₦airaland Forum

Former Political Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Osuntokun, has said that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would not rule Nigeria like a dictator if elected president.

[b]Osuntokun made the remark while discussing Nigeria’s political structure and the concentration of power in the presidency, insisting that the country’s constitutional arrangement remains a bigger issue than the personality of whoever occupies the office. According to him, even if Obi is considered a capable candidate and eventually becomes president, he would still be required to work with the National Assembly and other democratic institutions.

“Even if Peter Obi is a good candidate and becomes President, he still has to work with the National Assembly; he is not a dictator,” Osuntokun said. The former presidential adviser argued that Nigeria’s political challenges extend beyond elections and personalities, stressing that opposition figures and other political actors often fail to address the deeper structural issues facing the country.

He maintained that the current constitution grants excessive powers to the presidency, creating a system where too much importance is attached to a single office. Osuntokun called for genuine decentralisation, warning that unless power is devolved more effectively, the presidency would continue to dominate Nigeria’s political system disproportionately.

He added that the over-concentration of authority at the centre fuels unhealthy political competition and contributes to the recurring tensions surrounding presidential elections in the country. [/b]

A prominent leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has cautioned former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, against plans to exit the party, in an open letter that also referenced former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In the letter titled “You Can’t Run Away from Yourself,” and seen in Abuja on Sunday, Lukman expressed concern over reports that Kwankwaso and Obi are exploring possible political realignments with other platforms, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), barely weeks after joining the ADC coalition.

Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), said he was “traumatised” by what he described as a pattern of elite political inconsistency driven by personal ambition.

He accused both politicians of placing individual political interests above national considerations, warning that such tendencies undermine democratic stability.

The signals we get is that our expectations don’t matter; what matters is your personal political ambition,” Lukman wrote, adding that he was “quite troubled” by what he described as increasing self-centred leadership among top political actors.

He further argued that at 69, Kwankwaso should prioritise legacy-building over repeated presidential ambitions, rather than focusing solely on securing a place on the 2027 ballot.

The Obidient Movement has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to deny a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Peter Obi a platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, alleged that the delisting of the ADC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was part of a broader strategy to prevent Peter Obi from contesting in the next presidential poll.

Speaking with journalists, Tanko claimed the alleged plan had been in motion since the 2023 general election, describing it as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy. This underhanded plan has been in motion since the 2023 election, deliberately injecting crises into Obi’s former party, the Labour Party, to prevent him from securing a foothold.

Despite Obi’s relentless efforts to restore peace, government infiltrators aided by a compromised judiciary consistently thwarted these attempts. After aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and bringing renewed energy to the party, the ruling party escalated its sabotage, pursuing legislative changes that led to a damaging amendment to the Electoral Act, explicitly designed to pressure the ADC and undermine Obi’s presidential ambitions.

Obi’s visit on March 22, 2026, to former Kano Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, where he was warmly received by Kwankwasiyya members, only intensified the ruling party’s hostility.

The tipping point came at the ADC’s massive rally in Kano on March 30, 2026, where Kwankwaso officially joined the ADC. In a desperate move, the government manipulated INEC to reinterpret an Appeal Court ruling, leading to the delisting of the ADC’s leadership,” he said.

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised Peter Obi over remarks about the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). Fani-Kayode accused Obi of attempting to diminish the role of NADECO leaders who opposed military rule in Nigeria.

In a post on social media, the former minister described Obi’s alleged comments about the pro-democracy group as “a crying shame”. Peter Obi’s attack on NADECO and his attempt to denigrate the leaders of that movement and it’s members who single handedly fought military rule and made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy in our country is a crying shame and shall not go unanswered.

“I recall that he worked assidiously for General Abacha whilst our NADECO leaders and footsoldiers resisted him and were being locked up, driven into exile, subjected to the most brutal form of oppression, persecution and torture,” he said. He also criticised the involvement of some politicians in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including David Mark.

Fani-Kayode alleged that Mark had previously made comments against Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He said the annulment of the election by the regime of Ibrahim Babangida led to years of political unrest and violence in the country.

Fani-Kayode added that many NADECO activists suffered persecution, exile, and other forms of repression during the struggle for democracy. He stated: “Many of us were in NADECO and we are living witnesses to what happened. We spoke out, wrote articles, suffered persecution, were locked up, were tortured, were killed and were forced into exile. He said the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists between 1992 and 1999 should not be dismissed.

Fani-Kayode urged Obi to refrain from criticising NADECO leaders, saying the struggle against military rule came at a heavy cost. He should enjoy the democracy and free speech that we have today which others fought and died for between 1992 and 1999,” he said.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, debate over the opposition’s chances of unseating the incumbent government has intensified. While some political observers argue that President Bola Tinubu remains firmly positioned for re-election, bolstered by expanding political alliances and a wave of defections by elected officials, including state governors, others maintain that the contest is still open.

An elder statesman in Rivers State, Kingsley Wali, has identified former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the opposition figure with the strongest potential to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. Speaking with DAILY POST, Wali noted that Obi has succeeded in galvanising significant support, particularly among Nigeria’s youth population. He described Obi as possessing what he termed a “rock-solid vote bank” in the South-East.


He said, “I can’t really say what it is, but, a lot of young people, a lot of first time voters, a lot of people who are disenchanted with the system just have a way of moving towards Obi For some reason, they think he’s that person who can make a difference. And Mike, I keep telling people, if there’s any politician in Nigeria today that has a rock solid vote bank somewhere in Nigeria, it is Peter Obi.”

Although Wali stopped short of describing Obi as the ideal politician, he emphasised that many Nigerians disillusioned with the current political landscape view him as a credible alternative capable of driving meaningful change. According to him, this perception is especially pronounced among South-Easterners and sections of the Christian population in Northern Nigeria, who see Obi as reflecting their aspirations.

I don’t know if I agree with his politics, I don’t know if I’m a fan of Peter Obi. I don’t think that on a normal day I would say he is the most ideal Nigerian politician. But one thing I know is that a lot of Nigerians who are sick and tired of politics just think that Peter Obi is the one who can make the difference. For some reason they have stuck with him, which is why I say that the only Nigerian politician today who has a vote bank is Peter Obi.

When I say the vote bank, I’m talking about the South-East. It’s characterized by the fact that most South-Easterners think that he is their best chance of getting a shot at the presidency. And, a lot of first-time voters, like I said, moderates and Christian belters in the North think that he represents their best aspirations.

Those who think that they have been under the shackles of fundamentalism think that he represents what they aspire to, a Nigeria that is free of religious bias and religious intimidation. So if you ask me, I think that he is the one that most of these people in this demography see as their opportunity to get free from domination, whatever that domination is, whether it’s real or imagined.”

A former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria’s garment and footwear industry in Aba, Abia State, can generate revenue comparable to the country’s oil earnings if properly managed and supported.

Obi stated this in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, following his visit to Aba where he engaged with stakeholders of the Africa Democratic Congress.

The former governor said he visited the commercial hub on Saturday at the invitation of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, commending him and his team for the reception.

He also praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for efforts to develop Aba, popularly known as Enyimba City.
During the visit, Obi said he granted a one-hour interview on Magic FM, describing it as his first appearance on radio and television this year.

He also commended members of the Africa Democratic Congress for what he described as a productive engagement. Highlighting the economic potential of Aba, he reiterated the need for Nigeria to transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one.

When I speak about moving the country from consumption to production, Aba remains one of the cities that will contribute immensely to that, as it remains a hub for garment and shoe production.

Both products, garments and shoes, remain top and earn as much as we earn from oil for Bangladesh and Vietnam respectively and can do so for Nigeria if well managed and supported,” he said.

Obi, however, identified leadership as critical to unlocking the country’s economic potential, stressing the need for competence, compassion and commitment in governance.

Our challenge remains competent leadership with capacity, compassion, and commitment to national development, as seen in other comparable nations,” he said. He reaffirmed his belief in the country’s future, stating, “A new Nigeria is possible.

The Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, on Thursday held a State burial service in honour of the late renowned evangelist, Reverend Uma Ukpai, who died at the age of 80.

The former Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, attended the event, which was held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

The State burial service also attracted many other dignitaries, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, John Mbata, among others.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti urged the people to live a good life so they would be remembered for good, stressing that Uma Ukpai did not die but only transited, as his legacies would remain indelible.

He also urged the people of Abia and Akwa Ibom, and the entire Christian faith, not to mourn but to live lives worthy of emulation.

Also speaking, Governor Eno, represented by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, described the late Uma Ukpai as a visionary who raised a good generation of people.

In his sermon, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said that the late Uma Ukpai did not serve money but worked for God and humanity.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the continued detention of ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as politically motivated and a threat to democratic principles. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna, Obi argued that the handling of El-Rufai’s case undermines the rule of law and due process.

It is a political persecution. We have a law, and that law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail,” he said. Obi questioned the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s arrest, noting that the former governor had voluntarily returned to the country before being taken into custody.

How do you invite someone who returned on his own and then treat him like a fugitive? Let the law take its course,” he added. El-Rufai has remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 18, following his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Authorities say he is being investigated for alleged money laundering and abuse of office.

In a separate development, the Department of State Services has also filed cybercrime charges against him, with a court hearing scheduled for April 23, 2026. However, El-Rufai has challenged his detention in court, accusing security agencies of abuse of power and unlawful incarceration. His legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, has also alleged misuse of court processes by the anti-corruption agency.

Family members of the former governor have equally called for his release, insisting that due legal procedures must be followed. The case continues to stir debate across political circles, with concerns growing over its implications for Nigeria’s justice system and the broader political climate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, Sunday, urged the people of Kano State to remain steadfast in their politics while pledging that they would restore the glory of Kano.

Obi made the remarks during the Special Sallah celebrations gathering organised by the former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at his residence at Bompai area of Kano.

The Sallah occasion, which was graced by thousands of NNPP members from across the 44 LGAs of the state, also hosted associates of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso such as the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde and the former Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State..

Obi who stressed that this was not yet time for politics, however noted that they would bring about positive changes in Kano. I assure that we want to change Kano…what we want to do is to make sure that we bring back the power of Kano” Obi declared. .

Talking about revitalising industries in the stare, Obi insisted that, "All those factories in Sharada phase 1, Sharada phase 2, in Bompai industrial esrate and in Challawa, we want to make sure that we them bring back". Obi who celebrated his political association with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, used the occasion to felicitate with the people of the state on the occasion of the Sallah celebrations.

Former governor of Anambra State and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has decried the suicide bombings that rocked Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 poll also urged President Bola Tinubu to cancel his UK state visit and visit communities ravaged by terrorists and bandits.

Mr Obi, in a statement on Tuesday, described Nigeria as “a nation under siege,” highlighting the failure of government in its core duty of protecting lives and property.

The nation is once again engulfed in grief and outrage following the horrific explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday.

These tragic events serve as a painful reminder of how far we have strayed from the fundamental duty of governance: the protection of lives and property,” Mr Obi said.

He added, “The fact that several innocent Nigerians can be killed in multiple coordinated attacks, with over a hundred others injured in vulnerable places like markets and near hospitals, highlights a troubling reality. The silence from our nation in response to such atrocities indicates a disturbing normalisation of insecurity rather than a decisive confrontation with the issue.”

Mr Obi noted that the Maiduguri attacks and other attacks recorded in other states in recent times were a test of Nigeria’s security architecture, calling on Mr Tinubu to jettison the UK trip and attend to domestic security crisis.

In light of recent attacks in Kwara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Sokoto, Benue, and even within the Federal Capital Territory, the pattern of insecurity is deeply concerning. In some regions, such as Katsina, there are alarming reports of communities being coerced into paying a “Peace Tax” to armed groups just to avoid further attacks and ensure their survival,” Mr Obi said.

He said, “These moments test not only our security architecture but also the very essence of leadership. Such a grave national emergency requires immediate presence, attention, and action. It is crucial to cancel any planned trips to visit affected communities in favour of prioritizing efforts to safeguard lives.”

A spokesperson for Mr Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, dismissed Mr Obi’s position as one coming from someone who has no idea of how governance works.

How do you expect Peter Obi to know how governance works? The president is commander-in-chief of the armed forces which consists of police, SSS, and other paramilitary organisations.

“The president is supported by vice president, ministers and other aides. That’s how nations and systems work. But since Mr Obi is a trader, buying and selling, he doesn’t believe in delegation. Everything he does he does by himself. That’s why he will not know. I dont expect him to know because he doesn’t have a clear idea of what it takes to run a country,” Mr Bwala said.

The presidential spokesperson said Mr Obi’s on Mr Tinubu to cancel his UK state visit was unnecessary, adding that security agencies had been mobilised to tackle internal security issues.

On Monday, suicide bombers attacked Maiduguri, Borno State capital, killing 23 and injuring scores in three attacks.

Businessman Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chiefpriest, stirs outrage over a comment on Peter Obi and the City Boy Movement in Imo State.

The celebrity barman had expressed interest in joining the City Boy Movement and has publicly confirmed his decision.

During Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Imo State over the activities of the City Boy Movement, Cubana Chiefpriest was seen with him on stage, delivering a speech.

He revealed that in the past election, he did not support Tinubu because he wanted to be an “Igbo boy”. However, he described this as the biggest mistake of his life.

He added that he was a fool then but has since changed his mind. Cubana Chiefpriest also likened his political choices to food, saying Peter Obi (whom he supported in the first election) was his “first food,” while Tinubu is now his “second food” and the “real food.”

Chiefpriest speaks about City Boy Movement Further explaining, he said he is seeking a fair share of government, which is why he is partnering with the City Boy Movement and Tinubu.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has blamed the recent sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices in Nigeria on the country’s lack of strategic planning, warning that external shocks to the global economy quickly affect local prices.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Obi highlighted the impact of the ongoing US-Iran conflict on global oil markets, saying, “A few weeks ago, petrol was selling for less than ₦1,000 per litre, but today it costs over ₦1,200 per litre.

Diesel, which was also priced below ₦1,000 per litre, is now over ₦1,500 per litre. These rapid increases illustrate how quickly external shocks can affect the Nigerian economy.”

Obi explained that most countries maintain strategic petroleum reserves to cushion their economies against supply or price shocks, but Nigeria lacks such a buffer.

The former presidential candidate’s warning comes as petrol prices hit about ₦1,300 per litre in various parts of the country on Monday following a hike in gantry prices at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from ₦995 to ₦1,175 per litre. Some stations were reported selling petrol for as high as ₦1,350 to ₦1,400 per litre.

Economists and members of the Organised Private Sector have warned that the price surge could trigger inflationary pressures on goods and services, forcing businesses to adjust budgets and pricing strategies to cushion the impact on consumers.

The OPS urged the Federal Government to strengthen efforts to boost local refining capacity and find innovative ways to tackle recurring fuel price spikes.

The Nigeria Labour Congress also criticised repeated petrol price hikes, while international developments, including potential emergency oil reserve releases by G7 nations, were cited as attempts to stabilise global oil supply.

Obi concluded his statement with a call for structural reforms, saying, “The old maxim remains true: when a country fails to plan, it has already planned to fail,” emphasising the need for long-term planning to insulate the country from global shocks and protect the economy from sudden price hikes.

Reverend Solomon Eliyah of the Throne of Eliyah’s Ministry has prophesied that Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), will secure 70 per cent of the total votes in the 2027 presidential election.

In a video posted on his verified Facebook page and seen by Legit.ng on Wednesday, March 11, Rev. Eliyah also predicted that the election results would face legal challenges, stating that he saw the outcome being “announced in the court.

You see the Nigerian presidential election that is coming, it is going to be very tough. “What will happen? Peter Obi and the recent government, and the president (Bola Ahmed Tinubu), it is only two of them that will battle the election. But look at people, look at how they are buying the election, giving people money for them to cast the vote.

This is what I am seeing. They are bribing people to cast the vote. But I’m seeing war. Among 100 per cent, Peter Obi took the 70. "And the recent government has the 30 per cent. And they started using money, buying these people in. At the end, there was no result. The result was announced in the court, but people will not agree. It is coming.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has stated that the 2027 election will be Nigerians vs bad leadership.

Obi made the remarks in Anambra State on Saturday, where he officially registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The former governor of Anambra State, who has vowed to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, also called on Nigerians to participate in the party’s ongoing online registration exercise.

With the agreement of all national leaders, some of whom are here where we are flagging off today, I am urging everybody that you go and ensure that you register, obtain your card. And go online; we want to register as many Nigerians as possible,” Obi said.

The election in 2027 will be Nigerians against bad leadership. I assure you, the election of 2027 will be Nigerians fighting for justice.”


Obi further stressed that the South-East geopolitical zone deserves the opportunity to produce Nigeria’s president, insisting that the region is an integral part of the country.

Some people will say, ‘South-East wants this or that’. South-East is part of Nigeria; South-East wants to serve. No other zone will claim to be more Nigerian than the South-East because everywhere you go in Nigeria, you see someone from the South-East who has built a house and is living there,” he said.

They didn’t go there for transactions alone; they live there and do their businesses there. And we in the South-East are saying we want a new Nigeria — a Nigeria where a child of nobody can succeed without knowing anybody.”

The presidential hopeful also emphasised the need to lift Nigerians out of poverty, noting that doing so would help reduce insecurity across the country.

A Nigeria where we must lift Nigerians out of poverty because insecurity today can be reduced if we pull people out of poverty. The more you pull people out of poverty, the more you reduce criminality,” he added.

Obi urged party members to embark on massive recruitment into the ADC, telling supporters that the exercise was aimed at mobilising Nigerians ahead of future elections.

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi has declared that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, and will not be intimidated by the large number of governors in All Progressives Congress, APC.

The former presidential candidate of Labour Party in 2023 said there have been several orchestrations meant to put him off the contest, but he will not be deterred.

Addressing his supporters in Njikoka, Anambra State, on Friday, Obi declared that Nigeria has collapsed totally and in need of redemption. He said he has never been desperate to be President of Nigeria, rather he is desperate to see a Nigeria that works.

Nigeria has collapsed and already lying on the ground. Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are hungry and greedy. They have everything they need, but still scavenging for more. This is an empowerment programe, but you will be surprised that many well to do persons will come here to struggle for things they have no need for. Go to their compound you will see better vehicles than the ones they are struggling for.

This country is skewed against the poor, and that is why we are working to become President. We want a country where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.

I have always said it that I’m not desperate to be the President of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see a Nigeria that works. You all know that I’m now in ADC. People have been asking me why I left LP, but I told them that we have been in court in Labour Party over leadership, and we have been securing favourable judgement, but INEC refused to recognize us, but when I left on 31 December, they recognized the same orders they were rejecting.

You see all the things they have been tinkering with the constitution, some of them are because they don’t want me to contest. But I want to tell them that with their 30 governors, they should make the election free and fair and see who wins.

I want to announce to you all that no matter what they do, I must contest the election. Let them declare a free and fair contest, bring the ball to the middle of the field and declare it started, and lets see what happens,” Obi said.