The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Is APC wooing Oborevwori?

    Is APC wooing Oborevwori?

    • By Basil Okoh

    A powerful and sinister force has been unleashed on Delta APC. That force is sowing seeds of discord and undertaking a hostile takeover of the party itself. It’s a strong and powerful force operating with deep pockets and dashing boldness.

    A few days ago, Rev. Francis Waive, an APC member representing Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives called on governor Sheriff Oborevwori to abandon PDP and run the next election as APC candidate. Waive assured the governor that the slot will be reserved for him in APC. He later affirmed to the PDP governor that he will be adopted by the APC to contest the coming governorship election as candidate of APC in Delta state.

    A week before that, Ms Stella Okotete, an official of the NEXIM Bank and APC member was found visiting and cavorting with the PDP governor of the state.

    The purpose and outcome of the visit, no one can tell, although the governors press corps issued a double-barreled press statement, futilely explaining that she was there as part of a state welcome party as well as being part of a federal team to launch the short road project.

    A week before that, the chairman of APC in Delta state, Elder Omeni Sobotie sent a petition to the national Chairman of APC, demanding first, the removal from office of the National Publicity Secretary Mr. Felix Morka, for clarifying the illegality of setting up a “Leaders Council” in Delta state.

    These three people mentioned above were all listed to be members of a “leadership council”, an illegal body proposed to be set up by a group in the party.

    The proposal for a leadership council, which has now been rejected by the National Working Committee, was a subtle move to impose a new and unelected leadership on the APC in Delta state.

    It was a grand move by the sinister force to legitimize the hijack of APC and hand the leadership over to PDP.

    Oborevwori, the PDP governor, was proposed to inherit the growing popularity of APC and retain the governors seat, the next time, as APC governor.

    So the occurrences related above are not coincidences and we draw public attention to the coordinated attempt to disrupt and hijack the APC in Delta state while Oborevwori the governor is pretending to enjoy fealty with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu as Francis Waive so loudly proclaimed.

    So the subterranean force which first came in the name of “leadership council” is working with determination and boldness to take over the APC and reinforce an elite group determined to hijack the leadership and chart a dangerous course for the party in the 2027 governorship election.

    The force is a menacing savage dragon that threatens to gut the innards of the APC in Delta state, planting disaffection and setting up the party for ruin.

    APC is poised to take over Delta, but the PDP is implementing a deep penetration operation into the party, its agents in high places muddling things up to achieve a hostile takeover of APC before 2027.

    The party has to contend now with the conspiracy of its own elite which has been unable to integrate into the party or to mobilize party members for success.

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    Even when popularity has being thrust upon APC by providence as we all watch PDP implode and members defect en masse into the APC, the so called leadership council has been unwilling to seize the moment and ride the popular wave for the good of their party.

    So this conspiracy is old and deep seated.

    PDP foresaw the meltdown of their own party and went to work ahead of time to re-hire elite defectors from their party for the sinister job of bending the APC to provide landing space for Oborevwori.

    Thereafter, the APC Exco in Delta went adrift, working at cross purposes, a faction planting discord against their own party and abandoning commitment to win the 2027 election on their own. The party executive is now browbeating their own party leader instead of taking advantage of a fissuring in the PDP to build a bigger political tent to take in the deluge of defectors trooping into the APC.

    The party chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, Minister Festus Keyamo, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, Francis Waive, Stella Okotete, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, Elder Godsday Orubebe, and other elite party members are working to disrupt the party’s normative order.

    They are entangling themselves in the leadership council fiasco, distracting Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the former Deputy President of the Senate and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate. Omo-Agege has been engaging with the party’s rank and file, opposing the Delta State government’s stance on governance ahead of the 2027 election.

    With a party election scheduled later, these leaders would serve the party well by waiting for the congress to settle the matter of a new executive committee and establish a new party structure. They are instead encouraging dissent and not advancing the cause of the party through beneficial actions.

    They are not advancing the party cause. They are also not mobilizing the party for the purpose of winning elections. They work so committedly to supplant the aspirants of their own party for the candidates of the opposition.

    Where in the world does that happen? And now, they have sown discord in the State Working Committee of the party and so can no longer bring unity of purpose to the entire organization. How does a party win elections without unity and without rallying round their leader?

    The sorry situation in the APC now is that a group in the party is unquestionably working for the opposition ruling party, PDP.

    They want to impose the governor and candidate of the PDP on APC. So arising from this treachery, the party is infiltrated by the refuseniks of the PDP and the only hope of PDP remaining in power is to organize a hostile takeover of the governorship candidacy of the APC.

    The elite advocating for the PDP governor of the state to defect to APC and become the governorship candidate of APC in the next election are definitely making fortunes from the effort.

    The grounds are already being prepared for Oborevwori to be imposed as governorship candidate of APC in the 2027 election.

    For Oborevwori, the numbers are definitely not adding up for electoral victory in PDP. Oborevwori lost two senatorial districts out of three in the last election.

    The Delta North he won came with so much controversy. Senator Ned Nwoko’s defection from the PDP has exacerbated the race for the exits in the PDP of Delta North.

    The PDP’s losses were sweeping, with the party ceding all three House of Representatives seats in Delta Central Senatorial District to the APC and Labour Party, which won two and one seats, respectively. Notably, Oborevwori failed to carry his own senatorial district, losing the popular vote to APC governorship candidate Omo-Agege. The APC’s strong performance in the district extended to the House of Assembly elections, where the party secured five seats, surpassing the PDP’s four seats.

    Individuals like Waive within the College of Leaders, who are championing this cause, has lost his electoral value in his community.

    Their current positions of power are largely attributed to Omo-Agege, who propelled them to their present roles. These treacherous APC members are politicians who are unable to survive without their teeth and tenterhooks sunk deeply into the flesh of Government House treasury.

    The PDP in Delta has long lost the credibility to rule the state. So the plan is to transmute to the APC to continue PDP rule in Delta State.

    You know, as a snake molts and shed skin to renew itself and continue to live and thrive.

    But however it molts, it remains a snake with its poison and venom still active.

    That’s exactly what PDP plans to do in Delta State, molt into a new APC identity, shed its skin but keep its nature as PDP and continue to rule the state.

    With so many people leaving the party in droves, PDP is aware that it can no longer win elections in Delta state.

    So what to do? It molts, shedding it’s skin to the form and brand of APC and transmuting into a party aligned with the presidency, confiscating the brand of APC and continuing in the ruin of Delta state while keeping it’s inner core as PDP.

    Governor Oborevwori’s mortal fear of competition and loss of the governorship is driving Oborevwori’s growing desperation to defect to the ruling APC and become their governorship candidate.

    It is a master plan for him and his group to remain the ruling party in Delta State. And this is the political caper Waive is promoting within APC and Delta state and presenting it as worthy of consideration by the APC.

    Having witnessed the brigandage and overwhelming emasculation of PDP in Edo State, Governor Oborevwori would rather be a traitor and win as governor in APC than remain in PDP and be a loser in the coming governorship election in Delta state.

    So to avoid the shame of losing the 2027 governorship election, Oborevwori is opening the treasury of government House to the fifth column of APC to help prepare the grounds for him to defect and become governorship candidate of the APC.

    And so when Oborevwori defects, Delta state will remain a PDP state but not in name anymore.

    All the courtesans of Governor Oborevwori will remain in their posts and so will the entire crowd of special and not so Special Assistants. That will be the classic Mephistophelian coup. Delta will continue in its morass in a renewed “shege”.

    So when you see the insistent muddling of the leadership and governorship contest in APC by its own elite, understand that the game is to ensure that Ovie Omo-Agege does not emerge as a governorship candidate of the APC and the pressure will mount to prepare the grounds for Governor Oborevwori defection into APC as the governorship candidate.

    Everyone has to understand that all the elite quarrel about the absence of “leader” in APC Delta grinds down to creating a false vacuum for Oborevwori to come in and fill.

    It is all about denying Ovie Omo-Agege’s leadership and bringing in Oborevwori to take his place as governorship candidate of APC in Delta state.

    Nigeria has become the cesspool of enervating political intrigues and we are watching one political intrigue unravelling in real time in Delta state.

    Many among the elite of Delta state are complicit in this conspiracy of ecdysis of Oborevwori molting into the APC.

    The insult to the APC is not obvious to these black legs of the party in Delta. That they cannot find anyone from among themselves capable of leadership is a shame that they don’t realize it’s portents. It remains a depressing irony that the state chairman of the party listed 41 “who’s who” personalities in APC in Delta state, as contained in his petition to the National Chairman.

    That they cannot find one person among these men and women is the ultimate disgrace.

    People have forgotten so soon that Sheriff Oborevwori was rejected to govern Delta State by his own party PDP and N63 billion had to be spent on the litigation to accept him and to legalize his election victory along with certificate deficiencies.

     So having to accept Sheriff Oborevwori, a PDP reject whose initial choice as candidate destroyed a ruling party PDP in the state should be an utter disgrace to APC.

    It is the insistence of former PDP governor Ifeanyi Okowa to field a barely literate Sheriff as governorship candidate of PDP that caused the rupture in the party and brought it’s evocative decline in Delta State.

    Now the same runaways from PDP are bringing the same Sheriff as governorship candidate of the APC. Sheriff will have the dishonour of bringing destruction to two major political parties in the state.

     It’s a clear path to ruin.

  • Why they are after Akpabio

    Why they are after Akpabio

    • By Clementina Daika

    In Nigerian politics, loyalty is not merely a virtue—it is a double-edged sword, a cross to bear, and sometimes, a noose. A man who stands firm with his principal will either be praised as a committed ally or seen as an obstacle to someone else’s inordinate ambition. In the latter case, such a man must be “removed.”

    This appears to be the case in the ongoing saga between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who initially attributed her removal as Chairman of the Local Content Committee to sexual harassment, has now changed her tone—claiming she was sacked for “protecting Northern interests.” When one places this narrative side-by-side with the comments of Busola Saraki, Atiku Abubakar, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and other Northern elements, the larger play unfolds. This is not an innocent drama of legislative disagreement. It is a carefully choreographed spectacle—replete with villains, pawns, and shadows.

    At the heart of it stands Akpabio—a man accused, maligned, and marked. Not because he has broken any law or committed any proven wrong, but because he has stood firm beside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And for that, he must be brought down.

    There is, without question, a gathering of dissenters—former aspirants, serial losers at the ballot, political relics whose time has passed, but whose ambitions remain undimmed. They have no national vision to offer, no coherent philosophy to propose—only a festering grievance and a common enemy: the man who defeated them. Their aim is simple: to seize, through subterfuge and scandal, what they could not secure through the sovereign will of the people. And if power cannot be regained, then the next best thing is to make the country ungovernable.

    The first phase of this plot is clear—decimate the President’s Praetorian Guard. Strip him of loyal allies. Render him vulnerable as 2027 approaches. In their crosshairs is Akpabio.

    Why Akpabio? Akpabio is the first supporter they wish to sacrifice on the altar of vengeance. A visible ally of Tinubu. A formidable defender of the administration. They know that weakening Akpabio loosens the pillars holding up Tinubu’s house. And so, they reach for their weapons—not of war, but of whispers and smear campaigns, sponsored headlines, and strategic falsehoods.

    Read Also: Akpabio not aware of planned rally in Akwa Ibom, says aide

    They know that as long as Akpabio remains Senate President, Tinubu’s re-election bid will enjoy solid legislative backing. As Machiavelli put it, “he who guards the throne is more dangerous than he who sits upon it—remove the guardian, and the throne becomes a chair.” Akpabio is a major guardian of the Tinubu throne. Hence, the attacks from all angles.

    Pawn in the political chess game

    Let us not be beguiled by sentiment. Senator Natasha, in this context, is not a lone voice of justice crying in the wilderness. She is no accidental heroine. She is a pawn in a larger political game—a game devised in the drawing rooms of desperate politicians who, unable to govern Nigeria, now seek to ruin those who do.

    The names are not unfamiliar: Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi—the trio of ambition, bitterness, and illusion. They lost the 2023 election, not through fraud or manipulation, but through the expressed will of millions of Nigerians. Yet, rather than accept the verdict of democracy, they now seek to dismantle its very instruments. What better place to strike than the Senate? And what better target than its presiding officer?

    This is not speculation. Their recent statements, social media antics, and strategic silences at critical moments reveal their hand. Atiku’s viral, unprovoked attack on Akpabio is no coincidence—it is part of the plan.

    Natasha is not a loose cannon; she is a guided missile. The game plan is simple: manufacture crises from the most mundane matters, paint key figures as villains, and set the stage for a grand opposition showdown in 2027. Her sudden outburst in the Senate and carefully choreographed media blitz were the cold open of the movie. Now the sequence has been established, and the opening credits are rolling—featuring Bukola Saraki and company.

    From a routine seating arrangement—a mundane legislative procedure—Senator Natasha has now conjured accusations of sexual harassment, threats to life, and elaborate conspiracies. The timing of this remembrance, suddenly arising a year after the alleged incident, is not only convenient; it is calculated. A smokescreen. A decoy. An attempt to stain a man’s name in the court of public opinion, where evidence is no longer required, and accusation is guilt enough.

    There’s an old legal maxim: Give a dog a bad name and hang him. That, indeed, is what is unfolding. The Atiku-led clique is directing the movie. The volume of money pumped into this needless campaign to lure international media and embarrass the nation is staggering.

    One day, it’s alleged insults. The next, sexual harassment. Tomorrow—who knows? Perhaps, they’ll say Akpabio plans to auction Nigeria. The strategy is obvious: manufacture offence, amplify it through a compliant media, and weaponize it for political gain. But Nigerians are growing wiser—and wearier.

    Even locally, all these unpatriotic efforts to create global embarrassment have yielded nothing. Nigerians are not fools. They know, as all people of discernment do, that justice cannot be built on lies, and democracy cannot thrive on deceit. The cry for accountability rings hollow when it emerges from a place of partisanship, not principle.

    If Senator Natasha were truly pursuing justice, would she be flanked only by those with a declared interest to hijack power?

    The art of giving a dog a bad name.

    According to the ancient Nigerian proverb: “When an owl hoots in the night and a child dies in the morning, we all know who to suspect.” In this case, it is now clear. The logic was simple: strike Akpabio, the shepherd, and the sheep would scatter.

    Before the unsuspecting public, a mere seating issue has now mushroomed into a web of accusations—sexual harassment, assassination plots, and shadowy threats—all conveniently aimed at one man. When we uncover the lies, she changes the script—hoping the audience forgets the plot.

    This is a textbook case of “Give a dog a bad name and hang it.” The goal is to destroy Akpabio’s public image. First, he allegedly harassed her. Then, he sidelined her. What next? That he plans to privatize the oxygen Nigerians breathe?

    Let us be clear: the Natasha debacle is a scripted drama to paint Akpabio as a villain and a threat to democracy. Ultimately, the goal is to weaken the Senate leadership. But Nigerians are not being fooled—and many already see through the charade. History has taught us that in politics, those who cry the loudest often have the most to hide.

    This episode is not about justice, democracy, or the protection of women—it is about power. Senator Natasha Akpoti, who has previously accused several men of sexual misconduct, is a well-placed pawn in a political chess game. Akpabio is simply the collateral victim. The true aim is to erode Tinubu’s support base and pave the way for an opposition comeback in 2027.

    Those who cannot see this are either naive or willing accomplices in the drama.

    Akpabio, for all his human flaws, remains a political heavyweight whose loyalty to Tinubu is unshaken. And that is his real crime. If Natasha truly sought justice, she would not wage a media war in harmony with those who lost at the ballot and now hope to win through chaos.

    As the Yoruba wisely say, “The rat cannot claim innocence when found near the pot of soup.”

    The motives are transparent. The cast is clear. The only question is whether Nigerians will fall for the performance or stay focused on the real issues.

    To Senator Akpabio, I say: take heart. The storm may rage, the winds may howl—but the tree with deep roots does not fear the tempest, and the eagle does not flinch at the storm. History is rarely kind to the mob—but it always remembers the man who stood tall when it was easier to fall.

    • Dr Daika is a Political Communication strategist based in the Plateau
  • How to enhance women inclusion, by PDP chieftain

    How to enhance women inclusion, by PDP chieftain

    Former Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Mrs. Yemisi Afolabi, has called for a constitutional review to pave the way for the exclusive selection of women as running mates during governorship and local government elections.

    She lamented the gender disparity in politics and governance, saying that women suffer from exclusion.

    Afolabi said if there is a constitutional provision that only women should be deputy governors and local government vice chairman, it would enhance the prospects of women participation.

    The politician, who acknowledged that certain constraints affecting women involvement, said women’s role cannot be limited to the kictchen  tended to limit the role of women to the kictchen because they have much to offer with their education and skills.

    Afolabi, who spoke on television in Abuja, said women have to gird their loins and surmount the hindrances that cast them perpetually in the mould of weaker sex.

    She called for political mentoring and role modelling, saying that aspiring women should be prepared to learn the strategies and tactics for politicking.

    Tendering a personal example, the former women leader said she was under the tutelage of her father, Pa. J.D. Doherty, retired civil servant, community leader and promibent grassroots politician in Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State.

    She urged wonen to join politics early, and not when they intend to contest elections or they are looking for appointments.

    Afolabi cautioned against politics of gain instead of politics of contribution, impact and service.

    She said:”I joined politics in 1999 when PDP was brought to my town. I was learning through my father, who is my mentor and role model. I went to political meetings with him. When I was giving an opportunity to serve in 2015, I had learned a lot and it made my job easier.

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    “If you want to join politics, join it early. Learn. Don’t join politics because you want to make money or you want people to know you.”

    In her view, those who stand out in politics and governance are those who serve diligently, and not those running after the gains of political participation.

    Afolabi admonished eminent women in politics to accord priority to the mentoring of younger women so that they can be motivated to contribute their quota “as mothers, sisters and daughters” who know where the shoe pinches.

    She said women have left that pedestrian stage of singing and dancing to add flavours to party meetings, insisting that they also deserve responsible positions within party structures and in governance.

    Afolabi said being a woman is not a barrier to effective politicking and capacity for governance, stressing that women should be given more opportunities.

    She lamented the decline in the number of elected women senators to three, saying that it underscores exclusion and marginalisation.

    She is optimistic that the pro-gender bills before the National Assembly, if passed, would create more opportunities for participation for women.

    Afolabi urged women not to relent in their clamour and advocacy for inclusion in the male dominated political arena.

    She said if there is no platform for women to get there now, it may be difficult for women coming behind to get there in the future.  

  • Anambra primaries: Who becomes APC, LP, PDP candidates?

    Anambra primaries: Who becomes APC, LP, PDP candidates?

    Tomorrow is another defining moment for the political parties in Anambra State, as the primaries hold.

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo remains the sole aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), as the party awaits for those to emerge victorious from the other parties.

    The Anambra governorship election holds on November 8, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

    Soludo is preparing for his second term in office, while the other contestants are planning to topple him.

    The once vibrant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not fielding any person for the primary, for the first time in the history of the state. PDP has been decimated.

    In Labour Party, (LP) the battle is between two eggheads, American- based John Nwosu and Dr George Moghalu, the former Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Inland Water Ways Agency, NIWA.

     The All Progressive Congress (APC) is where the action will be with six persons going for the ticket to challenge Soludo in the election.

    They are, Sir Paul Chukwuma, the former National Auditor of the party, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, the chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, UNA and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the billionaire businessman.

    Others are Valentine Ozigbo, former CEO, Transcorp, Hon Chukwuma Umoji one time House of representatives member, from Aguata constituency and brother to the Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank PLC, Dr Adaora Umoji.

    Also, in the APC ticket race are, Johnbosco Onunkwo, but he is not a serious contender.

    APC announced to the world that it is ready for the battle, with the acquisition of a befitting state secretariat, procured by one of the aspirants, Chukwuma.

    The office has equally, been equipped by the UNA chairman, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, while the other aspirants have invested millions in the party.

    Among the lot, three of them are the front runners for the ticket: Prince Ukachukwu, Sir Chukwuma and Prof Okonkwo.

    Read Also: Anambra APC ticket: Why the stakes are higher this time

    The onus is on the delegates to make their choice by selecting the right candidate to give Soludo a good run.

    But the way funds are being deployed, the delegates may be pushed to make a wrong choice, which might shake the foundation to give Soludo an easy ride.

    The question is, who emerges in APC and LP to challenge Soludo, who many persons, including the opposition, see as performing wonders in Anambra?

  • Akin Alabi flags off two major road constructions in Egbeda/Ona Ara

    Akin Alabi flags off two major road constructions in Egbeda/Ona Ara

    Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works representing Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency has flagged off the construction of two major roads in his constituency.

    As part of his ongoing major infrastructural developmental push, he also inspected the progress of the Salawu Road project to ensure its timely completion.

    According to his media and publicity aide, Hameed Mustapha Ramadan, the flag-off ceremonies took place at Aba-Otun and Erunmu communities, drawing the presence of community leaders, political stakeholders, and residents, all of whom expressed deep appreciation for the intervention.

    Alabi reiterated commitment to delivering meaningful projects to every community he engaged with during his campaign.

    “I want to ensure that all the communities I visited during my campaign receive the dividends of democracy they deserve. This is why I always emphasize the importance of seniority in lawmaking, it enables us to bring more development to our constituents,” he stated.

    Alabi also stressed that the road projects transcend political affiliations and are aimed at improving the lives of all residents.

    “This is not about politics. Whether you belong to SDP, PDP, Accord, LP, APC, or any other party, these developments are for everyone. Good roads benefit us all,” he added.

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    He urged youths and community leaders to support the engineers and contractors to ensure the smooth execution of the projects.

    The Erunmu-Egbeda Road project will enhance connectivity for multiple communities, including Erunmu, Ore I & II, Owobaale, Ibiti, Paku, Adekola, Mosa, Tanmo, and Egbeda, greatly improving accessibility and economic activity.

    The Fakayode-Aba Otun Road project will serve Fakayode, Akintunde, Kobiowu, and Aba Otun communities, providing long-awaited relief for residents who have endured years of hardship due to poor road conditions.

    Hon. Akin Alabi’s Campaign Director General, Hon. Adebowale Amoo, assured residents that the new roads would be built to modern standards for durability and sustainability.

    “These roads will be constructed with proper drainage systems and solar-powered street lighting to enhance accessibility, longevity, and overall infrastructure quality in the constituency,” he stated.

    Recognizing Alabi’s commitment to development, traditional leaders, including the Elerunmu of Erunmu Land, Chief Oyeshola Akanji Oyerinde, and the Royal Chieftain of Owobaale, attended the flag-off ceremonies. Chief Oyerinde offered prayers for Hon. Alabi and his entourage, commending his dedication to the community’s growth.

  • Why APC must get it right in Anambra

    Why APC must get it right in Anambra

    • By Umunnakwe Onoh

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for the decisive April 5 primary in Anambra State, one truth stands clear: the stakes have never been higher.

    For the party and Anambra, this election is not just another contest — it is an opportunity to rewrite the political narrative of the Southeast, consolidate the progressive ideals heralded by President Bola Tinubu, and prove that the APC is ready to govern with credibility and competence in regions where it once struggled.

    The Anambra governorship election in November 2025 is not an ordinary poll. It is the last off-cycle gubernatorial election before the 2027 general election.

    It is the litmus test of APC’s growth in the Southeast and a referendum on the party’s ability to present viable, unifying leadership beyond its traditional base.

    This is why the APC must field its strongest, most acceptable, and most strategic candidate. That candidate is Valentine Ozigbo.

    It’s true that all the aspirants have the best interests of Anambra state but in my consideration of what is the best interest of my party, the APC, Val Ozigbo meets my admiration.

    Speculations have been rife that Ozigbo is a mole for Mr. Obi of the Labour Party, but I disagree with the allegation. It’s more like suggesting If there are moles for Mr. Obi, they are better found in the states that Mr. Obi won during the 2023 election.

    Ozigbo’s anticipated victory in the November Anambra governorship election cannot guarantee significant votes for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.

    As much as I hold H.E. Gov. C.C. Soludo in very high regard, sadly, he is not a member of my political party, the APC, and in politics, loyalty to the party comes first.

    Now that all eyes are on the APC gubernatorial ticket for the Anambra state election, Val Ozigbo has had memberships of the PDP, LP, and now he is in the APC.

    He knows the terrain, ran for the elections, and I cannot say much for the rest of his rivals in the APC.

    For those unfamiliar with Ozigbo’s remarkable journey, he is a man who rose from humble beginnings in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area, to become a distinguished corporate leader, a philanthropist, and a unifier.

    From excelling as the best-graduating student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to leading one of Nigeria’s most iconic corporations, Transcorp Plc, Ozigbo’s story is one of brilliance, tenacity, and integrity.

    As Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, he oversaw a $100 million renovation that transformed the hotel into Africa’s leading business destination.

    As President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, he led a conglomerate with interests in hospitality, power, and energy, championing innovation and corporate excellence.

    But more importantly, he has consistently translated personal success into public service through philanthropy, mentorship, and community development.

    Ozigbo’s foray into politics in 2020 was no accident. It was a deliberate decision to leave the corporate boardroom and step into the public square—to answer a higher call of service.

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    In 2021, running under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ozigbo emerged as a formidable contender, coming a close second despite running against the combined might of the federal and state governments, entrenched political structures, and financial odds. Since then, he has remained at the centre of Anambra’s political discourse.

    He played a crucial leadership role in the Obidient Movement of 2023, galvanising the youth and the middle-class electorate across the southeast.

    His recent decision to join the APC has opened a new chapter—bringing with him not only his formidable political structure but also the credibility and goodwill he commands across political divides.

    In a state where zoning, religious alignment, and public acceptability are decisive factors, Ozigbo scores highest among all APC aspirants.

    According to a confidential evaluation document by the APC, he ranks first, scoring 74 per cent in key metrics including zoning, religious support, and public popularity—outperforming the incumbent governor, Charles Soludo, in recent grassroots polls.

    Ozigbo is not a transactional politician. He is a bridge-builder. His campaign is not about party supremacy—it is about people-centred leadership.

    He has built relationships across the PDP, Labour Party, APGA, and civil society. His defection to APC has created a rallying point that could unify previously fragmented political interests in Anambra. If APC is serious about delivering a historic victory in the South East, it must embrace this unifier.

    Beyond numbers and strategy, Ozigbo is a leader of ideas. His vision for Anambra is well-documented—a clear economic plan anchored on the digital economy, youth empowerment, security, and infrastructure.

    His investments in young people speak volumes: through the VCO Foundation, he has committed N400 million in partnership with Decagon Institute to sponsor 100 Anambra youths in software engineering, providing a pathway out of unemployment and poverty.

    Critically, Ozigbo possesses something his rivals lack—an expansive grassroots movement and the ability to transcend party lines.

    In the 2021 election, he outperformed APC’s own candidate. Today, he has brought to the APC not only his capacity but also the goodwill of thousands who believe in his brand of leadership.

    His campaign is self-funded, removing the burden of financial dependency from the party. His cosmopolitan corporate background, vast diaspora network, and clean political record set him apart in a field often riddled with godfatherism and mediocrity.

    As APC looks towards November, the party must decide whether it wants a candidate who can win the primary—or a candidate who can win the election. The difference matters.

    The people of Anambra are yearning for a new kind of leadership—one that transcends slogans and symbols and delivers results.

    Valentine Ozigbo embodies that aspiration. For APC, he is not only the safest bet; he is the smartest one.

    Mr. President, Aswaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in the harvest of talents, not about lobbying or money. Therefore, now is the time for our party to help the President harvest one of the talents so that the APC can avert the crisis as it is being experienced in the PDP presently.

    The road to Anambra’s redemption begins with the right choice on April 5. The APC has a rare chance to make history. That chance is Valentine Ozigbo.

    • Dr Onoh was President Tinubu’s campaign spokesman in the Southeast during the 2023 presidential election
  • Olanrewaju-Smart: Redefining public policy for good governance

    Olanrewaju-Smart: Redefining public policy for good governance

    Questions abound about the role of civil and public service: are civil servants living up to expectation in the implementation of government policies and programs? How can the civil service be repositioned to foster effectiveness and efficiency?

    It is the duty of government to evolve deliberate actions, make decisions, and formulate laws for implementation for the purpose of addressing public issues and achieving societal objectives, thereby serving as a roadmap for governance.

    Political actors and policy makers, through the instrumentality of the civil service, tend to influence, change, or provide solutions to problems or issues in education, healthcare, employment, finance, economy, transportation, and other sectors.

    When these public problems are addressed, societal goals, including the promotiom of economic stability, protection of public health, and maintenance of social justice and order, are met

    In the opinion of Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, the organised, systematic and planned implementation of the public policy is public administration.

    Thus, politics, which is associated with the contest for power, should give way for governance after elections. That is also why Public policy and administration, as a field of academic study and as a practice by generalist and specialist public administrators, has huge relevance for decision making, the growth of contemporary civil or public service  and general administration.

    Olanrewaju-Smart, who highlighted factors critical to the growth of public service, alluded to education, training and retraining; adherence to the technocratic rules of impersonation and acknowledgement of the valid attributes of the civil service – permanence, neutrality or impartiality, stability, technical expertise, integrity and accountability.

    However, he warned that in contemporary African states, the civil or public service should do away with lack of initiative, sluggishness or slowness in policy execution, red tapism, tribalism, nepotism, partisanship, and corruption.

    From the Nigerian National Assembly, where he was an aide to Femi Gbajabiamila, former House of Representatives Speaker, 39 year-old Olanrewaju-Smart exceptional ability got him admitted into the prestigious  Harvard University Public Policy Masters Program in pursuit of advance knowledge as a student. He belongs in the cadre of brilliant minds who had made modest contributions to development in Nigeria.  His journey from been student at Lead City University, unpaid intern at the Nigeria House of Assembly Committee on Education Committee Office, obtain a phd degree and now,   Harvard Kennedy School Fellow graduating May 2025  exemplifies the trans formative power of dedication and intellectual rigor in public service.

    Olanrewaju-Smart made history three years ago as the youngest Chief of Staff in the annals of  Nigeria Federal House of Representatives. His ascent through the ranks of legislative service represents a remarkable trajectory that began in 2011 with the House Committee on Education and  his subsequent role as Research Graduate Assistant for the  House of Representative ad hoc committee set up to verify and determine the actual  fuel subsidy in 2012.

    “Public service is about impact, not recognition,” he  remarked during a recent interview in the United States, where he is currently pursuing advanced studies. This philosophy has guided his approach to governance throughout his career.

    What distinguishes Olanrewaju-Smart in Nigeria’s political landscape is his unique distinction as the first Chief of Staff to serve two Speakers of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives – Gbajabiamila and Abbas Tajudeen – before his current role as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Intergovernmental Affairs. This crossover between legislative and executive functions has afforded him a comprehensive understanding of the country’s governance mechanisms.

    To him, since education is the cornerstone of development, public servants should have opportunities to acquire new skills through education and training. Thus, his passion for education extends beyond personal achievement. Development Studies, to him, is also a cherished discipline.

    No doubt, his contribution to the legislative drafting of Nigeria’s interest-free student loan system under Gbajabiamila’s sponsorship was one of his most significant policy accomplishments.

    Read Also: Redefining public policy for good governance

    “One of my proudest achievements was contributing to the initiation process and passage of the interest-free Student Loan Act, making higher education more accessible to Nigerian students,” he reminiscenced.

    That commitment to educational access dated back to his undergraduate years in 2009 when he created a grade point simulator that allowed students to digitally calculate their GPAs. The move addressed transparency concerns in manual calculation methods.

    Olanrewaju-Smart’s educational credentials are equally impressive: a Ph.D. in Educational Management from Lead City University, and the pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in Harvard University, with specialisation in Public Policy, social impact, and civic technology. He is also pursuing studies in Artificial Intelligence at MIT as a Harvard Cross-Registrant.

    At Harvard Kennedy School, Olanrewaju-Smart has been appointed Sector Chairman on Social Justice of the Business and Government Professional Interest Council, further cementing his leadership credentials on the global stage.

    “During my Harvard Kennedy School’s Edward Mason Public Policy Fellowship, I have engaged with global policy challenges, economic strategies, and leadership frameworks that align with my goal of driving impactful reforms in Nigeria and beyond,” he explained.

    His Harvard curriculum encompasses diverse areas including public interest technology, negotiation and leadership, data analysis and AI governance, strategies for social impact, systems thinking, and climate change economics. These studies, combined with his practical experience in Nigerian governance, position him uniquely to address complex policy challenges.

    Bridging technology and governance

    Olanrewaju-Smart’s vision for Nigeria’s future emphasizes the integration of technology and governance. “Acquiring STEM skills with policy knowledge will enhance their ability to leverage innovation, technology, and data-driven policymaking for sustainable development,” he said, urging  young Nigerians interested in public service to gird their loins.

    His educational journey reflects this integration, with his current studies at MIT focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Social Media Law. This technological orientation complements his extensive experience in legislative processes and policy implementation.

    Beyond his national policy work, Olanrewaju-Smart has overseen the implementation of numerous community projects, particularly in Lagos State’s Surulere I and 2 Federal Constituencies. These initiatives span infrastructure development, education, healthcare improvements, technology education, and social welfare programs.

    His effectiveness in these roles stemmed from his comprehensive understanding of both policy design and implementation. “My experience in legislative research and implementing policies in Nigeria’s parliament showed me the need for advanced public policy education,” he added

    For young Nigerians aspiring to influence policy, Olanrewaju-Smart emphasized the importance of knowledge acquisition, practical experience, and civic engagement. “In an era where intellectual engagement and critical thinking are crucial, young Nigerians must prioritize the search for productive knowledge and talent development, both formally and informally, while leveraging technology responsibly,” he said.

    Olanrewaju-Smart’s international exposure began during his undergraduate years when he served as a United Nations Model Ambassador to Argentina. The opportunity introduced him to global policymaking frameworks. He was also nominated in 2014  by the U.S government as IVLP exchange fellow for rising young African Leaders. During the programme, he also observed the United States midterm election in North Carolina. The experience, coupled with his domestic policy work, must have shaped his holistic approach to governance challenges.

    Olanrewaju-Smart’s educational journey at Harvard and MIT is a testament to the impact that dedicated, knowledgeable individuals can have on governance systems. From the corridors of Nigeria’s legislature to the prestigious halls of Harvard, his path illustrates the power of combining practical experience with rigorous academic training in the pursuit of effective public service.

    For a world seeking to harness the potential of its youth in addressing complex policy challenges, his journey offers both inspiration and a practical road map for meaningful engagement in governance and development.

  • My Sallah visit was not a campaign – Natasha

    My Sallah visit was not a campaign – Natasha

    Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has dismissed allegation her recent visit to her hometown was a political gathering.

     She clarified that her trip on Monday, April 1, 2025, was purely to celebrate Sallah with her constituents and had no political undertones.

    Her response follows claims that she paid attendees to be present at the event—an assertion she described as baseless and misleading. 

    “This was a celebration of unity and shared love, not politics,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. “The people who welcomed me did so of their own free will, and I deeply appreciate their sacrifice.”

    Despite a government-imposed restriction on vehicular movement, thousands of supporters trekked long distances through bush paths to receive her with a rousing welcome. 

    The senator, who arrived via chopper, was met with overwhelming cheers.

    Read Also: 2baba, Natasha appear at Edo election tribunal

    Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that the crowd consisted of residents from the five local government areas that make up Kogi Central, representing less than 3 percent of her overall supporters. 

    She noted that the turnout was a testament to her enduring influence in the region.

    Expressing gratitude for the massive show of support, Akpoti-Uduaghan reassured constituents of her dedication to their welfare. 

    “Your presence here today, despite the challenges, humbles me,” she said. “It only strengthens my resolve to continue working tirelessly for the progress of our land.”

  • Atiku’s attack on Akpabio a 2027 agenda against Tinubu, says group

    Atiku’s attack on Akpabio a 2027 agenda against Tinubu, says group

    The Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals (IK-PRO) has condemned former Vice president Atiku Abubakar for accusing the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio of corruption and abuse of women.

    In a statement on Tuesday by the national President, Mr.Edidiong John and National Secretary, Mr.Kemfon Neke, the group said that Atiku’s accusations have political undertone.

    According to the IK-PRO, the former Vice president was executing a larger political agenda to discredit the Senate President and the President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 election.

    It said that Atiku’s defamatory comments against Akpabio lack proofs and expressive of his political frustrations following his serial presidential election losses.

    The statement reads in parts: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in his recent remarks, baselessly accused the Senate President of corruption and alleged that he had a history of abusing women during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. 

    “However, he failed to provide any specific details or reference any pending corruption charges against Senator Akpabio. Likewise, he did not cite any verifiable incidents of abuse to support his outrageous claims. Instead, he resorted to reckless falsehoods, seemingly in a desperate bid to tarnish the Senate President’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “It is ironic that such accusations emanate from a man whose own past is riddled with serious credibility concerns. The former customs officer turned politician, who amassed enormous wealth, enabling him to contest every presidential election since the advent of the Fourth Republic, has a questionable record. 

    “More damningly, his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, detailed his moral and ethical shortcomings in his book, My Watch, Volume 2 (pages 31-32). 

    “Obasanjo described Atiku Abubakar as having “a propensity to corruption,” “a tendency to disloyalty,” “an inability to say and stick to the truth all the time,” “a propensity for poor judgment,” “a belief and reliance on Marabouts,” “a lack of transparency” among others”.

    Further the statement said: “Given such an unflattering verdict from one who had the closest view of Atiku Abubakar’s tenure, it is preposterous for him to pontificate about corruption in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. His moral authority on the subject is nonexistent.

    “Furthermore, the former Vice President’s recent diatribe has unmasked the forces behind the baseless allegations aimed at destabilizing the Senate and its leadership. 

    “The coordinated attacks, including false accusations of sexual harassment, have always been politically motivated and are now fully exposed as part of a larger agenda for 2027. It is unfortunate that some politicians are willing to go to any lengths, including fabrications and character assassination, to advance their ambitions.

    “Despite these attempts at distraction, the Senate under Senator Akpabio remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the enactment of quality legislation and robust oversight. The focus remains on advancing national development and delivering prosperity to Nigerians.

    Read Also: Too late for Atiku to buy character, integrity – Wike 

    “IK-PRO also notes with concern Atiku Abubakar’s selective outrage over the National Assembly’s unanimous decision on the Rivers State issue. The decision, which received overwhelming support from lawmakers across party lines in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, is now being singularly blamed on Senator Akpabio. 

    “Curiously, the former Vice President has not directed similar criticism toward the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a fellow northerner, who also presided over the unanimous resolution. This selective targeting of Senator Akpabio, a southern leader, is both suspicious and troubling.

    ‘IK-PRO calls on Nigerians to recognize the consistent pattern of attacks aimed at destabilizing the leadership of prominent southern politicians. It is no coincidence that figures like Atiku Abubakar frequently engage in these calculated efforts to disrupt governance when competent southern leaders are at the helm.

    ‘We urge the former Vice President to reserve his political maneuvers for the 2027 elections and allow the Senate President to focus on the crucial legislative duties necessary to support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. Nigeria needs statesmanship, not baseless mudslinging and political mischief”.

  • Nigeria needs Tinubu beyond 2027, say Tompolo, communities

    Nigeria needs Tinubu beyond 2027, say Tompolo, communities

    Leaders and indigenes of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) yesterday said that the country would need President Bola Ahmed Tinubu beyond 2027.

    The group, whose grand patron is Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka  Tompolo)  endorsed Tinubu for a second term, saying that the continuity of his progressive administration is in the national interest.

    HOSTCOM President   Benjamin Tamaranebi said at a news conference in Ajuba, 2027 would present Nigeria with a choice between continuity and chaos.

    Tamaranebi said: “As Nigeria continues its journey towards economic recovery, stability, and growth, it is clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership has been a turning point for the nation.

      “We believe that our President should remain in office till 2031 to enable him to conclude all ongoing development initiatives of his administration across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

    “His strategic policies and bold reforms have set Nigeria on a path to prosperity, and it is imperative that we consolidate these gains rather than disrupt the progress made so far.

    “Now and then, a leader emerges, who understands the pulse of the people, feels their struggles, and dares to change the course of history. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is that leader.

      “The weight of expectations was heavy when he assumed office. Nigeria was at a crossroads- crude oil production dwindled and debt servicing consumed nearly all revenue.

    The naysayers scoffed: They said he couldn’t last six months.

    “But they were wrong. With the audacity of a man, who has walked this path before, President Tinubu rolled up his sleeves and got to work.”

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Jim Ovia on prestigious London honour

    Tamaranebi added that the  President has empowered local communities and therefore needs more time to finish what he started.

    He stressed: “Politics is about choices. In 2027, Nigerians must choose between continuity and chaos; between stability and the unknown.

    “The future is not built in four years. It takes patience, persistence, and vision. Tinubu has shown that he has all three. He has proven that he is not just a politician but a statesman.

    “In a democracy, no leader is perfect.

    ‘’There will always be challenges, mistakes, and tough decisions. But one thing is clear: Nigeria is better today than it was two years ago. And it will be even better in the years ahead—if we stay the course.”

    Tamaranebi explained that the host communities decided to support the President after a thorough evaluation of his performance in less than two years of his first term.

    He noted that Tompolo, who is also the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation, had also scored the President high in human development