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  • Our coalition is to grab power in 2027 – Atiku

    Our coalition is to grab power in 2027 – Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has admitted that the ongoing opposition coalition is not about governance but a strategic move to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in 2027.

    Atiku made this declaration on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference held by Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders in Nigeria, addressing the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

    Prominent figures at the event included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Segun Sowunmi, Chief Soni Monidafe, former APC National Working Committee member Dr. Salihu Lukman, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s representative, Tanko Yinusa.

    Read Also: Atiku, Obi defend corps member over viral video

    Others who were absent but acknowledged as part of the coalition include former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.

    When asked if the coalition could replicate the 2013/2014 alliance that led to the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku responded affirmatively but declined to reveal further details about the coalition’s structure or platform.

  • PDP died day Atiku became member – Housing Minister Dangiwa

    PDP died day Atiku became member – Housing Minister Dangiwa

    The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ceased to exist as a viable political force the moment Atiku Abubakar became a member.

    Speaking during a media chat with The Nation in Abuja, Dangiwa attributed the party’s struggles to a lack of financial support, stating that no one within its ranks is willing to fund it.

    “Atiku Abubakar is just like a snake; he doesn’t fund parties. He only gathers money to win primaries and then abandons the party afterward,” Dangiwa said.

    He contrasted this with President Bola Tinubu’s approach, highlighting Tinubu’s financial commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its campaigns.

    “Tinubu, on the other hand, funded our party and campaigns. Now tell me, who will do that in the SDP? Is it El-Rufai or who?” he questioned.

    Read Also: Atiku, Obi defend corps member over viral video

    Acknowledging the political challenges ahead, Dangiwa admitted that opponents might try to sway northern voters against Tinubu by blaming him for economic hardships.

    “Yes, I know it will be difficult for us in the next election because they would have infiltrated the minds of common Northerners, saying Tinubu brought hunger, poverty, this and that,” he said.

    However, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic recovery, stating that the standard of living has improved and there is greater hope for the people.

    “My message to those whose minds have been infiltrated against Tinubu is to think deeply about this. If you remove Tinubu, who will you bring? Tinubu has given us all the needed tools to build our states. The North will be making a grave mistake if they choose someone else instead of Tinubu.”

  • Atiku, Obi defend corps member over viral video

    Atiku, Obi defend corps member over viral video

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party’s Peter Obi have expressed support for Lagos-based corps member Ushie Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, following her viral video criticizing the Federal Government’s policies.

    Raye had gained widespread attention after condemning President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living. 

    She also alleged that some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials threatened her over her remarks on the country’s economic situation.

    However, Atiku and Obi praised Raye, calling her a brave young woman who deserves support rather than condemnation.

    Atiku who wrote on X, said: “Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

    “She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good.

    “Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

    Read Also: 2027: Stop attacking Atiku, support group tells Bode George

    For Obi, Raye’s experience “highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement”.

    The former Anambra Governor said the NYSC member’s experience is also “not isolated”.

    “I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments. I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt,” Obi wrote on his X handle.

    He called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to “reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.

    “To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation,” the LP presidential candidate for the 2023 election said.
    “Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

    “A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.”

  • 2027: Stop attacking Atiku, support group tells Bode George

    2027: Stop attacking Atiku, support group tells Bode George

    The Nigerian Youths for Atiku (NYFA) has urged former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, to stop opposing and criticising Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition.

    In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, NYFA’s Director of Communications (Nigeria and Diaspora), Dare Dada, dismissed George’s stance against the former vice president.

    “Bode George should open a campaign office in Lagos for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, as his constant attacks on Atiku ahead of 2027 are becoming irritating,” Dada stated.

    He argued that George’s views do not reflect the broader sentiment within the PDP, adding that “Nigerians have moved past him.”

    Dada further urged George to focus on revitalizing the PDP in Lagos, alleging that his actions had contributed to the party’s decline in the state and the resignation of several key members.

    Dada said: “Chief George is one of those politicians who is responsible for the sorry state of the PDP today; his continued envy of Atiku Abubakar is well noted.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu positions Lagos as prime investment destination at Alaro City

    “As a result, we have decided to ignore a local champion who never delivered his polling unit for the party.

    “As an elder of the party who should have busied himself with how to save the soul of the party and its accelerated dwindling fortunes, he focuses on attacking Atiku.

    “We have noted with dismay how Bode George who has lost every political capital and relevance, embarks on attacking Atiku to get media mileage.

    “We ask him who among his preferred choices can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the circumstance if not Atiku Abubakar? Or, does he seem himself fit for the job in his delusional mind?”

    According to him, the constant outburst of George is not only pointless, but also suggests a dire frustration that he cannot stop an idea whose time has come.

    “We urge Chief Bode George to stop the pretences. Nigerians now know better,” Dada said.

  • Ganduje, Barau receive 2023 Atiku support groups in 19 Northern States into APC

    Ganduje, Barau receive 2023 Atiku support groups in 19 Northern States into APC

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Friday, received members of the support groups of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election from the 19 Northern States into the APC.

    The defectors under the aegis of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups in the 19 Northern States in the 2023 general elections, announced their cross carpeting from the PDP to the APC at the A-Class Event Centre, Abuja.

    Five representatives of the group from each of the 19 Northern States and FCT attended the event, pledging to work for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2027 general election across the nooks and crannies of the North.

    The groups said they decided to join the APC and support President Tinubu following Senator Barau’s encouragement.

    The Coordinator of the Coalition, Hon Abubakar Malami, said: “Our groups comprise various strata of society – women, youths, students, traders, academics, and farmers— representing diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.

    “In the 2023 general elections build-up, we mobilised our members across the nooks and crannies of the 19 Northern States and the FCT to campaign for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. To the glory of God, Alhaji Atiku and the people around him acknowledged and appreciated the support of our groups. We played a key role in the votes the former vice president polled in the last presidential election.

    “We supported Alhaji Atiku in our quest to address the challenges facing our region, especially the terrorist activities of bandits, which are clogging our people’s wheel to economic activities. Farming, the mainstay of our people, was a no-go area. Our farmlands were turned into kidnappers’ dens.

    “However, to the glory of Almighty God, 22 months into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, a fresh air of peace and hope permeates the 19 Northern States. The crashing prices of food items cannot be divorced from the relative peace enjoyed in our region.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints six chief medical directors for federal hospitals

    “To tackle the challenges facing our region, the President has established the North West Development Commission (NWDC) following a bill sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin. This is the game changer. Mr President has also established the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

    “Another thing that has endeared the President Tinubu-led APC government to us is the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in North West (BIARN), a brainchild of the Deputy President of the Senate. We read in the national dailies that over 500 young farmers millionaires will be created under this initiative in the North West.

    “This is what has been lacking in our region. Diversification is the way to go. If this can be replicated in the North East and North Central geopolitical zones, our country will attain food security, and our unemployed youths will be engaged. We are optimistic that our country is on the path to prosperity,” he said.

    He said they have decided to team up with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in view of the success being recorded by his administration to lead the country to the next level of economic prosperity.

    “In 2027, we will work for the continuation of President Tinubu’s administration. Our sincere appreciation goes to His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator (Dr) Barau I Jibrin, CFR, for working hard to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing the challenges facing our region and the country. He is the Sardauna Arewa of our time,” he said.

    Barau described the defection of the Atiku supporters in the North as a big catch for the APC in the North.

    “It’s a big catch. We are making a big catch today at our party. Mr. President is a very good man. He’s doing his best to reposition Nigeria so it will be turned into a land of prosperity. And it’s good that you understood that and have come to acknowledge what Mr. President is doing.

    “It is good that you are teaming up with Mr President so that he will succeed in his effort to change our development trajectory and make this country a land of El Dorado. This is a very good development. Today, we are happy you are joining the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu family.

    “You are joining the APC family because it’s a family that cherishes hard work. And for us, we do not discriminate.
    ” Whoever comes into the party today has the same privileges, the same latitude to operate like someone who has stayed for years. The only difference is your hard work. What have you been able to do at the party? So if you do better if you do well, you will even be recognised more than someone who has been around since the party’s inception,” he said.

    Describing President Tinubu as the father for all, he said; “You know he is someone who is known to be at home in all parts of the country, someone who is generous, his hospitality is unprecedented, he has everything that you can think of as a good man and a leader.”

    He commended Ganduje for leading the party to victory in all off-season polls and said that since Ganduje became President, APC has been winning elections back to back.

    ” He has shown capacity. He has shown that he is capable. So we are proud of you. And we thank you for making us proud, we thank you for making Kano state proud, we thank you for making Northwest proud, we thank you for making Nigeria proud because you are someone who is at home everywhere,” he said.

    Ganduje hailed the defection of Atiku’s supporter, describing Senator Barau, who facilitated it, as a real general.

    “You are welcome to our party. We are formally receiving you now. But as I have been informed, after the fasting period, all your members will gather here in Abuja, under the leadership of the distinguished Senator Barau, so that we invite Mr President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Vice President himself, where we will have the Senate President and the Right Honorable Speaker, to formally receive all your members to register the death, the collapse, the disappearance of the PDP in Nigeria, not only in the northern part of this country.

    “I saw one clip that is trending. Soon, we will have elections in Anambra State. Each political party plans to get its candidates for the contest in the governorship election. But I have seen that PDP has extended its screening deadline because nobody has shown up for the contest. The extension has also expired. And nobody has showed up for the contest. So I don’t need to tell you, it is a crumbling party.

    ” We are the greatest beneficiary of the crumbling party. So we welcome you honestly. We welcome you to a party with a progressive ideology. To a party that believes in the rule of law. To the party that believes in internal democracy. To the party that believes in engagement.To the party that says no discrimination.

    ” We are the most peaceful party in Nigeria—the most peaceful party in Africa. Because we believe in internal democracy, ” he said.

    He commended the Deputy President of the Senate for encouraging people from other political parties to join APC.

    ” We have seen that distinguished Senator Barau is going beyond Kano. He is liberating those people, especially those who are committed to democracy. He is convincing them to join our party, not only from Kano State, not only from the northern part of this country, but from the whole country. So the distinguished Senator Barau is a real general. So we assure you, Allah will provide his ambition,” he said.

  • Atiku deserves credit for economic reforms under Obasanjo, says el-Rufai

    Atiku deserves credit for economic reforms under Obasanjo, says el-Rufai

    Former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar deserves significant credit for leading economic reforms during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

    Abubakar was vice-president in the Obasanjo government from 1999 to 2007.

    While he was Obasanjo’s Deputy, Atiku was responsible for overseeing the privatisation of national assets.

    The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), led by El-Rufai at the time, operated under his supervision.

    Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of Edwin Clark, the elder statesman and Niger Delta advocate who died on February 17, el-Rufai said Atiku deserves flowers for economic policy-making under Obasanjo.

    According to him: “Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policy making under the Obasanjo administration. Many of the things we did, did under his leadership.

    “Maybe because we don’t write about it, and people don’t read history, we tend to forget. We only remember negative things. Maybe it’s part of human nature.”

    Read Also: Tinubu pledges support for fintech sector

    el-Rufai in 2016 criticised Atiku, accusing the former vice president of spreading falsehoods and even suggesting that Atiku was haunted by “demons of corruption.”

    Atiku shared a video of the visit to Clark’s family on X captioned: “Today, I led a delegation that included the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on a condolence visit to the family of foremost statesman and nationalist, Chief Edwin Clark. I prayed for comfort for the family of the man whose work was defined by his pan-Nigerian credentials.

    “I reminded them that the passing of Clark was not only a loss to the family, PANDEF, and the Niger Delta but the whole of Nigeria that he had adopted as his constituency. The best way to immortalise him is for our leaders to promote unity and inclusiveness for which he lived and died for. May his soul continue to rest in peace.”

  • Atiku deserves credit for economic reforms under Obasanjo, says El-Rufai

    Atiku deserves credit for economic reforms under Obasanjo, says El-Rufai

    Former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar deserves significant credit for leading economic reforms during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

    Abubakar was vice-president in the Obasanjo government from 1999 to 2007.

    While he was Obasanjo’s Deputy, Atiku was responsible for overseeing the privatisation of national assets.

    The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), led by El-Rufai at the time, operated under his supervision.

    Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of Edwin Clark, the elder statesman and Niger Delta advocate who died on February 17, el-Rufai said Atiku deserves flowers for economic policy making under Obasanjo.

    According to him: “Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policy making under the Obasanjo administration. Many of the things we did, we did under his leadership.

    “Maybe because we don’t write about it, and people don’t read history, we tend to forget. We only remember negative things. Maybe it’s part of human nature.”

    El-Rufai’s in 2016 criticised Atiku, accusing the former vice president of spreading falsehoods and even suggested that Atiku was haunted by “demons of corruption.”

    Read Also: PDP internal crisis won’t determine Atiku’s fate in 2027, says support group

    Atiku shared a video of the visit to Clark’s family on X captioned: “Today, I led a delegation that included the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on a condolence visit to the family of foremost statesman and nationalist, Chief Edwin Clark. I prayed for comfort for the family of the man whose work was defined by his pan-Nigerian credentials.

    “I reminded them that the passing of Clark was not only a loss to the family, PANDEF, and the Niger Delta but the whole of Nigeria that he had adopted as his constituency. The best way to immortalise him is for our leaders to promote unity and inclusiveness for which he lived and died for. May his soul continue to rest in peace.”

  • PDP internal crisis won’t determine Atiku’s fate in 2027, says support group

    PDP internal crisis won’t determine Atiku’s fate in 2027, says support group

    The Nigerian Youths for Atiku (NYFA) has said that the internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not determine former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s fortune in the 2027 general election.

    The support group, which has been throwing its weight behind Abubakar, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, made this remark in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    Dare Dada, the NYFA’s director of communications, said that the position was given after the group’s strategic meeting on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Dada, however, urged the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to urgently intervene in the party’s internal disputes and restore sanity to its ranks.

    “NYFA has critically assessed the ongoing power tussle within the party, where certain individuals appear more focused on personal gains rather than the collective wealth of the People’s Democratic Party.

    “It is rather unfortunate that the party has strayed from the vision of its founding fathers and leaders who envisioned good governance, democratic consolidation, and a vibrant platform for leadership development.

    “Recent, events have not only exposed the incompetence of the current leadership but have also further diminished the reputation of a party once hailed as the largest in Africa.

    “We make bold to say that the orchestrated disputes will not determine the fate of Atiku in 2027 as he is ready to put smiles on Nigerians’ faces,” Dada said.

    According to him, the resignation of prominent members and elected officials across the three geopolitical zones is a clear indication that the PDP is in turmoil.

    Read Also: Atiku and Obasanjo as his political leitmotif

    “Personal interests have taken precedence over the party’s collective mission, endangering our shared political future.

    “It is time for individuals who once benefited from the party to stop undermining its unity for selfish gains.

    “The pretence that all is well within the party must end because the reality tells a different story,” the NYFA spokesman said.

    He said the NYFA was aware of ongoing efforts to suspend the Chairman of the Party Disciplinary Committee, Chief Tom Ikimi, which was part of a broader scheme to weaken the party.

    According to him, this follows a similar attempt to suspend the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Sen. Adolphus Wabara, from his ward.

    “This is considered to be a desperate and outdated tactic which will not succeed. These internal betrayals only serve to destabilise the party further,” Dada said.

    He said that the PDP Governors’ Forum must remain united against these fifth columnists and all elements working to undermine the party in 2027.

    Dada said that the party leadership must instil discipline in the party to brighten the fortune of the party in 2027.

    According to him, the party cannot keep those who openly worked against PDP in the last election, while simultaneously encouraging the suspension of the BOT Chairman, who had been championing unity.

    “Their actions suggest that their primary goal is to prevent Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from contesting in 2027 rather than positioning PDP as a viable alternative for Nigerians.

    “PDP must redeem itself and prove to Nigerians that it is not an annex of the APC.

    “A party that once stood as the symbol of Nigeria’s democracy has, regrettably, become a shadow of itself, allowing its leaders to work against its interests.”

    “The time to reclaim the PDP’s legacy is now,” he added.

    He added the party had arrived at a critical political crossroads where every member must now decide their future. (NAN)

  • Why PDP disciplinary committee did not invite Atiku, Wike- Ikimi

    Why PDP disciplinary committee did not invite Atiku, Wike- Ikimi

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Committee has no intention to invite former Vice President Atiku abubakar or FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike unless there are petitions against them, Chairman of the Committee, High Chief Tom Ukimi has said.

    Flanked by 10 committee members, the Committee Secretary, Chief Eyitayo Jegede Hon Patrick Ifo and two Ex-Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano) and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi) while responding to reporters’ questions at Legacy House in Abuja on Wednesday on why his committee felt compelled to defer its hearing by about two weeks, Ikimi who also explained that the Committee’s review was not time-bound and petitioners may ask for it to look into matters dating back to 2015.

    “Whether acts were committed against the party in 2015, 2019, 2020 or any other year, we can do nothing about them except there are petitions sent to this committee’ this committee does not write petitions, we only attend to petitions that are sent to us.

    “So, if there’s no petition against somebody, we are not going to do anything about it because that is not our business; I’m not out here to write petitions or deal with what is seen in newspapers,” Ikimi said.

    Read Also: Reps committee summons Customs CG over alleged refusal of senior officers to retire

    Hinting that former Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom may not be telling the truth, Ikimi asserted that his Committee has confirmed that contrary to claims by Ortom and others, the petitions against them were delivered with invitations for them to appear before the PDP Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday.

    “Last week Wednesday we went through the various petitions before us and two petitions were slated for hearing today; one petition was against the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the other against some members of the party from Benue state, including former governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom and ten others.

    “We were prepared to hear the petition today; the petitions were served on them directly and through courier and we have evidence that the petitions s arrived at their destinations, however, we could not proceed today due to correspondences received from these two persons we were supposed to meet.

    “Former Secretary, Senator Anyanwu sent us a letter indicating that he was not well and that he had medical challenges, and a medical appointment for today; he backed that up with a letter from his hospital and his doctor ; so, he therefore asked for another date.

    “In the case of Samuel Ortom and others, they claimed that they had not received the petitions which were sent to them but the petitions were sent and we have evidence that they were sent to them.

    “However, the committee has met and because we believe that we should give everyone fair hearing and that we should not ignore issues like health challenges, we have decided to the defer the hearing by another two to three weeks so that they will assure that they received the petitions sent to them.

    “So, we have deferred the hearing to 4th of March; we believe that all will be well and the Committee is going to be fair to everyone.”

  • 2027: Why Tinubu, Atiku, Obi shouldn’t contest, by ex-LP chieftain Okonkwo

    2027: Why Tinubu, Atiku, Obi shouldn’t contest, by ex-LP chieftain Okonkwo

    • Obi’s ex-campaign council spokesman resigns from LP
    • Cites unresolved internal crises, leadership disputes

    A former member of the Labour Party (LP), Kenneth Okonkwo, has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from vying for the presidential seat in the 2027 general election.

    Okonkwo was the spokesman of the LP presidential campaign team in the 2023 general election, working alongside Obi, who flew the party’s flag in that poll.

    But two years down the line, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician has backtracked from his support for Obi, asking the LP stalwart, Atiku and President Tinubu to step aside for other candidates.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s evening programme, “Politics Today”, Okonkwo shared his thoughts on why he wanted the trio to give way for other candidates in the next general election.

    He said: “I said it and I maintain it because in Nigeria, people will not give you their mandate and you treat it with levity.

    “You must do everything decisively to secure it. Unfortunately, nature has bestowed on us the duty that in Nigeria, you will not only win an election but you have to fight for your mandate.”

    The former LP chieftain said though he worked with Obi in the 2023 election, that is now in the past.

    “I still maintain that. Whatever happened in 2023 should stay in 2023,” the actor said, ruling out backing the former Anambra State governor in the next general election.

    He resigned from the party yesterday, citing internal rambles in the Labour Party.

    The former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ruled out returning to the ruling party.

    “I resigned [to leave APC] on principle,” Okonkwo insisted but gave only one condition to return to the party.

    “Let me tell you, I will be the first person to admit if the APC changes today and is doing well for Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Okonkwo unveils new book on AI

    He accused the ruling party of failing to address the country’s challenges.

    Earlier yesterday, Okonkwo announced the resignation of his membership of the LP.

    He cited unresolved internal crises and leadership disputes that have plagued the party for two years, following the 2023 presidential election.

    In his resignation letter, dated February 11, 2025, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to Nigerians who supported the party during the presidential election.

    He said: “I thank, most sincerely, all Nigerians of goodwill for the immense support given to us during the 2023 presidential election.”

    Okonkwo attributed his resignation to the party’s inability to reposition itself for the next presidential election.

    “The Labour Party, as presently constituted, is not in a position to be part of that political force that will determine the political future of Nigeria,” he said.

    According to him, the party’s current state is “non-existent” due to the expiration of the tenure of its executives and the lack of effective leadership at the national level.

    The former LP presidential campaign council spokesperson criticised the party’s former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and his colleagues for prioritising personal interests over the party’s survival.

    Okonkwo said: “It’s obvious that Abure is not interested in the survival of Labour Party as he is interested in the survival of his pocket.”

    Okonkwo’s resignation takes effect from February 25, marking the second anniversary of the 2023 presidential election.

    He pledged his continued loyalty to fellow Nigerians and hinted at joining other like-minded individuals to chart a new course for good governance in the country.