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Tag: Kwankwaso

  • Kano APC asks Kwankwaso to apologise to President, Shettima before joining party

    Kano APC asks Kwankwaso to apologise to President, Shettima before joining party

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday  told the factional leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and all those wishing to join the ruling party but  had allegedly made derogatory statements against President Bola Tinubu, his vice Kashim Shettima and other leaders of the party to tender public apology before they could be received in the party.

    This position was made known by the Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, who said the ruling party was ready to welcome Kwankwaso and other decampees, but insisted they must meet the party’s conditions.

    “We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy Senator Kashim Shettima, to offer a public apology as a sign of remorse, and respect for future relationships,” Abbas said.

    Abbas noted that APC as a political institution in its renewed hope agenda has embarked on the project of receiving decampees from all political parties and the party’s attention was drawn to speculations about Kwankwaso’s impending decampment into the party.

    According to him, APC remains Kwankwaso’s last political refuge as he has destroyed his relationships with all other political groupings in the country.

    Read Also: 2027: North Central APC Forum applauds CPC’s rejection of opposition coalition against Tinubu

    “Without prejudice to our desire as a party to welcome new entrants and in respect of the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to political parties of their choice, we wish to state our position as a state chapter of our great party in Kano state.

    “We have already directed our ward chapters to open registers for new decampees irrespective of their political and social status, in line with our party’s constitution.

    “We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register.

    “For the purpose of seeking any future party or elective position, any old or new entrants, shall be free to exercise their constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference.

    “We are fully aware that some people are desperate to join the APC because they have scuttled their political goodwill and have become political lepers in the national scheme of things and are looking to the APC for political relevance.

    “We are also aware that some politicians are trying to run away from accounting for their corrupt misdeeds both in government and party administration, and seeking refuge in the APC to escape from the fangs of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.

     “However, joining APC as a political party is not a panacea for escaping from their past sins.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, let me emphasize that the APC as a political party does not and will not encourage or promote the existence of cult-like associations in the name of political activities or groupings,” the APC chairman stated.

  • NNPP debunks Kwankwaso defection speculations

    NNPP debunks Kwankwaso defection speculations

    The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, has denied the rumour that Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was planning to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, said this while briefing  newsmen on Friday in Kano.

    Dungurawa said that Kwankwaso did not need to consult anyone before making any political decision, but emphasised that there were no plans for defection.

    Read Also: APC chieftain commends Ganduje, Barau, says NNPP is dead in Kano

    “We have no business with APC, and do not have any intention to defect,” Dungurawa said, dismissing the rumorus as mere mischief.

    He described the speculation as baseless and motivated by desperation.

    He expressed confidence that the NNPP administration in Kano State is taking shape and restoring law and order in the area.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chairman of APC in Kano State was quoted by the media as saying that the party’s door was open to Kwankwaso and other Nigerians who wished to defect. (NAN)

  • Apologise to Tinubu, Shettima before joining APC — Kano APC tells Kwankwaso

    Apologise to Tinubu, Shettima before joining APC — Kano APC tells Kwankwaso

    …all defectors must register in their wards

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has insisted that anyone seeking to join its ranks, including the factional leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, must first publicly apologise for past derogatory remarks made against President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other party leaders.

    Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, made this known on Friday, stating that while the ruling party is open to welcoming Kwankwaso and other decampees, they must meet certain conditions — chief among them, a public apology.

    He emphasised that the APC values loyalty and respect, and would not compromise its principles for political convenience.

    “We unequivocally call on all those prospective decampees who have earlier made derogatory statements against our leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his deputy Senator Kashim Shettima, to offer a public apology as a sign of remorse, and respect for future relationships,” Abbas said.

    Abbas noted that APC as a political institution in its renewed hope agenda has embarked on the project of receiving decampees from all political parties and the party’s attention was drawn to speculations about Kwankwaso’s impending decampment into the party.

    Read Also: NNPP dead, Kwankwaso ‘ll soon join APC – Ganduje

    According to him, APC remains Kwankwaso’s last political refuge as he has destroyed his relationships with all other political groupings in the country.

    “Without prejudice to our desire as a party to welcome new entrants and in respect of the constitutional rights of citizens to belong to political parties of their choice, we wish to state our position as a state chapter of our great party in Kano state.

    “We have already directed our ward chapters to open registers for new decampees irrespective of their political and social status, in line with our party’s constitution.

    “We advise all those desirous of joining our esteemed party to go to their respective wards and register.

    “For the purpose of seeking any future party or elective position, any old or new entrants, shall be free to exercise their constitutional rights of voting or being voted for without any special preference.

    “We are fully aware that some people are desperate to join the APC because they have scuttled their political goodwill and have become political lepers in the national scheme of things and are looking to the APC for political relevance.

    “We are also aware that some politicians are trying to run away from accounting for their corrupt misdeeds both in government and party administration, and seeking for refuge in the APC to escape from the fangs of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.

    “However, joining APC as a political party is not a panacea for escaping from their past sins.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, let me emphasize that the APC as a political party does not and will not encourage or promote the existence of cult-like associations in the name of political activities or groupings,” the APC chairman stated.

  • Minister lambasts Kwankwaso for faulting Tinubu on Rivers Emergency rule

    Minister lambasts Kwankwaso for faulting Tinubu on Rivers Emergency rule

    Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has criticised former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for faulting President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. 

    Ata told Kwankwaso to keep his opinions to himself as the President’s decision was taken in the best interest of Rivers people, for national stability and security.

    The Minister, in a statement by his Publicity Aide, Seyi Olorunsola, praised Tinubu for being proactive in addressing national issues while demonstrating that he is attuned to the concerns of Nigerians. 

    “The declaration (state of emergency) was necessary in order to maintain law and order in Rivers State, which has been embroiled in prolonged political turmoil.

    “For the record, President Tinubu acted within the confines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants him the authority to enforce emergency measures while ensuring proper legislative oversight within the stipulated time-frame. Any state facing prolonged instability should take heed and address its internal issues.

    “Kwankwaso has a flawed understanding of law and governance, he should focus his energy on resolving the ongoing crisis within the Kano Emirate Council, which has been exacerbated by him through his political protégé -Governor Abba Yusuf,” Ata said, faulting Kwankwaso’s alleged partisan interference in the emirship tussle, highlighting the Kano State government’s persistent disregard for court orders.”

    The Minister accused Kwankwaso of fostering a culture of political intimidation, particularly in his dealings with state lawmakers during his tenure as governor of Kano State.

    Ata, a former Kano Speaker, recalled that Kwankwaso had consistently disregarded legislative independence and the rule of law.

    The Minister also commended the National Assembly for  swift approval of the president’s proclamation.

    According to Ata, the lawmakers, composed of astute minds, were able to conduct timely review of security briefings culminating in the decision that forestalled the escalation of crises and vandalism of oil pipelines and other government facilities in Rivers State.

    The Minister particularly applauded National Assembly lawmakers from Kano and other northern states for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State citizens over partisan considerations.

  • Kwankwaso visits Aregbesola in Lagos

    Kwankwaso visits Aregbesola in Lagos

    The National Leader and Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso yesterday  visited former Interior  Minister Rauf Aregbesola in Lagos for  what observers called a strategic meeting ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State was recently expelled from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over allegations of engaging in anti-party activities.

    Read Also: El-Rufai, Amaechi and the loose cannons of Nigeria’s politics

    National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Mr. Ladipo Johnson confirmed the meeting,saying: “Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola emerge from marathon one-on-one meeting in Lagos this evening, Saturday 8th February 2025.”

  • 2027: Drop your presidential ambition, Lukman tells Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso others

    2027: Drop your presidential ambition, Lukman tells Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso others

    Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former National Working Committee (NWC) member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Moh’ Lukman, has advised key political figures to abandon their presidential aspirations and instead provide leadership for a proposed new political party.

    Lukman urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to prioritize party-building over personal ambitions. He also extended the advice to former APC members and opposition figures, including Rotimi Amaechi, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, titled “Re: Early Outline of the Permutations for 2027”, Lukman reacted to the recent National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria. He argued that if these leaders set aside their personal ambitions, it would prevent the imposition of candidates in 2027 and foster a stronger political alternative.

    Read Also: Improve security funding to boost security, former CDS tells FG

    The former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) also criticized the political class, stating that many opposition and displaced politicians lack the necessary credentials to emerge as better leaders.

    He maintained: “Based on laypersons legal knowledge, many of these politicians would be adjudged to being accessories, whether before or after, to our current political travesty. Given their records of service, they are most likely to be worse than former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and now President Tinubu. 

    “Based on their records, they exhibit intolerant dispositions and poor relationships on accounts of which they have mismanaged their transitions and are today hardly in control of political structures in their states. Some of them, on account of their influential roles in past administrations and the failures of those administrations should be humble enough to take a backseat in effort to build a strong coalition to strengthen Nigerian politics. Instead, it is more like a case of unrepentant show of shame.”

    He further said: “Just imagine Alh. Atiku Abubakar, or Mr. Peter Obi, or Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, or or Dr. Kayode Fayemi, or Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal or Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, or other opposition and displaced leaders with ambitions to contest becoming leaders of the new party. Imagine all these people decide that in order to lay a solid foundation for the emergence of strong party, all of them or majority of them will instead aspire to become part of the leaders of the new party. 

    “Certainly, if that happens, the new party can guarantee collegiate leadership similar to what we had in second republic political parties especially the NPN. Failure to have that could simply mean that the new party risked being oriented in old ways with political culture of imposition becoming dominant.”

    Lukman noted that in the last one year, he has engaged virtually all the aforementioned leaders on the need to cut a new trajectory of taking the path of honour and providing new political leadership to the country.

    According to him, “The new desirable political leadership required is that of selflessness, which can unite both politicians and citizens in the country in a new direction. The new direction if it has any potential to strengthening Nigerian democracy should promote political competition both internally within the new party and nationally.”

    He however lamented that the mindset of most opposition and displaced political leaders is more inclined towards blocking political competition in the country. 

    “The truth is that any political leader who is prioritising the debate about power shift over and above building a strong political party, which can set the rules and enforce it, may only be hiding behind such arguments to impose himself/herself and perhaps invariably continue the political practice of emperors and dictators. Everything must be done to depart from that and create new political reality in the country.”

  • 2027: Shetimma, Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, others to discuss way forward 

    2027: Shetimma, Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, others to discuss way forward 

    A citizen-led national conference aimed at addressing key challenges threatening Nigeria’s democracy is set to take place on Monday in Abuja.

    The two-day event will bring together prominent political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former military head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Others expected to participate are the 2023 presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, among other stakeholders.

    The conference is being organized by a coalition of civil society organizations, including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WfD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), and the National Peace Committee.

    Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the chief organiser, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director of Centre LSD, emphasized that the conference will tackle the complexities and setbacks facing Nigeria’s democratic system. 

    He noted that the objective is to develop actionable solutions to strengthen governance and restore public trust in the democratic process.

    Igbuzor noted that despite witnessing an uninterrupted 25 years of civilian rule, the country’s democratic journey is beset by structural and functional flaws, hence the need for the two-day conference.

    With the theme “Strengthening Nigeria Democracy: Partway to good governance and political integrity” former Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia will deliver a keynote address while Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim is expected to speak on challenges, prospects and the 2027 elections.

    Igbuzor said: “As conveners, we are committed to addressing the complexities and setbacks Nigeria’s democratic system currently faces, with the purpose of finding actionable solutions that can restore and strengthen our national governance.

    “The very purpose of the conference lies in a vision for a democracy that is genuine, resilient, and inclusive. As many of us know, Nigeria’s democratic journey, though spanning 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, is beset by structural and functional flaws. These range from electoral malpractices, ineffective political parties, and weakened governance structures to pervasive corruption and a concerning erosion of public trust. 

    “Despite decades of democratic practice, the realities faced by Nigerians today often reflect disillusionment rather than hope. The goal of the conference, therefore, is to reignite hope, rebuild trust, and lay out a road map toward a strengthened democratic system that serves all Nigerians with integrity and accountability.

    “At the heart of our democratic challenges lies the pressing requirement for a political environment free of manipulation, imposition, and exclusion. For too long, the political landscape in Nigeria has been dominated by elite cliques, leaving citizens feeling alienated from the governance processes that directly impact their lives. 

    “Our aim through the conference is to initiate reform efforts that will strengthen our electoral process and ensure that our leadership selection process is credible.”

    On the need to mobilize and strengthen political parties, the organisers said the focus of the conference includes fostering the development of political parties that are truly representative, open to internal democracy, and accountable to the people. 

    “By addressing these issues, we envision political parties that champion the voice and needs of Nigerians, providing viable choices for leadership and governance.

    “Another key reason we are organizing the conference is the need to mobilize citizens for democratic resilience. Democracy is only as strong as the citizens who uphold it. As conveners, we believe that engaging Nigerians at all levels—from grassroots communities to influential stakeholders—is fundamental to creating a resilient democracy. 

    “The conference is, therefore, an avenue to reignite civic engagement, encouraging Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process and to demand accountability from leaders at every level. Through such mobilization, we aim to foster a culture of informed citizenry, with the power to shape and safeguard our democracy.

    “Finally, the conference serves as a platform for building sustainable partnerships and strategies for democratic renewal. Nigeria’s democracy will only flourish when backed by a collaborative approach that brings together government institutions, civil society, the media, and citizens. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, Shetimma to meet APC NWC Wednesday

    “Through the discussions, panels, and technical sessions planned over a period of two days, we will establish a network of partnerships and actionable commitments that will drive us toward our shared vision. The outcomes from the conference will provide a solid foundation on which we can rebuild confidence in our institutions, increase transparency, and set a standard of integrity for future governance.

    Igbuzor maintained that the conference is expected to increased public awareness and engagement, strengthened institutions and accountability, and renewed confidence in democracy. 

    “By setting actionable steps for the future, we seek to empower Nigerians to believe in the possibility of transformative and visionary leadership,” he concluded.

  • Kwankwaso, Ganduje must reconcile in Kano’s interest-Kofa

    Kwankwaso, Ganduje must reconcile in Kano’s interest-Kofa

    Member representing Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency, Kano, Dr Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, has sued for peace and immediate reconciliation between the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Umar Ganduje.

    Kofa, who chairs the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, on Thursday described the feud between Kwankwaso and Ganduje as a setback to Kano State.

    He spoke on Freedom Radio, which was monitored by The Nation saying he is leading a crusade to force the two men to mend fences.

    According to him, the reconciliation has nothing to do with their political affiliations. “They may remain in their party platforms which they represent, they should however see themselves as brothers,” he said.

    He charged all well-meaning citizens of Kano to join hands together in reconciling the two political leaders for the betterment of the state.

    Kofa said: “The two political leaders and long-time friends have excelled in their political careers. Kwankwaso started in the State Civil Service and later became Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, before becoming Kano governor, the minister, senator and Ambassador.

    “Ganduje also a civil servant, became Director in FCT, Commissioner, Deputy Governor under Kwankwaso and Executive Secretary before serving the state as Governor and now APC National Chairman.

    “Not everybody will be chosen by God to hold these offices. I think they have been blessed in their special ways by God.

    Read Also: Minister seeks increased funding for efficient rail transport system

    “Now, whoever is aware of what is happening in Kano knows that the genesis will not be unconnected to the lingering feud between Kwankwaso and Ganduje.

    “Everybody knows we are all NNPP and disciples of Senator Kwankwaso and his movement Kwankwasiyya. But It is an obligation upon some of us to force a reconciliation between the duo.

    “Whether they like it or not, the issue of politics is something different, it is their choice but as Muslims we have a duty to do the right thing by reconciling them.

    “They were friends for a long time, and they started good things together but what is happening between them is sad and painful. This is not a time to open old wounds but a time to embrace a future of peace, unity, tranquility, progress and development.

    “We are already working hard towards that but I am calling on all of us that believe in this reconciliation efforts to come together and make it a reality.

    “Let us see Kwankwaso attending the wedding of Ganduje’s daughter and Ganduje attending the wedding of Kwankwaso’s son. They should stand for each other in times of happiness and sadness. Forget about seeing them in the same political party, that’s their choice.

    “I don’t have anything personal on this but it is the right thing for them and the state.

    “For those who don’t want to see a reconciliation between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, may God touch them to see reasons.”

    Photo: Kwankwaso, Kofa, Ganduje

  • Kwankwaso translates eccentricity into conundrum

    Kwankwaso translates eccentricity into conundrum

     Former vice president Atiku Abubakar is the remaining member of the troika (who lost the last presidential election to President Bola Tinubu) who is yet to disclaim the reported impending merger of the three main opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Though he or his spokesmen are often spontaneous in their responses to Nigeria’s fluid political dynamics, they have kept ghostly silent so far as the other two parties shout from their rooftops. Today, in the three parties, Alhaji Atiku is recognised as the PDP leader, though he shirks his responsibilities when it comes to getting his hands dirty in managing the party’s unpleasant schisms; Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor, is recognised as the LP leader despite having nothing administratively and ideologically in common with the party; and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, is the NNPP leader which he is imbuing with his insularity.

    An engineer and PhD degree holder, Dr kwankwaso was the first last Monday to speak scathingly about the rumoured merger between the three parties. He is not a real democrat, going by his antics in the NNPP, especially in recent weeks when he inspired a minor purge of the ‘rebellious’ senior ranks in the party, but he has never allowed his populism to deter him from denouncing anyone below or above him in any party and in any government, state or federal. Responding ostensibly to the impression Alhaji Atiku reportedly created about the purported merger of parties and power-sharing arrangement between the three former presidential candidates, Dr Kwankwaso bristled: “I have implemented a principle of allowing state governments and the federal government to focus on governance for the people until the end of the year. The most annoying thing is hearing from a source that the PDP brought scholars—about 45 of them—and told them there is a consensus that Atiku will rule for four years, Kwankwaso for four years, and Peter Obi for eight years. This is totally untrue and a blatant lie. It is infuriating that elder statesmen in their 70s and 80s are spreading such lies to these scholars. Such statements and deceit were among the reasons I and others left the party. Now, they have destabilised the party. For me to accept any arrangement, we have to revisit history.”

    Read Also: Peace in Niger Delta, region’s development my priority, PAP boss Otuaro tells youths

    Still angry and not done, the Kwankwasiyya leader fumed: “I understand the PDP thoroughly. I know their plan is to manipulate regional dynamics, bring us together, and make northerners vote for them. But we ask: what have they done for the North? These are the issues that will come into play. We have suffered the worst humiliation from these people. We loved the party and wanted to reform it for progress, but they forced us out. I left, Peter Obi left, Wike left, and many others left. Yet these are the same people now seeking to return and express interest in the presidency. This is appalling. Maybe they are remorseful or seeking forgiveness, but we have truly been humiliated by them.” To be fair to the NNPP leader, he was not one of those who swore that the 2023 presidential election was rigged, but hearing him declaim against Alhaji Atiku on radio, the main object of his diatribe, his Hausa-speaking audience would imagine he could never countenance a merger, not ever. But Dr Kwankwaso is politically eccentric, and he appears eager to continue mystifying Nigerians with his true leanings as well as keeping other political leaders and former presidential candidates on their toes.

    Three days later, Mr Obi, whose sanctimonious drivel still beguiles many, weighed in and insisted there was no merger yet, nor any whisper whatsoever in that direction. As usual, he leaves everything open, sifted by the currents of reigning ideas and affiliations. He has at different times dallied with both the PDP and NNPP leaders, and has kept his options flagrantly open. He is chastened by his own political impotence, and miffed by the failure of his backers, chief among whom is ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, to cause an upheaval in the polity fomented to railroad him into office. And despite his ideological vacuity, he is desperate to win office even at the cost of the country’s religious and ethnic harmony. He may still speak faintly about rigged 2023 elections, but he has all but reconciled himself to the fact that none of the three opposition leaders can on their own win the Nigerian presidency. He will, therefore, be the readiest to enter into a merger once the conditions are right, regardless of his insouciance.

    Of all the three political leaders and former candidates, Dr kwankwaso appears to be in control of his party. On the other hand, if Mr Obi does not eventually ditch the LP, the party will at some time in the future ditch him, for he has no hold on them. As a matter of fact, neither the party nor its purported leader has emotional or any kind of connection with the other. Indeed, they scorn each other and have engaged in recriminations. On his own, Alhaji Atiku has made only a token effort to rein in the fractious members of the PDP, and every time the party’s cantankerous leaders resisted him, he recoiled into his characteristic indifference, believing that when the chips are down, the party will rally round him as a deep pocket. And herein is the riddle Dr kwankwaso will contend with in the months ahead. He says he is unwilling to let any discussions about one merger or the other distract the federal and state governments from focusing on their responsibilities, but in reality he is simply saying he has no idea yet how to disentangle the knot constraining Nigerian politics or how he would fit in. But trust this most eccentric of men and self-professed populist, when he discovers that he cannot go it alone, as he will discover soon enough, he will throw in his lot with even the most disagreeable of monarchists, if it comes to that.

  • Obi disowns merger talks with PDP, Kwankwaso

    Obi disowns merger talks with PDP, Kwankwaso

    • APC faults LP leader’s knock for economy

    Four days after New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso repudiated the proposed opposition alliance talks, his Labour Party (LP) counterpart,  Peter Obi, has disowned the plan.

    Obi, former Anambra State governor, said there is no merger deal yet with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the NNPP or any other party.

    He told reporters in Abuja that no agreement had been established with other parties on collaboration ahead of 2027.

    However, Obi urged Nigerians to come together in 2027 and defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of mismanaging the country’s resources.

    Obi described the security situation as unfortunate, saying that many Nigerians are losing their lives to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping-for-ransom.

    He said corruption and the cost of governance are high, leading to an astronomical increase in public debt under the Tinubu Administration.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin hails Tinubu’s New Year speech

    Obi alleged that government officials mismanaged public funds in 2024 through incessant foreign travels.

    However, the APC rejected the allegations, saying that they were unfounded.

    The ruling party said the former LP presidential candidate is still nursing bitterness over his defeat in the 2023 poll.

    Obi also said the country’s electoral processes are visibly flawed, lacking transparency and credibility.

    He said the electoral processes fell below acceptable standards, adding that people’s votes no longer count.

    Obi said the single most challenging test for the President is ensuring that future elections are credible and truly reflect the will of the people.

    Obi said: “We hold periodic elections that are no longer genuine. Our electoral processes are visibly flawed, lacking transparency and credibility.

    “Although Nigeria is a democratic country, the electoral processes fall far below acceptable standards, with the people’s votes often not counting.”

    Calling for efficient resource management, Obi continued: “The focus should be on eliminating current and future official malfeasance through increased transparency and accountability in public procurement and contract award processes, as well as thorough monitoring of execution to ensure that limited resources are efficiently utilised and applied productively.

    “All future borrowing must be tied to regenerative investments and visible, productive assets that benefit the nation.

    “This will ensure both productivity and the ability to service and amortise such loans, rather than continuing the current practice of accumulating massive debt with no tangible returns, which places undue strain on future development revenue.

    “Furthermore, it is time for you to visit our national hospitals. Consider, for example, that your next medical examination be conducted at one of our national hospitals or regional federal medical centres, such as the FMC in Sokoto or Birnin Kebbi or Calabar or Umuahia or Akure, among others.

    “This will allow you to assess the state of healthcare facilities available to Nigerians. It will also help you understand the condition of our hospitals and clinics, enabling you to make informed decisions on how to upgrade and make them efficient. Endeavour to travel by road to observe the condition of most highways.

    “You can take short trips, for example, from Calabar in Cross River State to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State – a distance of less than 100 km, or from Benin in Edo State to Warri in Delta State.

    “I recall taking President Olusegun Obasanjo on a trip from Awka to Onitsha on a federal highway when I was the governor of Anambra State.

    “That journey prompted him to immediately approve the reconstruction of parts of the road by the Anambra State government, with subsequent reimbursement by the Federal Government. Such actions are immensely valuable.

    “Make both impromptu and planned visits to our tertiary institutions, where our children and future leaders are being trained. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the available infrastructure, facilities, and amenities.

    “These visits will provide valuable insight into whether the resources of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) are being utilised optimally and what is needed to sustain the education system.

    “Mr. President, many Nigerians are ‘refugees’ and ‘exiles’ in their own country.

    “Visit various IDP camps and assure these Nigerians that they will soon return to their communities and that you are working hard to restore peace and normalcy to the country. Nigeria is not a war-torn nation.”

    To motivate the soldiers fighting terror, Obi said: “As Commander-in-Chief, visit our military formations and security agencies, especially during their field operations, and provide them with morale-boosting assurances and support for operational efficiency.

    “Reiterate that they and their families will always be taken care of.”