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  • Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai to name new platform before June 30

    Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai to name new platform before June 30

    A former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Katsina State says the ongoing coalition talks by some opposition politicians will, before the end of this month, metamorphose into a formidable ‘’platform’’ to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling APC in the 2027 general election.  

    Former Vice-President  Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Presidential candidate for the 2023 general poll, Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai,  and erstwhile Transport Minister Chibuike Amechi are the arrowheads of the coalition movement.  

    “We need a reliable, trusted platform to beat this government and by the grace of God, by the end of this month, the leadership will conclude on which platform to use,’’ Inuwa, at a meeting in Katsina aimed at updating stakeholders and supporters in the state on the status of the talks.

    He added: ‘’The decision to join forces by former Vice President, former governors Rotimi Amechi, Peter Obi, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai-led coalition with other political parties is in the best interest of Nigeria.

    ‘’We want to move forward in all aspects of human development as a nation 

    “This is because Nigeria has no leadership, even as the giant of Africa. There is no gainsaying that our country    has lost touch with other countries in Africa.’’

    Read Also: Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai desperately united for power, says APC

    Inuwa, a former Secretary to the Katsina State Government,  urged supporters to continue to pray for the success of the movement.  

    He condemned  mass  defections  to the  APC, saying those involved were  ‘’leaving the frying pan to the   fire.’’

    The former SSG added:   ‘’What has happened in the APC is the same thing that happened in PDP, especially during congresses. Local Government elections were supposedly held here in Katsina State, and only those whom the government wanted to contest were given forms. So it is going to be the same in all the elections’’

    “Our major concern is the electorate because they are the ones to decide, and they are with us and we are with them.’’

  • Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai desperately united for power – APC

    Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai desperately united for power – APC

    The trio of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former Kaduna Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai came under attack by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the allegation that President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration has weaponised poverty.

    The three opposition leaders at the weekend during the 60th birthday ceremony of Amaechi in Abuja accused Tinubu of failing to eradicate the scourge of poverty in the last two years of his administration.

    Describing the allegation as baseless, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka in a statement in Abuja on Monday asked the trio to close their eyes in shame for their failure to achieve same feat during a quarter of a century in power.

    Morka noted that instead of focusing on the birthday the trio, whom he described as “leading displaced rent-seekers”, they condescended into showcasing their frenzied desperation to grab power purely for their self aggrandizement.

    According to Morka: “These three individuals have occupied Nigeria’s highest political offices between 1999 and 2023, either as Vice President, Governors, or Ministers, among other important positions. In all 24 years, the trio, individually or collectively, could not and did not eradicate poverty in their states or the country. They did not even attempt to address, let alone tackle, the structural challenges and distortions that stifled the economy and worsened poverty over the years.

    “Rather, they reveled in mindless rent-seeking behavior, sold national assets to their cronies for mere pittance, engaged in corrupt and wasteful expenditures in their states, and relentlessly sponsored state violence against their own people.

    “Take the case of Amaechi, the celebrant, who served for an unbroken total of 24 years – eight years as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, eight years as Governor of Rivers State, and eight years as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That’s about a quarter of a century of freeloading by Amaechi on state resources, with absolutely no record of attempting to combat poverty in his Rivers State or the country.

    “When Amaechi declared, “I am hungry,” he must mean, and must be understood to mean, that he is hungry and desperate to return to his felt entitled dependency on state resources and patronage.

    “That he is hungry barely two years out of office simply underscores the depth of the self-serving motivations of Amaechi and his coalition partners in their quest for power for selfish exploitation, and not for the interest of the people.”

    READ ALSO: Wike’s camp clashes with Fubara on reconciliation

    The ruling party noted that the allegation by Amaechi and his cohorts was informed by the loss of grip on the economy which they have fleeced on for years.

    “Accustomed to fleecing the economy, they are now compelled by Tinubu’s unprecedented reforms to adapt to a new reality where hard work, productivity, and innovation are rewarded. Their criticisms of President Tinubu’s reforms are decidedly self-serving, driven by a desperate quest for power to satiate their voracious rent-seeking appetite, which has long stifled and denied progress to the economy.

    “On contrary, it was the failure of previous administrations, particularly 16 years of PDP administrations, to allow the Naira to find its real value that created the economic conditions of poverty that the present administration is now addressing.

    “The erstwhile artificially overvalued Naira stifled local production, encouraged import dependency, and exacerbated poverty. Ironically, Atiku and Peter Obi, who are now vociferously criticizing President Tinubu’s policies, amassed their wealth from the very import-dependent system they are desperately trying to preserve.”

    Going down the historical lane, APC recalled “Atiku, a former Custom Officer, and Obi, a successful importer, reaped enormous benefits from the old system. Their criticisms reek of special interest masqueraded as concern for the people. By allowing market forces to determine the Naira’s value, the administration is taking necessary bold steps to catalyze economic growth, incentivize investment, boost competitiveness, and alleviate poverty.”

    The party commended President Tinubu’s resilience in demonstrating political will to tackle structural barriers to the country’s economic growth and development far more than any other President in Nigeria’s modern history.

    “By his bold economic reforms, President Tinubu is systematically building the most potent bulwark against poverty and positioning the economy to deliver sustained and sustainable growth and prosperity for all Nigerians.

    “The criticisms variously levelled by Amaechi, Atiku, El-Rufai and Peter Obi mask a shameless attempt to perpetuate and cling to the old rent-seeking economy that enriched them at the expense of the Nigerian people.

    “As beneficiaries of the corrupt and inefficient economic system, they are discomforted that Tinubu’s reforms are dismantling the insidious and permissive system that enabled and sustained their reckless plunder and exploitation of the economy.”

    The ruling party however noted that Nigerians in productive sectors are reaping the benefits of reforms that have increased opportunities and income.

    “Entrepreneurs, farmers, and service providers are thriving, while rent-seekers like Amaechi and his coalition partners are left seething with rage at the disruption of their ability to milk the system for personal gain as before.

    “The removal of fuel subsidy has been a game-changer. It ended massive corruption that plagued the fuel subsidy enterprise, eliminated perennial shortages and queues at petrol stations, and has sparked a surge in investments in the oil and gas and other sectors of the economy, further expanding opportunities for businesses and individuals.

    “The harmonization of multiple exchange rates has further bolstered Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market for goods and capital. With increased revenue, the federal, state, and local governments are now investing more in critical infrastructure, education, health, security, and social welfare.

    “Importantly, states that previously struggled to pay N30,000 minimum wage are now paying a significantly higher minimum wage of N70,000 per month. This is a testament to the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians.

    “The President’s reforms are dawning a new day for Nigeria, now witnessing economic transformation never before seen in our country’s history, driven by proper pricing of the Naira and fuel, and steadily transitioning the country from a consumption-laden to a production-oriented economic powerhouse.

    “Our trade balances are seeing a drastic improvement, with a sharp decline in imports and a steep rise in exports, reporting impressive trade surpluses and economic growth rate of 4.6 percent in the last quarter of 2024, representing the highest growth rate in a decade, amid significant decline in global price of crude oil.

    ‘This turnaround is a direct testament to the government’s steadfast efforts to promote local production, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous economy.

    “Indications of a steadily rebounding economy are now manifest in all sectors of the economy. Local industries are booming, and our reliance on imports is plummeting. The Dangote Refinery is revolutionizing the market with its products in Nigeria, while manufacturers in the South East are producing top-notch products in unprecedented quantities, generating thousands of jobs and stimulating economic growth. This progress is a monumental step towards achieving food security, industrialization, and sustainable economic growth.

    “President Tinubu has genuinely prioritized the best interest of Nigerians over any political electoral calculation. The administration’s reforms may have transient higher cost of living implications challenges, but they are indispensable to securing a more sustainable economy that rewards hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

    The party assured Nigerians that the President is on course, and will not be distracted by the selfish partisan rambling of some hardened political opportunists and economic exploiters only bent on preserving the old inefficient and permissive economic system that fed them at the expense of the common good of all.

    “The best strategic interest of our economy and the good people of Nigeria must continue to trump any and all political or electoral calculations.”

  • Atiku, Obi in yo-yo politics

    Atiku, Obi in yo-yo politics

    It will take a few more weeks, perhaps months, for the frothing politics of former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s and former Anambra governor Peter Obi’s presidential aspiration politics to settle down. For now, the country must be contented watching with amusement the exploratory activities of the two aspiring contenders, the first a veteran contender, and the second a latter-day and opportunistic contender. Before the 2023 presidential poll was conducted, both gentlemen started out in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), having carried over their ambitions from their unsuccessful 2019 presidential contest. Vice president Atiku had in the 2019 poll run on the same ticket with Mr Obi, and performed quite creditably to give the eventual winner, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s Muhammadu Buhari, a run for his money.

    But in the 2023 poll, Alhaji Atiku and Mr Obi parted ways, with the latter sensing that he could take the opportunistic wind of the Christian vote to soar to victory. The maths did not of course favour him, but he was Machiavellian and naïve enough to believe he could win. Still he performed surprisingly well to nearly equal the votes of his former PDP standard-bearer (6.10m to 6.98m in an election in which over 93m people registered and a little less than 27 percent voted compared with about 35 percent that voted in 2019 out of a little over 83m who registered). Nearly two years after the 2023 presidential poll was done and litigated, both politicians have belatedly and grudgingly acknowledged that the division in their camp led to their defeat. Since then they have indulged in the most unpredictable form of politics that sees them oscillating like a yo-yo, from one excitable high one day to a depressing low another day. They are no longer ambiguous about their loss, thank God, but they are even far more ambiguous about their future.

    READ ALSO: Ileya, four other popular festivals in Nigeria

    In the past few weeks, they have issued statements and granted interviews about how they planned to approach the 2027 presidential poll. Having reluctantly agreed that they would need a coalition of political parties to swing the next poll, they have nevertheless proceeded to flip flop on who should anchor the coalition, which political vehicle to use, and which two politicians should be on the presidential ticket. The only thing still firing Alhaji Atiku’s interest in presidential politics, nay politics at all, is his ambition to rule Nigeria. But sensing mounting opposition inside and outside his political party to his being on the ticket, he has quibbled about the subject and, in a few galling moments, feigned disinterest in becoming the standard-bearer. He has pretended that all that mattered is ‘saving Nigeria’ from ‘misrule’. At other times, he has also hinted very broadly that with Mr Obi joining him on the ticket, they would not only win the presidency, he would be quite willing to cede a putative second term to his running mate, the overrated former Anambra governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the last presidential poll.

    While it is almost certain that Alhaji Atiku wants to run for the presidency for the last time, if he can get a platform, Mr Obi has dissembled even much more, insisting in one breath that he is not as fanatical about contesting for the position as he is in midwifing sound governance for Nigeria. And in another breath, he is promising to run for office because the country needs the services of people like him. He and Alhaji Atiku have conducted joint exploratory work on running on the same ticket. His party, the LP, is distressed, but so is the PDP on which the former vice president still holds high hopes. But in the interim, both gentlemen are also looking in the direction of a few errant parties posing naked on the fringes and seducing political wayfarers and ambitious aspirants to turn in and climb under their duvets. There was mention of one Social Democratic Party (SDP), but that one regained its senses and decided not to play whoredom. Then there is also mention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a single parent party seemingly averse to celibacy. But even here too there are stirrings of revolt by its kept men. Perhaps they will finally create a new party altogether.

    Clearly, many permutations will remain tentative in the weeks and months ahead, as both Alhaji Atiku and Mr Obi make up their minds regarding which party to use, being themselves incapable of loyalty to one spouse; or which ticket to cobble, especially considering that both men have suggested that this might be their last contest. If the lure of winning does not trump their principles forged from the push and pull over ageing and presidential contest, then they might conceivably go their separate ways by trying their luck on different platforms. But if what matters to them is winning, then they might sink their differences, abandon principles, and in stark embrace of realpolitik, join forces to try to take the presidency, whether Alhaji Atiku ends up betraying his one-term presidency pledge or not. Whatever they end up doing in the months to come, don’t count on making sense of what they say now or what positions and arguments they advocate in the interim.

  • Avoid heating polity, activist urges Atiku, Obi, others

    Avoid heating polity, activist urges Atiku, Obi, others

    An activist, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri has warned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors of Kaduna and Anambra States, Nasir El Rufai and Peter Obi respectively, against heating up the polity as the nation moves toward 2027 general election.

    Onitiri urged Atiku, El-Rufai and Obi to moderate their actions, utterances and speeches to avoid heating up the political space which might endanger the current political dispensation.

    In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday, Onitiri noted that the advice became expedient in view of the way and manner the politicians were going about their new found political association.

    Read Also: Tinubu issues executive order to slash oil sector costs

    Onitiri advised Alhaji Atiku that seeking American Court’s help to disqualify President Bola Tinubu in preparation for 2027 Presidential election was going too far and seen by Nigerians as unnecessary and should be avoided.

    “As one of the Democrats who risked their lives between 1993 and 1994 and faced the military to secure the present political dispensation, we cannot sit by and allow the present crop of politicians to play into the hands of the military boys who might want to threaten our fledgling democracy,” he said.

    He pointed out that the current economic and security situation in the country called for cooperation and collaboration between the ruling APC and the opposition parties by joining hands and working together to find solutions to the lingering problems, for the overall interest of the poor masses of the nation.

    Onitiri pointed out that from all available facts and accounts, the Federal Government had been trying it’s best to salvage the worsened inherited economic and security situations since 2023 till date.

  • Atiku, Obi, Amaechi at coalition talks

    Atiku, Obi, Amaechi at coalition talks

    • Malami, Babachir pledge support

    A group of Northern political elite may have thrown their weight behind a proposed national coalition movement to be led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    The Nation gathered that the decision was reached at a meeting by the politicians under the aegis of the  National Political Consultative Group (North-NPCG), in Abuja yesterday.

    At the meeting, which was said to be non-partisan, were Atiku;  Datti Baba-Ahmed, Peter Obi; former  Justice Minister Abubakar Malami; and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)  Babachir Lawal.

    Erstwhile Minister of State for  Solid Minerals, Abu Bwari and former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, among other Northern political leaders were at the meeting that lasted over four hours.

    Obi, former Rivers Governor  Rotimi Ameachi and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees Chairman   Adolphus Wabara were also at the meeting to show solidarity with the group. 

    The Nation learnt that former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, who hosted Atiku in Ilesa at the weekend, joined the meeting virtually.

    The attendees kept sealed lips when approached by reporters after the meeting. However,  it was gathered that the formation of a coalition to present a formidable candidate against  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 topped their talks.

    READ ALSO: One day with President Tinubu

    A member of the group, who did not want his name in print, said they met to further consolidate North’s position ahead of the 2027 general election and to seek the support of like-minded individuals across the  “ South. ‘’

    He said: “Today’s (yesterday) meeting was essentially to review the position of our (North) region ahead of the 2027 general election as regards the coalition movement.

    ‘’We extended invitations to like-minded  persons or  leaders from the Southern part of the country.” 

    He, however, assured that ‘’a formal statement on the outcome of the meeting will be made available tomorrow (today). 

    Obi to North: vote for competence in 2027

      Obi, according to a statement by the Obi Media Outreach after the meeting, urged the North to vote for competence and capacity in 2027.

    He was also said to have described the North as the ‘’future and huge asset’’ of the country.

    According to the statement by Ibrahim Umar, the former LP presidential candidate, pointed out that crimes and insecurity in the North are caused by poverty.

    He advised the region to invest more in education because it is the easiest way to tackle the menace.

    Obi also noted that the North had for long voted for religion and tribe.

    He called on the electorate in the region to begin to vote for ‘’competence and capacity.’’

     The former governor also underscored the importance of trust among Nigerians to be able to tackle the myriad of problems facing the nation.

    Drawing an inference from some successful agrarian nations like Bangladesh and the Netherlands, Obi said the North has more potential than they.

    He stated that what was lacking in the North was good governance, good policies and implementation.

    Former Justice Minister Malami was said to have bemoaned the security situation in the North and called for a platform to address the challenge.

  • Coalition: Atiku, El-Rufai, Obi driven by old grudges, not vision —Senator Husain

    Coalition: Atiku, El-Rufai, Obi driven by old grudges, not vision —Senator Husain

    …says coalition can’t remove Tinubu’s purposeful leadership

    Senator Mudasiru Husain has berated the coalition championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufia, and Peter Obi, saying that no alliance of calumny can remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office.

    Husain, who represented Osun West Senatorial District, in 2011, held that the coalition move is driven by old grudges and not love, vision and unity for the country. 

    A statement by the Senator who is one of the leading 2026 Osun State governorship aspirants under All Progressives Congress(APC) noted that the aim of the stakeholders of coalition is to destabilise purposeful leadership of Tinubu who already begun reshaping Nigeria’s socio-economic path.

    He said, “But let’s be honest. What binds these individuals? Not vision. Not unity. Not even shared principles. What they have in common is ambition, often personal, and in many cases, driven by old grudges. These are not the foundations of a credible alternative.

    READ ALSO: I’m not leaving APC, Governor Alia declares

    “President Tinubu has far surpassed the influence of any force they can muster. His political instincts, strategic depth, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s future place him far ahead of any challenge this coalition might present.”

    He continued, “I know this not just as a politician, but as someone whose journey was shaped under the progressive banner that Tinubu has championed for decades. His mentorship, his selfless sacrifices, and his foresight laid the foundation for many of us who now have a voice in public service.

    “I understand the desperation within the opposition ranks. Peter Obi’s insistence on running solely under the Labour Party already shows that unity is elusive. Meanwhile, defections continue from their camp into the APC, which speaks volumes about where true leadership lies.

    “Let’s not forget President Tinubu’s achievements. In less than two years, he’s rebalanced Nigeria’s economic framework and is building bridges across ethnic and political divides. People are taking note; even those who once stood against him are beginning to realign, embracing a new era of progressive politics.

    “As I look ahead to 2027, I see a stronger, more unified Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership. The noise will rise, but it won’t shake the foundation we’ve built. Our focus remains steady, our values clear.”

  • Coalition: Atiku draws battle line with PDP govs, others

    Coalition: Atiku draws battle line with PDP govs, others

    • Shuns Osun governor, party chiefs during visit
    • Aregbesola’s, Adeleke’s alliance heads for the rocks
    • Fresh confusion over proposed PDP NEC meeting
    • Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, others meet today
    • Obi: I’ll run on Labour Party’s platform in 2027

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar  appears to have drawn the battle line with state governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , and officials of the party who are opposed to his bid to enter into coalition with other political parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Despite Atiku’s insistence on a coalition, believing it is the only way the APC can be defeated in 2027, the PDP has stoutly rejected the move.

    The PDP says it is strong enough to wrest power from the APC and that all it needs to do is to put its house in order.

    In this regard, it set up a reconciliation committee headed by a former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki.

    On Friday, Atiku was in Osun State where he shunned the state governor ,Senator Ademola Adeleke and the  state executives of the  party.

    Officials  of the PDP yesterday interpreted the action of the ex – Vice President as a declaration of hostility.

    “He has drawn the battle line because our governors are not with him in his move to forge a coalition and then run for president as usual,” a source in the PDP national secretariat told our correspondent yesterday.

    The former vice president and his allies in the coalition talks are due to meet in Abuja today for more discussion on the way forward.

    Top on the meeting’s agenda  is the platform they intend to use for the 2027 election.

    Presidential candidate of  the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, who is widely speculated  as Atiku’s possible running mate in 2027 said yesterday that he still looks forward to contesting the election on the platform of LP,  which means he is unlikely to go along with the coalition.

    Political sources said yesterday that Gov.Adeleke may have incurred Atiku’s wrath on account of  his (governor’s) stand on the coalition being promoted for  the former VP’s 2027 presidential bid.

    Atiku had gone to  the state for the coronation of the new Owa of Ijesaland, HRH Adesuyi Haastrup.

    He also  refused to meet with the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sunday Bisi and other members in the state.

    Instead he  paid a courtesy call on ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is his new coalition ally.

    According to findings,  Atiku’s cold attitude shocked Adeleke and PDP members in the state.

    It was gathered that the ex-VP was unimpressed by lack of a firm commitment to his 2027 ambition by the governor and as a result, decided to draw the battle line early in the day with him.

    Political observers in the state believe Atiku might have miscalculated because apart from being a sitting governor,  Adeleke’s popularity is at its peak in the state while Aregbesola’s influence is dwindling.

    A senior government official, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “the ex-VP shocked the governor and PDP members by not notifying the state government of his visit. He did not pay a courtesy call on the governor and there was no notice to the state chapter of PDP of his coming.

    “It is convenient for him to call his shuttle a private visit but as the former VP, he is under our care.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke, Oyetola, Obasanjo, Atiku, Ooni, others arrive Ilesa for Owa Obokun’s coronation 

    “It is a slight to shun the governor and visit Aregbesola in Ilesha. The message is clear to all. He has something up his sleeves.”

    Asked what might have accounted for Atiku’s attitude,  the source said: “Maybe he is acting on body language or intuition to reach conclusions on Governor Adeleke who is amiable and amenable. I think for an experienced politician like Atiku, it is too early to arrive at any conclusion. He has a presumption that the governor has a mindset for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    “The second reason which is definitive is that Atiku is desperate for a new coalition and he knows that Governor Adeleke might not leave the PDP. Not coming to the governor was a message that he was done with the PDP.

    “But Aregbesola cannot win Osun State for him in 2027. We wish Atiku good luck. His attitude has earned him more disdain than anything in Osun. It was a misstep.”

    Atiku’s behaviour toward Adeleke was the subject of political discussion in many parts of the state all through Friday and yesterday. 

    Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe was yet to respond to questions sent to his WhatsApp line.

    A PDP source said he wasn’t  surprised that  there is a political misunderstanding between the President and Governor Adeleke.

    The source added: “As a matter of fact,  when Sen. Isiaka Adeleke died, President Tinubu wanted Governor Ademola Adeleke to succeed his brother but Aregbesola refused. Adeleke  was denied the ticket because of his closeness to the then President of the Senate  Dr. Bukola Saraki. He left APC for PDP and won the senatorial ticket.

    “When the President asked why Governor Ademola Adeleke was refused APC senatorial ticket, the powers-  that-  be in Osun then  said he might contest for the  governorship. Asiwaju then asked ‘why not?’ Everything has come to pass, ” he said.

    Unknown to many, a cold war has been brewing between  Adeleke and Aregbesola over their performances in office.

    In the last few weeks,  Adeleke and Aregbesola have taunted each other at public functions in what appeared a sign of frosty relationship.

    At a Rotary District  Conference in Ede, Osun State, Aregbesola,  who was the guest speaker,  spent quality time to reel out his achievements. He spoke of  how he transformed Osun State.

    But  Adeleke, who came midway into Aregbesola’s lecture was ‘unsettled ‘  by what his predecessor said.

    When it was his turn, Adeleke, who took style to say he was building on Aregbesola’s achievements, said the era of half salary was gone; he has not borrowed a dime; the Debt Management Office (DMO)  has confirmed that the  state  has cleared 40% of inherited debt since he  came into office.

    He also said that he has completed a 14-kilometre dual carriageway in Ilesha and established University of Ilesha with 70 courses accredited.

    “It is a matter of time before we end the alliance with Aregbesola, ” a PDP source added.

    At a meeting  last month , PDP governors ruled out coalition with other parties for the 2027 presidential election.

    The governors said the PDP was strong enough to oust the APC from power but welcomed any party that may want to join it.

    Adeleke was at the meeting.

    Atiku is nonetheless forging ahead with his bid to enter into coalition with interested parties.

     Last week, he and his coalition partners announced that they would use the ADP, instead of the SDP they had earlier announced, as the vehicle to realise their 2027 dream.

    Atiku, others  push ahead with coalition despite PDP’s stance

     It was gathered yesterday that members of  the Atiku-led coalition will meet in Abuja today to perfect their plan ahead of 2027.

    Some of those expected at the meeting are the immediate past governor of Kaduna State,Mallam Nasir El Rufai,former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and former Osun State governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

    It was gathered that the group is banking on the support of the likes of the League of Northern Democrats (LND) which said last week that it was mobilising intensely across the north while considering the   options of registering a new opposition political party or fusing into an existing one.

    It said in a communiqué that it would support the National Opposition Coalition Group chaired by Sen. President David Mark in “driving the transitional politics towards the 2027 general elections.”

    I’ll contest on Labour Party’s platform, says Obi

    Obi,in a video interaction with his supporters yesterday said he would contest the 2027 election on the platform of the LP.

     “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” he said in response to  a question by one of his supporters.

    He blamed the federal government for the crises in the PDP and LP,saying: “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government, quote me anywhere.

    “We had a problem in our party before, in the past; Yar’Adua was the President. I went to him then; he called the INEC chairman (Prof. Maurice Iwu) and told him ‘I don’t want any problem in any party. We were forced to fix it.

    “But today, in all the parties, there are problems; these are deliberate problems caused by the system. These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity.

    “Parties will function very well because you can’t have a system working without a strong opposition.”

    No coalition yet, we are discussing how to move Nigeria forward, says Obidients’ National Coordinator

     National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko said there was no agreement in place yet on whether the group should join a  coalition of political parties ahead of the 2027 general election. 

    Tanko told The Nation by  telephone that what is currently going on is discussion among respected Nigerians who are concerned about the way the country’s democracy is going.

    He said ” It is just a group of persons who have tremendous respect for each talking about how to move the country forward.

    “They are concerned about what is happening in our country and the way our democracy is going. They are concerned about reforming our electoral system to avoid what is going on right now when people are decamping anyhow.

    Maybe if we had done this before now, people would  not be decamping the way they are doing now, taking the mandate of one party to another. It’s like having a football match and in the middle of the game, you jump from your team to the other because they are winning. If we allow that to continue, you won’t have anybody left in the opposing team to complete the game.”

    Fresh confusion over PDP NEC meeting

    A letter written  yesterday in the name of the embattled national secretary of the PDP,Samuel Anyanwu,has sparked confusion over the party’s much rescheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    Daboikiabo  Warmate, spokesman to Anayanwu said in the letter that the NEC meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025 had been put on hold owing to what he called constitutional breaches.

    He claimed that  a purported letter illegally signed by the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo inviting party members to the meeting was in violation of the party’s constitution which authorized the substantive National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu to act in that line of duty.

    According to the statement, the national Secretary of PDP, Most Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, is neither aware  nor directed the Deputy National Secretary to issue such notice, therefore remains a nullity.

    “We therefore, urge and advise all state chairmen and esteemed members of NEC of our great party to disregard, any of such notice of invitation that does not emanate from the National Secretary himself, the Most Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu till further notice”

    While relying on the provision of the constitution of PDP, he  said, “It is expedient to emphasize that, following section 36 (1)b, of the PDP constitution as amended in 2017, it is one of the core responsibilities/functions of the National Secretary and not the Deputy National Secretary to issue notice of NWC, NEC, CAUCUS and CONVENTION.”

    “And all extant and relevant laws in the PDP constitution as amended in 2017, and the supreme court judgement, points to the fact that, Most Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, as always, remains the National Secretary of PDP and in due time will issue the notice.”

    He told  party leaders, members, and critical stakeholders that the meeting would not take place  as scheduled until issues affecting the party were resolved.

    Northern leaders endorse Tinubu for 2027, back reforms in security, economy, governance

     The Northern Bridge Builders Forum, a coalition of respected leaders from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday threw  its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration and endorsed him for a second term in 2027. 

    The forum commended his sweeping reforms in security, the economy, local government autonomy, and national unity.

     Speaking during a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the Convener of the forum, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, said the group, made up of eminent personalities from the three northern geopolitical zones, gathered to evaluate the impact of federal government policies on the region and the nation since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

     According to Senator Ikenya, who was flanked by his members, the Northern Bridge Builders Forum resolved to support the President’s reform agenda while also proposing key recommendations to address rising security concerns and economic pressures in the region.

     The forum acknowledged the administration’s strategic focus on national security, particularly in the northern states plagued by insurgents, bandits, and other criminal groups. 

    It hailed the proposed establishment of Armed Forest Guards, now before the National Assembly, as a commendable move to combat insecurity in forested areas.

     However, the forum raised the  alarm over renewed deadly attacks in states like Borno, Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Katsina, Sokoto, and Niger, warning that groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other criminal gangs appear to have regrouped and rearmed.

     “The resurgence of violence in our communities is alarming. The wanton destruction of lives, farms, and properties reinforces fears that terrorist groups are once again gaining ground,” Ikenya said. 

    The forum praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as bold and necessary.

     While acknowledging the hardship that followed the removal of fuel subsidy, they said the increased monthly allocations to states and repayment of Nigeria’s IMF debts were signs of economic progress.

    They also lauded the President for stabilising the currency and attracting foreign investments, referencing praise from the British High Commissioner as evidence of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

    “Though the economic reforms have caused some short-term pain, we believe they lay the foundation for a more prosperous and stable Nigeria.

    One of the key highlights of the forum’s deliberations was support for the implementation of local government autonomy. 

    They hailed the Tinubu administration’s efforts, especially its successful legal battles at the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights of local governments to financial independence.

    The forum urged state governors to comply fully with the implementation, which they said would fast-track grassroots development and bring governance closer to the people.

    The Northern Bridge Builders Forum applauded the President’s inclusive leadership style and efforts in promoting national cohesion across ethnic and religious lines.

     They described Tinubu’s approach as tolerant and dialogue-driven, citing the appointments of Vice President Kashim Shettima and SGF George Akume as symbols of northern inclusion in national leadership.

    “The North is well represented and has confidence in the team Mr. President has assembled,” Senator Ikenya added.

    In their final communiqué, the forum urged Nigerians to be patient and continue supporting the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda. 

    They resolved to consolidate and sustain recent security gains, particularly in the North; urge the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Armed Forest Guards Bill; provide timely farming inputs to improve food productivity; and introduce short-term economic relief measures to cushion the current hardship.

    The forum publicly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, citing his “visionary leadership and courage in initiating necessary reforms.”

    “In view of the efforts so far, the Northern Bridge Builders Forum unequivocally endorses Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for a second term in 2027 to continue the good works he is doing,” Ikenya declared.

  • Atiku not a nationalist

    Atiku not a nationalist

    The topic above is another sanitised way of saying that former vice president Atiku Abubakar is the most self-centred politician in Nigeria today. But he is not fazed by whatever label anyone slaps on him, nor discomfited by rules, regulations, agreements, or conventions. In 2003, he ignored the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rotation principle and tried to vie for the presidency against his boss, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo. The principle was and remains an informal mechanism to infuse inclusion into Nigerian politics. Since 2003, and down to the 2019 presidential election when a northerner stood to spend eight successive years in office, Alhaji Atiku has studiously disregarded any principle that has the capacity to regulate and stabilise Nigerian politics.

    Read Also: Owa Obokun: Tinubu approves rehabilitation of Ilesa/Ife/Ibadan expressway

    A week or so ago, pretending to ignore former Kaduna State governor’s giddy revelation about the former vice president ditching the PDP, Alhaji Atiku told the media that he had no intention of defecting anywhere. Of course no one believed him. But whether he would go to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as Mallam el-Rufai revealed months ago, no one could tell. Finally, it seems all but clear that he will be jumping ship and landing in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in his obsessive bid to run for the presidency one last time. It is all about him, after all, never about the country. By now, everyone is conversant with his messianic complex and his passion for ethnic exceptionalism. Yet, far more remarkable is his absolute lack of concern for the mechanisms by which the country’s ethnic, religious and social diversity must be balanced if the country is not to tilt over. He really doesn’t care, and has never cared. If he doesn’t get what he wants, balancing be damned. But just balancing? No; for a man so patently truculent and whose hatred for those who upstage him has remained malignant and incandescent, the entire country itself be damned.

  • Atiku shuns Adeleke, visits Aregbesola amid setbacks for coalition

    Atiku shuns Adeleke, visits Aregbesola amid setbacks for coalition

    Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atuku Abubakar shunned Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke to visit erstwhile Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola amid push for coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu. 

    The Nation recalled Atiku, ex-presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi; ex-Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and other opposition stakeholders have proposed a coalition to unseat Tinubu in 2027. 

    But the PDP Governors forum rejected coalition and any merger in 2027 noting they will only welcome any willing person or groups pleased to join the party. 

    On Friday, Atiku shunned Adeleke by refusing to visit him first at either the Government House or Governor’s office. 

    Rather he visited Aregbesola in his residence before attending the coronation of Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Atiku, others storm Ilesa for Owa Obokun’s coronation

    Atiku’s wife, Titi had arrived the venue of the coronation as other dignitaries including Adeleke, Ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other PDP leaders and chieftains were already seated at the coronation. 

    In a video that surfaced online, Aregbesola who also shunned the coronation arena, welcomed Atiku at his residence with drummers chanting anti-Tinubu’s songs. 

    However, Atiku in company of ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo arrived the coronation venue after 50 minutes into the programme to greet dignitaries, including Governor Ademola Adeleke. 

    After the programme, Atiku reunited with Aregbesola at the reception of the Coronation programme at Ilesa Grammar School. 

    The shunning of Adeleke has set tongue-wagging in Osun political circles as some PDP leaders who pleaded anonymity said Atiku is not pleased because the Governor has technically endorsed Tinubu for a second term in office. 

  • We’ve not adopted ADC for 2027, says Atiku’s coalition

    We’ve not adopted ADC for 2027, says Atiku’s coalition

    The Atiku Abubakar-led coalition has denied adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its preferred platform for 2027 general election.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by a key member of the coalition, Salihu Moh. Lukman, distanced the group from ADC.

    He described the report in some sections of the media as misleading and false.

    Lukman, who was a former member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), also denied a report that he had been appointed to head the secretariat of the coalition.

    The former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) urged the public to disregard the news, calling it false.

    He said the coalition had not taken such a decision

    Read Also: ‘APC should intervene in Lagos council post-primary crisis’

    The statement reads: “My attention is drawn to (a newspaper) publication claiming that I have been appointed to head the secretariat of the coalition. The public should disregard the story as it is completely false. No such decision has been taken.

    “Also false is the report that the coalition has adopted the ADC at its meeting of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

    “The truth is negotiations among all the coalition leaders is progressing very well, and final decisions about political platforms for the 2027 election will be taken soon.

    “Unfortunately, there appears to be some mischief makers promoting and planting stories in the media with the clear aim of sowing seeds of discord among coalition leaders.

    “The public and the media should please disregard all these mischievous stories.”