC, we are confident that we are on solid legal grounds in everything that we have done.

“This didn’t just happen overnight; it took a very long time because we knew the kind of challenges that we are faced with. And we know that once we leave any legal loophole, the ruling party will not hesitate to take advantage of it to destabilise our party the way they’ve done to other opposition parties,” he said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) constitution has ruled out the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from contesting under the party’s platform.

This came as the party’s constitution disqualified individuals affiliated with other political parties from seeking the party’s top ticket.

Obi, who has openly identified with the ADC and declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, is yet to resign his membership of the Labour Party.

Meanwhile, the prospects of two other contenders, former vice president Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi getting the ticket appear brighter under the party, having resigned their memberships of the PDP and APC respectively.

According to the ADC’s third schedule – guidelines for the conduct of primaries, only registered, card-carrying members of the party who are not affiliated with any other political party are eligible to seek nomination for public office.

This provision, contained in Article 8 on membership, stipulates that a person “must not belong to any other political party,” and if previously affiliated, must have resigned from such membership.


This clause appears to pose a significant hurdle to Obi, who is currently the leader of the Labour Party and has not formally declared any switch to the ADC.

On the other hand, politicians like Atiku and Amaechi, though previously members of the PDP and APC respectively, may qualify with their ADC membership and are cleared by the party’s National Executive Committee.

When contacted for clarification, Obi’s media aide, Tanko Yunusa, said the former Anambra governor had not left the Labour Party.

“Well, that will be made public if he decides to do that. At the moment, he is still a member of the Labour Party,” Yunusa told LEADERSHIP Weekend yesterday.

The party emphasised the importance of deepening internal democracy by ensuring that primary elections are free, fair, and credible, reflecting the true choice of its members.

“The electoral committee of the party shall conduct primary elections that will produce credible candidates that reflect the choice of the people. Nomination of candidates for elections into public offices shall be done by members of the Party in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” the document stated.

The party also made it clear that it reserved the authority to adopt either direct or indirect primaries or a consensus method, as determined by the National Executive Committee.

Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed what transpired between him and the Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the burial of the ex-president.

Obi, who could not attend the burial of the former president over his inability to get a flight to Katsina , attended the Firdau prayer at Buhari's residence the following day, where Ahmad claimed he had met with the former Anambra governor, in which they only exchanged pleasantries initially.

Bashir Ahmad laments Obi's supporters' actions

Ahmad, who served as a digital media aide to the immediate past president and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), disclosed that his encounter with the former presidential candidate at Buhari's burial was not connected to politics, but lamented that the former governor's supporters have continued to attack him.

Buhari died in an undisclosed hospital in London on Sunday, July 13. His remains were repatriated to Nigeria on Tuesday, July 15, and were immediately given a state burial at his residence in Daura, Katsina state.

He explained that after their initial meeting, he later met with Obi and the coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yinusa Tanko, at the event, and they had a little chat. He explained that the former presidential candidate asked him to support him and explained the agricultural potential of the north with him.


Ex-Buhari's aide speaks on Obi's supporters' action

The former presidential aide then expressed surprise that Peter Obi's supporters have continued to attack him because of his earlier criticism of the Labour Party chieftain. He then added that the action of Obi's supporters would not allow him to have the national spread he needed to become Nigeria's president.

He said he had expected the attack to come from members of his party, APC, but commended the understanding of the ruling party supporters that such an event was a solemn period where
people had gathered across party lines to honour the former president.


Reacting to the backlash, Ahmad in a post recounted how he met Obi and what transpired between them.

The post titled, “My meeting with @PeterObi in Daura”, reads: “When I arrived at Baba’s residence this morning, many dignitaries were already seated at the place reserved for the prayer session. I first went to greet Mallam Mamman Daura, then moved on to greet Atiku Abubakar, who was sitting beside him. Next was Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and then Mr. Peter Obi, who was sitting on the same chair with Mallam.

“Interestingly, Mr. Obi told me something I recently posted on Twitter. I smiled and continued down the row to greet others. Moments later,

“@YunusaTanko didn’t realize I had already greeted his boss, so he pointed me out again. I moved closer, and Mr. Obi again offered his condolences on Baba’s passing and told me he admired my loyalty to Baba even after leaving the office.

“There was no talk of politics or pictures until much later, when he was about to leave. Coincidentally, I had stepped outside to receive other visitors. We stood for a few moments. In a lighthearted tone, Mr. Obi said I should come and support him and he also mentioned how he had seen vast land for agriculture on the road coming to Daura.

“To my surprise, when I posted our pictures, his supporters, the so-called “Obidients,” as usual, launched the attacks on me. Frankly, I had expected the criticism to come from within my party for taking pictures with an opposition leader. Good that my party members understand the situation and we don’t politicize everything.

“I would like to even make it clear that I didn’t visit Peter Obi, he came to us and he did so out of respect for President Buhari, and there was nothing political about our brief exchange, it was purely a humane, respectful moment during a time of mourning.

“With such supporters who are only experts in bullying, gatekeeping and intolerance, it is hard for Mr. Obi to build the broad coalition necessary for him to become President. His supporters are simply not enough on their own to make him President and worse still, they attack, block and harass those who might otherwise be willing to help him do so.”

A socio-political group, the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF), has cautioned former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against making divisive remarks or threatening the newly formed opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, the group accused Obi of lacking genuine commitment to the coalition, alleging that he is already plotting to abandon it, similar to his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries.

SELF further warned Obi against allegedly blackmailing the coalition to zone the presidential ticket to the South, stating that such actions could trigger agitation from the North to complete the 18 years it claims the South has held the presidency.

The statement reads, “We note that Mr. Peter Obi and his obedient movement, in recent times, have resorted to threatening and blackmailing the leadership of the Coalition. We dare to tell the former Anambra Governor that such a strategy will not work; it has failed woefully.

“Records have shown that Mr. Obi has a history of running away from primary elections, which is a major aspect of democratic culture. If Mr. Obi claims to be a democrat, why is he always avoiding the primary election? Why is he looking for a free presidential ticket? He did that as a governor, and as recently as 2023, Mr. Obi abandoned PDP when it was time for the primary election.

“As a forum of professionals and emerging leaders, we will not fold our hands and tolerate Peter Obi to frustrate the ongoing arrangements to rescue our Nation and have a credible alternative to the APC.

“We hereby call on Mr. Peter Obi to stop his pretentious lifestyle as if he is a saint or the only Messiah Nigeria is waiting for. If Mr. Obi wants to participate in a democratic contest, he should respect the rules of the game. Though he has never fought or contributed to the development of the democratic process in Nigeria, he does not know what it takes.

“Obi and his Obidients should learn early that democracy is about contest, not about free lunch or free tickets. It is not about blackmail.

“If Obi is looking for where he will be given a free presidential ticket, the door is open. Although we have gathered reliably that Mr. Obi has secured another platform where he will soon unveil to contest in 2027, it is high time the leaders of the ADC Coalition do not sleep with their two eyes closed. We are making it public that Peter Obi is not ready to cooperate and work with Coalition leaders.”

The group called on the David Mark-led ADC leadership not to bow to any pressure to zone the ticket of the party to any zone, adding that Nigerians should be allowed to decide what they want.

“We are appealing that the ADC National leadership should ensure a credible and transparent primary election that will produce an acceptable candidate. Whoever wins the primary should be supported by all. If it is Peter Obi, if he remains in the coalition, he should not be denied the massive support,” the statement said.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Anthony Sani, has claimed that Northerners don’t trust Peter Obi enough to allow him to rule Nigeria for one single tenure. Sani also noted that the politics of zoning may not favour Atiku in his bid to defeat Tinubu.

In this interview with DAILY POST, Sani noted that Tinubu stands a better chance to get Northern votes and retain his mandate in office.


In 2027, who may likely pull Buhari’s bloc votes from the North between Tinubu, Atiku, and Peter Obi?

President Bola Tinubu may still prevail. This is because former President Buhari had told the nation and his supporters that he was not favorably disposed to the coalition and what it stands for.

This is because he is committed to APC which made him president twice. Given the nature of Buhari’s supporters, they would not like to betray him even in the grave.

Can Tinubu get Northern votes and trust without Buhari?

President Bola Tinubu can still get Northern votes because of Buhari’s supporters who would not like to betray Buhari.This is because he had told them he was in APC and died in APC.

Can the opposition coalition defeat Tinubu?

The opposition may not defeat President Bola Tinubu because the dynamics are not in favor of the coalition. For example, unless President Tinubu does too badly- which I hope not, the North will prefer to let President Bola Tinubu complete the tenure meant for the South. This is because he is the only southerner who has only one term to go.

The North cannot trust Peter Obi that he will do one term. You would recall President Jonathan pledged to do one term but reneged.

The politics of zoning does not favor Atiku precisely because all southerners and most northerners favor the idea of zoning in the interest of unity and stability of the country.

Which candidates should the coalition put forward that will give them the needed votes to defeat Tinubu? Speculations are around Atiku-Peter Obi, or Atiku-Amaechi

I have told you the politics do not favor the coalition. Whether the ticket is Atiku/Obi or Atiku/Amaechi, the result will be the same.


There is a school of thought that believes that with the caliber of imminent Nigerians in the coalition, Tinubu will ‘sweat’ during the 2027 elections, what’s your take on that?

Apart from the fact that the political dynamics does not favor the coalition, there is the challenge of the fact that the opposition has not told the nation what it will do differently from what Tinubu administration is doing.

You would recall Atiku, Peter Obi, and Bola Tinubu campaigned for removal of fuel subsidy as a non-choice situation. And when the results of the elections were out, Atiku got 7m votes, Peter Obi garnered 6.1m votes and Bola Tinubu got 8m votes.These suggest Nigerians saw removal of fuel subsidies as a non-choice factor.

So, in the absence of a real alternative course of action, the coalition does not constitute a viable platform that can adopt ADC to defeat the ruling party. More so, the south south and part of south east are moving to APC.

Do you see Kwankwaso and El-Rufai playing any major role in getting votes for their respective camps in 2027?

Former governor El-Rufai is a very intelligent technocrat but not a street politician as such. So, he may not have electoral value compared to former Governor Kwankwaso who can deliver Kano state. And I foresee Kwankwaso defecting to APC and adding political value to himself.

The opposition coalition has warned former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition warned that leaving the ADC might mark the end of Obi’s political trajectory.

The warning comes on the heels of the revelation on Monday by the Director-General of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, that Peter Obi will contest the 2027 presidential election, with or without the coalition ticket of the ADC.

He also urged the ADC coalition to zone its presidential ticket to the south, rather than the north.

However, in a swift response, Comrade Abayomi Bello of the ADC Youth Vanguard stated that if Tanko’s submission truly represents Obi’s position, the former Anambra State Governor may be looking at the end of his political trajectory if he walks away from the coalition due to losing the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

Bello added that such action would portray Peter Obi as another self-interested politician, one who is only interested in his personal ambitions and not in nation-building.

He urged that rather than dump the coalition, the Labour Party chieftain, who has a history of moving from one party to another, should rather embrace the opportunity to mentor new leaders and build long-term political structures.

“In the light of reports that Mr. Peter Obi is considering leaving the ADC coalition should he not secure the presidential ticket, we will like to warn that if this truly represents his thinking, the move could mark the end of his political trajectory.

“We doubt that Mr. Tanko actually has Peter Obi’s mandate to say what he said. We believe that Mr. Obi has cultivated a public image rooted in principle, youth empowerment, and nation-first politics. Therefore, walking away from a coalition because of personal ambition contradicts the very foundation of his appeal.

“With a history of multiple party changes—from APGA to PDP to Labour—and now potentially another exit, Nigerians may begin to see Mr. Obi not as a visionary reformer, but as yet another self-interested politician.

“Coalitions require patience, negotiation, and compromise. If Mr. Obi departs the ADC coalition prematurely, he risks losing the trust of allies, alienating key stakeholders, and frustrating a youth base already disillusioned by fragmented opposition.

“Rather than exit, Mr. Obi has an opportunity to lead from within—by mentoring new leaders, influencing policy direction, and building long-term political structures. That is how legacies are built. Anything else could spell political isolation”.

The Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the road leading to the state-of-the-art Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals will be named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in honour of his contribution to the project.

Dangote hailed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the private sector and credited him as the visionary behind the Free Trade Zone during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Dangote made the announcement during President Tinubu’s tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, which coincided with the official commissioning of the Deep Sea Port Access Road on Thursday, June 5, 2025.


This strategic road links the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Free Trade Zone, and the Dangote Refinery to the Sagamu–Benin Expressway via Ijebu Ode.

Dangote told the President, “The Dangote refinery complex is, in many ways, your brainchild. Mr President, let me just say one thing — the main road leading into our refinery is now to be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road.”

Following the announcement, President Tinubu rose to shake hands with Dangote in a moment that drew applause from the dignitaries in attendance.


He said: “Now that the President has visited and he has given us additional energy, we will inform you, you will hear from us soon, and that will be one of the major shakedowns in the entire country. It is not the reduction of price, it will be the total overhaul of the downstream.”


Dangote confirms listing before end of 2025


The Dangote group president confirmed that the refinery and the fertiliser company would be listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) before the end of 2025, and this would mark the beginning of a massive growth trajectory.

He also expressed support for the President’s economic policies, especially the ‘Nigeria First policy’ which fosters industrial growth and long-term investments to reduce dependence on imported goods.

He said that this aligns with the Dangote Group’s vision to provide Nigerians with local alternatives to foreign goods, just like it had done with cement, fertiliser, and fuel.

He said: “It is on record that our investment in cement manufacturing made Nigeria self-sufficient in that sector, ending cement importation and turning the country into a net exporter.

“We achieved the same in fertiliser production, as Nigeria is now self-sufficient and exports the surplus, thereby generating valuable foreign exchange.

We have also commenced exportation of refined petroleum products to several countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, among others.”


Dangote to spend N900 billion on infrastructural projects


Dangote also commended the recent improvements in Nigeria’s infrastructure through initiatives like the Nigerian Road Infrastructure Development Fund and the Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

He confirmed that the refinery would be spending N900 billion to improve over 500km of road infrastructure across Nigeria.

This, he explained, is in addition to paying N450 billion in taxes in 2024. He added that eight major roads have been awarded, including the Lekki-Epe corridor, the Deep Sea Port Access Road, and two others in Borno State that will link Nigeria to both Chad and Cameroon.



Tinubu hails Dangote Refinery


Commissioning the concrete road to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, President Tinubu hailed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a “ remarkable achievement,” calling it “a great point of reference, a phenomenal project of our time, and a massive investment” that exemplifies Nigeria’s potential for industrial and economic transformation.


President Tinubu said, “Having inspected the Dangote refinery, which is a great point of reference, a great phenomenon of our time and a massive investment, I want to thank Aliko Dangote. I am happy that the Deep Sea Port I initiated as Governor of Lagos State is a huge success today.

Users save vast amounts of money using this port because they no longer need to trans-ship their goods.

I commend the quality of the access road done by Messrs Dangote Industries Limited on our Tax Credit Road programme and the subcontractor, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited.”

Sources told SaharaReporters that Senator Nwoko mobilised a crowd—including youths and elderly individuals from various towns and villages within the proposed Anioma region—to attend the Enugu hearing in a show of support for the proposed state.

The push for the creation of Anioma State from the present Delta State, championed by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has reportedly suffered a significant setback, SaharaReporters has learnt.

In a letter dated May 27, 2025, Nwoko had appealed to his colleagues in the Senate to support Senate Bill 481, which seeks to establish Anioma State as a means of addressing the imbalance in Nigeria’s federal structure.

However, SaharaReporters reliably gathered that lawmakers from Delta North in the Delta State House of Assembly have withdrawn their support for the proposal, citing their recent experience during a trip to Abuja as a key reason for their decision.

A senior management staff of the Assembly from Delta North, who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the prospects for the creation of Anioma State now appear bleak.

The source said, "Ned Nwoko's agitation for the creation of Anioma State recently suffered a setback.

“Our members representing us from Delta North senatorial district in the Delta State House of Assembly were recently invited to Abuja for a meeting in connection with the agitation for the Anioma State creation and were presented with a blank sheet of paper to append their signatures and the lawmakers demanded to know what it was meant for and they were told it was for the Anioma State creation bill.

"At this point, the lawmakers demanded to see a copy of the bill, but nothing was presented to them despite their strong stand. Based on that, the lawmakers turned down the request to append their signatures, because they cannot sign a blank sheet of paper. They must know what they are signing for, and they left.

"You know, the process of creating a new state in Nigeria is not a tea party; the State House of Assembly must be involved, which requires endorsement by a simple majority of all the State Houses of Assembly and a simple majority of their members, including the host state's legislature.

“You will agree with me that the Delta State House of Assembly must play a very vital role in supporting the agitation or frustrating its realisation."

Sources revealed that some individuals believed to be loyal to Senator Nwoko have begun accusing a former governor of allegedly working behind the scenes to sabotage the agitation for the creation of Anioma State.

The ex-governor is said to have influenced key figures, particularly members of the Delta State House of Assembly from Delta North, discouraging them from supporting the proposal or signing in favour of it.

Reacting to what he described as a calculated attempt to derail the movement, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close political associate of Nwoko, Emma Ejiofor, issued a stern warning, declaring that anyone opposing the Anioma State agenda would be “crushed.”

Speaking at a recent APC Delta North stakeholders' meeting, Ejiofor, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, criticised the Delta North lawmakers in the State Assembly for refusing to endorse the proposal by declining to append their signatures.

He said, "I hear some people are not too happy with our agenda, Anioma Agenda. I will plead with every one of us to key into Anioma State creation. If you block our way, we will crush you because Anioma State is a done deal.

“I have heard from information that those of the House of Assembly members, they are not ready to sign the request. I want to assure you, if there is any member who will not agree to sign that request, we will prepare to recall that House of Assembly member.”

"We have all it takes to do whatever we want this time. The senator cannot have, as of now, 75 senators supporting him, then we are now struggling with nine local government House of Assembly members. Tell them whoever that we are ready to crush that person and recall that person. It is a promise. So, Anioma State creation is a done deal," Ejiofor boasted.

Also, during a press briefing, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, addressed questions regarding the agitation for the creation of Anioma State.

He expressed support for the lawmakers’ decision to withhold their signatures, stating that they were right to reject the request to sign what he described as a blank or unspecified document.

Guwor said, "What has the House got to do with a law that has not been passed in the National Assembly? What is the correlation? My colleagues from Anioma were invited recently.

“From information available to me, they were asked to sign for a bill before the National Assembly, and they told me that a copy of the bill was not given to them. So their bone of contention is that they want to see a copy.

"You cannot sign a document that is not before you, you cannot just sign on a plain sheet, and then you don't know what that will amount to. So, after the meeting, they told me. Because when they went for the meeting, I was aware that they were going, and when they returned, they told me that this is the situation.

“There was no bill before them to sign. They were given a sheet of paper to sign, and they rejected it vehemently, stating that they could not sign on a sheet of paper for a bill at that level."

A public hearing hosted by the Senate Committee on State Creation in Enugu on Friday was marred by protests from a group of alleged “rented supporters” of Anioma State, who claimed they were abandoned and left unpaid after participating in the event.

The hearing, part of a broader constitutional review process by the 10th Senate, featured a delegation led by Senator Nwoko.

Sources told SaharaReporters that Senator Nwoko mobilised a crowd—including youths and elderly individuals from various towns and villages within the proposed Anioma region—to attend the Enugu hearing in a show of support for the proposed state.

The supporters were allegedly promised financial compensation, along with transportation and feeding, for their participation.

The mobilisation effort was reportedly coordinated by Senator Nwoko’s cousin, Michael Nwoko, who was said to be responsible for logistics and disbursement of allowances to the group.

However, after the hearing concluded, the crowd alleged they were abandoned in Enugu without being “settled” as agreed.

“These are people supporting Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly. We’re not going anywhere until our allowances are duly paid,” a voice was heard saying in a video obtained by SaharaReporters. “He brought people from Anioma in Delta and kept them stranded in Enugu.”

Sources said that when the aggrieved group attempted to reach Senator Nwoko to demand their allowances, they were directed back to Michael Nwoko. Tensions flared when Michael reportedly tried to walk back on the arrangement, triggering a heated protest at the venue.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has expressed profound excitement following the Federal Government’s unveiling of a new strategic framework that prioritizes the completion of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.

The roadmap, encapsulated in the newly launched National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, identifies Bakassi among nine key deep seaports marked for accelerated development across Nigeria. Speaking at the official presentation of the policy in Lagos, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, described the initiative as a transformative step towards positioning Nigeria as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

“This policy signals a new dawn for the sector. Our objective is clear: to catalyze sustainable development by accelerating the completion of critical deep seaports that will drive economic transformation,” he remarked.

Reacting to the announcement, Governor Otu welcomed the development as timely and visionary, describing the Bakassi Deep Seaport as the crown jewel of his administration’s economic blueprint.

“This project is not only central to the industrial future of Cross River, it is a national asset capable of unlocking regional prosperity and redefining Nigeria’s place in global maritime trade,” the governor affirmed.

He lauded the federal government’s commitment and foresight in aligning national infrastructure goals with the needs of coastal states.

Governor Otu lamented that at present, Nigeria’s shipping activities are shortchanged as only 21 per cent account for cargoes coming into the country, with 79 per cent going to countries such as Benin, Togo and Ghana. He explained that the reason for this is because the existing ports in Nigeria lack depth and capacity, making it difficult to accommodate bigger vessels.

According to the governor, “the implication, therefore, is that cargoes meant for Nigeria ports are consequently smuggled into the country from the 79 per cent of cargoes that find their way into neighbouring countries. In effect, one hundred per cent of those cargoes were originally meant to be shipped directly into Nigeria. So, the conception of the Bakassi Deep seaport, and of course, when eventually completed, will address the obvious shipping nightmare Nigeria is currently experiencing.”


Widely regarded as a strategic gateway to the Gulf of Guinea and a crucial link for the North, South-East, and South-South corridors, the Bakassi Deep Seaport has long been touted as a game-changer.

With this renewed federal commitment, stakeholders believe that the project now has the institutional backing and political momentum required for full realization. The policy also outlines an ambitious 7 per cent annual growth target for the marine and blue economy sector, anchored on the exploitation of Nigeria’s over 850-kilometre coastline and expansive inland waterways.

Other seaports listed for development include Badagry, Olokola, Ondo, Bonny, Burutu, Benin, Ibom, and Agge. These ports, once completed, are expected to decongest existing facilities, spur regional trade, and usher in a new era of maritime-driven economic growth.

The ongoing detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has reignited tensions between the Presidency and major voices from the South-East.

Among the voices are the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, IPOB and former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

While IPOB and Ohanaeze hailed Obi’s recent call for Kanu’s release as timely and morally courageous, the Presidency accused Obi of having “separatist tendencies” and sympathising with IPOB.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, speaking to journalists in Lagos, at the weekend, said the Federal Government was open to negotiating the release of Kanu, but insisted it should not be used as a condition for political support.


Obi, in a Sunday interview on Channels TV Politics Today, demanded Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, stating that there was no legal or moral justification for his continued detention.

Reacting, a Presidency source who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said “Peter Obi has separatist tendencies. He supports IPOB and he has said it publicly. But he wants to lead Nigeria. That’s a total contradiction.”

The source insisted that the government would not interfere in the ongoing trial of Kanu, insisting that the case before the court must be allowed to run its course.

“Let them wait until the trial is over. If he is not found guilty, he will be released.


“Everybody knows that Nnamdi Kanu’s case is in the court. Would he want the government to stop the court from doing its work? The trial is on. Let them wait until the trial is over.

“The state is alleging that he committed an offence and the case is already on trial. If he is not found guilty, he will be released. If he is found guilty there will be punishment for it,” the Presidency source said.


He added “We cannot pronounce any judgment on behalf of the court. We should let the judiciary do its work. Once it finishes its work, we can talk from there. The case is on trial. So, we should allow justice to prevail; and the law to run its course.

“They cannot be truncating an ongoing trial. The state has alleged. It is trying to prove its case. So, if the state cannot prove its case, Nnamdi Kanu will be released.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide reiterated its call that Kanu should be released by the Federal Government unconditionally.

Speaking with one of our correspondents in a telephone chat, its spokesman, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, said the organisation supported the call for Kanu’s unconditional release, noting that it was long overdue.

Chukwu said spending over four years in detention was an injustice, adding that “justice denied is justice delayed.”

He said, “Ohanaeze’s position on Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is obvious. Ohanaeze is unequivocally supportive of the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release because it is long overdue, since after four years in detention, justice denied is justice delayed.”


Asked whether the apex Igbo body was part of the negotiations to free Kanu and conditions the Federal Government put forward, Chukwu added, “All I can say is that Ohanaeze is in strong advocacy for the release of Kanu.

“We desire that the Federal Government should find a political solution to facilitate his release.”

Also, in a telephone interview on Monday, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ikechukwu Oji, said the leadership of the body had always re-emphasised the release of Kanu.

He said his extradition from Kenya was illegal, adding that the foundation of his prosecution remained questionable.

Oji, however, called on President Tinubu to exercise his constitutional authority and explore diplomatic options to secure Kanu’s release.

He said, “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the leadership of the President General, Senator John Azuta Mbata, has always reiterated its call for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“So, we are in support of any call for his release and it must be unconditional.”

IPOB, through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, however, commended Obi for taking a stand while others in the region remained silent, describing his action as “a voice of reason and restraint.”

Powerful said, “Peter Obi’s call is not only a personal expression of conscience but a tacit acknowledgement of the glaring illegality and injustice that underpins the continued detention and persecution of Nnamdi Kanu.”

It warned against “political jobbers” like Minister of Works, Umahi, whom it accused of spreading falsehoods about ongoing negotiations.

IPOB rejected any notion of backdoor negotiations, stressing that Kanu’s release must not be tied to conditions or political bargains.

“The only acceptable platform for discussion is a United Nations-supervised referendum,” the group stated, insisting that Kanu remained unbroken despite years in detention and persecution.

The group said although Kanu was never a fan of Obi, the former LP presidential candidate remained the only politician in the Southeast region who had maintained a dignified disposition in the affairs of the country.



The statement read, “The Indigenous People of Biafra, under the supreme leadership of our incarcerated leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, notes with cautious optimism the recent public comments made by Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, in which he unequivocally called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stating that there is no justification for his continued detention.

“Mr Obi’s remarks are not only timely but also reflect a voice of reason and restraint amidst the deafening silence and cowardice of many political actors, particularly from the South-East, who have chosen self-preservation and political correctness over truth and justice.

“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has, on many occasions in the past, criticised Mr Peter Obi in very strong and unfiltered terms—consistent with his principled stance against Nigeria’s political establishment—it is worth acknowledging that Mr Obi never responded in kind.

“Instead, he has consistently maintained a dignified silence, refusing to allow personal attacks to cloud his sense of justice or moral duty.”

It added, “Indeed, we recall with appreciation that Mr Obi was among the few prominent politicians who defied fear and political pressure to attend the funeral of Kanu’s parents in Afaraukwu Ibeku at a time when the Nigerian military was harassing mourners and many high-profile individuals shamefully stayed away, Peter Obi’s quiet presence was a rare demonstration of empathy and courage.

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has hit out at Peter Obi, saying the Labour Party (LP) chieftain lied over his comment not to have seen an ambulance in a presidential convoy.

“Peter Obi said he has never seen a President have an ambulance in his convoy other than President Tinubu, and he lied,” Reno said on Monday in a post on his official X account.

“Every U.S. President has at least two ambulances in their motorcade. President Ronald Reagan was saved after John Hinckley Jr. shot him on March 30, 1980, due to his presidential ambulance.”

Reno also posted a photo of one of several ambulances in President Donald Trump’s convoy, saying “this one broke down, causing a big scandal. The American public was angry that their president’s ambulance broke down, endangering his life.


“But in Nigeria, Peter Obi does not want our president to have an ambulance. Does Obi want to kill President Tinubu? Is that his plan?

“Please fact-check me: Peter Obi bought 400 cars and distributed them to Anambra Igwes when he was governor (are there even up to 400 Igwes in Anambra as he claimed?), yet he does not want the president to have an ambulance.”

Reno, who was a media aide to former president Goodluck Jonathan, is known to be a major critic of Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.

National Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Bishop Amakiri, has criticised the recently announced opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming that almost 85 percent of its leaders have a history of poor governance and cannot deliver the political change they promise.

Speaking on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme on Monday, Amakiri questioned the credibility of the coalition, which includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, and other political figures.

The group had recently met in Abuja and adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola named interim chairman and secretary.

“I have a problem, and it is whether 85 per cent of people in that coalition have the moral justification to tell us about a coalition that will liberate the Nigerian people from the political leadership quagmire we find ourselves in,” Amakiri said.

Describing the coalition as a group of “political power mongers,” he argued that many of its members have held public office without meaningful impact.

“You can’t have a gathering of over 85 per cent of persons who have been given the opportunity to lead this country before – and where have they taken the country to? Abysmal failure,” he stated.

Amakiri questioned the intentions behind the coalition, suggesting that it was motivated more by a desire to reclaim power than to reform governance.

“They are just political power mongers trying to advance their interests,” he said.

He also likened the current coalition to the 2015 alliance that brought the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power, accusing its leaders of repeating a cycle of political arrangements without delivering change.

“It’s the same thing they did in 2015 when they just wanted to kick out a president who was doing very okay,” he said.

Addressing reports that some YPP members had joined the coalition, Amakiri maintained that his party remained focused on legislative influence rather than the presidency.

“We are not in a hurry to produce a president. Our major ambition is to take over the parliament,” he said.

The Abuja meeting that triggered Amakiri’s comments was attended by several politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and ADC, all aiming to form a united front against the ruling APC.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has explained that it chose not to join the coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) because it does not want to abandon its own political structure for an alliance whose direction and outcome remain uncertain.

The Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, Buba Galadima, made this known in an interview with the BBC Hausa.

“They did not approach us to join our party, yet they expect us to leave ours and join theirs—on what grounds?” Galadima questioned.

He further challenged politicians across Nigeria to establish their own parties and test whether they could achieve the kind of political influence wielded by his leader, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

While acknowledging that forming a coalition could potentially strengthen the opposition, Galadima maintained that such an alliance faces significant challenges ahead.