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Tag: Peter Obi

  • Umahi calls on Peter Obi to join southeast leaders in endorsing Tinubu for 2027

    Umahi calls on Peter Obi to join southeast leaders in endorsing Tinubu for 2027

    Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said that all southeast governors are now working with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that a regional political summit is being planned to formally adopt the president as the region’s preferred candidate for the 2027 general election.

    Speaking in a special feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary commemorating President Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi stated that the region’s political leadership, across party lines, is rallying behind the administration in recognition of its commitment to equity, development, and national unity.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Umahi noted that the Southeast is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of federal engagement, especially in infrastructure delivery, under Tinubu’s leadership. 

    He cited several ongoing federal road projects traversing the region, including the Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, and Onitsha–Owerri highways, in addition to the Second Niger Bridge.

    “For the first time, the Southeast has a Minister of Works. That’s not symbolic—it is strategic. What we are seeing are real, measurable projects on the ground,” Umahi noted, adding that President Tinubu had already paid 30 percent of the cost of the Second Niger Bridge.

    Reflecting on the long-standing complaints of marginalisation in the region, Umahi said the narrative is changing fast under the current administration. 

    “When I was governor and even deputy governor in Ebonyi State, one of our greatest worries was the absence of federal presence. Today, under President Tinubu, we have at least four federal projects actively ongoing in the state”, he said.

    He stated that the President’s approach to governance has restored hope and is redefining how national integration is perceived in the region. 

    “The Igbo man is naturally enterprising. What we want is fairness and equal opportunity—and that is what Mr. President is delivering.”

    According to Umahi, the planned summit of political leaders from the region will further strengthen unity, accelerate project delivery, and enhance national cohesion. 

    “All Southeast governors, irrespective of political affiliation, are united in support of President Tinubu. The forthcoming summit will make that support official”, he said.

    In a direct appeal to key opposition figures from the region, Umahi called on former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to join the collective effort to back the President’s re-election.

    “Leadership is not about self—it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him,” Umahi said, adding that Obi’s presence at the summit would be significant for the region’s unity and progress.

    “I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President. He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President”, he said.

    In addition to the political declarations, Umahi offered updates on key national infrastructure projects, highlighting their transformative potential and the administration’s economic vision.

    He said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is advancing steadily, with over 80 percent of Section 1—stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and ending at Eleko Junction—already completed. Section 2, from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border, is also in progress.

    According to Umahi, users of Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will begin paying tolls from December. 

    “This road is not just a road, it’s a corridor of growth. It has solar-powered lights, CCTV infrastructure, and even carbon credit potential. It is designed as a six-lane concrete-paved highway”, Umahi said.

    He further revealed that Sections 3 and 3B, totalling 65 kilometres and covering areas in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, have been flagged off, with host communities expressing strong support and optimism over the project’s long-term benefits.

    Turning to the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Umahi noted its historical roots dating back to the Shehu Shagari administration. 

    “This project is breathing life into an old vision that was left dormant for over 40 years. It is part of the President’s broader effort to unlock Nigeria’s economic and trade corridors”, he said.

    He also referenced the Trans-Saharan Trade Route and the soon-to-be-launched Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor, describing all four projects as key pillars of Nigeria’s long-term economic integration agenda.

    “These are legacy projects, economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and future-driven. The President is turning visions into tangible infrastructure,” Umahi said.

    He praised President Tinubu’s foresight, stating that the idea of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was conceived by the President nearly seven years ago. 

    “Now, he is bringing that vision to life. It speaks volumes about his consistency, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s growth”, he said.

  • Obi: I’m not desperate to run for office

    Obi: I’m not desperate to run for office

    Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has said he is only interested in a coalition against “bad governance”.

    Obi spoke during his visit to Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa, Duke Akamisoko, yesterday in Abuja.

    “The only coalition I am interested in is the one against hunger, poverty, and the bad state of healthcare and education in the country. I am not desperate for any position,” Obi said.

    Recent talks on a coalition to wrest federal control from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have dominated mainstream political debates.

    READ ALSO: National Assembly should reconsider rotational presidency

    Opposition politicians have also been holding what they called “strategic meetings” to actualise the plan.

    Obi’s comments followed reports of a purported agreement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to be his running mate in the 2027 general election.

    The report also claimed that Atiku had purportedly agreed to serve for just one term and was open to formalising this agreement in writing.

    But Obi dismissed the reports, saying those making such claims were promoting “selfish political interests” that do not benefit the country.

    He made a donation to a school project in the diocese.

  • Peter Obi greets Tinubu in Rome at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration

    Peter Obi greets Tinubu in Rome at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration

    Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has exchanged greetings with President Bola Tinubu at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration on Sunday, May 18. 

    The duo met in Rome at the invitation of the Vatican, following the recent election of Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals, making him the 267th Pontiff and Bishop of Rome

    Obi, in a statement titled “A Shared Journey of Faith: Kayode Fayemi and I at the Vatican” on his verified “X” page, noted that he was pleased to see the diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity.

    He said, “Today, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and I stood once again beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, evoking memories of our presence here as Governors in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis – a deeply significant moment for the Church and the world.

    “Over the years, I have returned to this sacred place on several occasions, including as part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the canonisations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Through my involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, the global initiative founded by Pope Francis, I have also participated in various efforts promoting education, peace, and intercultural dialogue.

    Read Also: Soludo and Peter Obi: Why there is a wall between them

    “Today’s event was particularly special, as it marked the beginning of a new papacy. I exchanged warm greetings with President Bola Tinubu and was pleased to see the diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity.

    “What stood out most was the Holy Father’s profoundly moving homily, especially his heartfelt appeal for us to journey together towards God by embracing the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten. 

    “He spoke with a clarity that pierced the heart: that the true measure of our love for God lies not in grand declarations, but in the quiet, persistent acts of compassion that uplift the vulnerable and restore dignity to the marginalised.

    “May this clarion call to confront poverty be embraced by our leaders. For my part, I offered earnest prayers to God for our nation and also renewed my commitment to championing bold and sustained investment in the critical sectors – especially education, healthcare delivery and pulling people out of poverty – believing that a well-educated population is the foundation upon which a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation must be built.”

  • Threat to Obi, Otti: Usman dares Abure

    Threat to Obi, Otti: Usman dares Abure

    Nenadi Usman, caretaker committee chairperson of the Labour Party (LP), has dared Julius Abure over his threat to expose Peter Obi, Alex Otti and other high-ranking members of her faction.

    Obi was the presidential candidate of the LP during the 2023 elections, while Otti is the current governor of Abia State.

    She spoke on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, on Friday.

    On Monday, Abure, factional national chairman of the LP, challenged Obi and Otti to name party members who received funds for the 2023 election.

    “I am waiting for them—from top to bottom—to make any other move and I will open my mouth,” he said.

    “And when I open my mouth, wherever they go to, they will be like smelly eggs, rotten eggs that nobody will ever buy.”

    Usman, a former finance minister, therefore challenged  Abure to make good his threat without further ado.

    “Well, I am challenging him to expose us. If you have anybody to expose, you don’t go and talk now, you go and expose them,” she said.

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    Usman disclosed that the LP had records of Abure’s conduct, and that some of his actions were already the subject of police investigations.

    “We have a lot of things about him, and that is why the people who he did it went to the police,” she added.

    “The police are investigating him, and very soon you will hear about it.”

    Usman described the current crisis in the LP as an attack on internal democracy.

    “Generally, you would agree with me that every democracy needs to have a vibrant opposition.

    “So when the opposition wants to become part of the ruling party, then there’s a problem. And that is where we are today,” she said.

    The former minister further explained that Abure’s tenure as LP national chairman had elapsed and that the party had moved to resolve the leadership vacuum in line with the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “Principally, the Labour Party leadership at some point had issues with INEC because the tenure of Abure and his NWC had come to an end.

    “Which was why when INEC invited leaders of political parties, he attended the meeting and was told to step out with his secretary,” ” she said.

    Usman recalled that after the INEC incident, Abure went to court and secured a ruling ordering INEC to recognise him.

    “We, of course, appealed. Even at the court of appeal, judgment was still given in his favour that INEC should recognise him,” she said.

    She said Abure’s name on the INEC website remains listed “by court order”, contrary to the democratic requirement for leaders to emerge through election.

    “You would see his name, and you would see ‘by court order. It’s supposed to be by election — people get to be leaders of the party through election, not by court order,” she said.

    Usman said the Supreme Court later ruled that the lower courts lacked jurisdiction to declare Abure chairman.

    “We went to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court looked at the issue critically and said the two lower courts didn’t have any jurisdiction,” she said.

    “They said his tenure was over, he is not the chairman, he’s no longer the chairman of the Labour Party.”

    According to her, Justice Inyang Okoro, who read the judgment, cautioned political leaders against holding onto power after their tenure.

    “Justice Okoro even went on to advise that ‘please, leaders, when your tenure comes to an end in an office, please kindly leave honourably’,” she added.

    She said INEC’s directive was clear — the party needed to conduct fresh congresses from the ward to the national level.

    “If INEC says you don’t have leaders, your leadership, their tenure is over, then go and start having congresses,” she said.

    “From the ward to the state, to local government, you do your zonal thing, come and have a national convention where you elect new leaders.”

    She said the national executive committee (NEC) of the party then decided to put together a caretaker committee to oversee the process of electing new leaders.

    “What the party did was to look at the major stakeholders and members of the NEC,” she said.

    “They said what we should do is get together a committee that would come conduct all these congresses so that at the end of the day, we’ll have properly elected leaders.”

    She said Abure could still contest in a fresh election if he wants to lead the party again, accusing him of trying to cling to power through the courts.

    “Even Julius Abure, if he still wants to remain chairman, could go through the election,” she said.

    “But he doesn’t want to go through the election — his NWC, they don’t want to go through the election.

    “They just want to be using the courts to remain as leaders. I think that’s not good for the opposition.”

    It will be recalled that the LP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with Abure and his allies on one hand, and the caretaker committee led by Usman on the other.

    The Usman committee is backed by Obi, Otti, and Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    In April, the Supreme Court ruled that the court of appeal lacked the jurisdiction to pronounce the Abure chairman of the LP.

    Since the verdict, there have been various interpretations of the apex court’s pronouncement, with all factions claiming victory.

    On May 7, the Abure-led faction suspended Otti and Kingibe indefinitely over alleged anti-party activities.

    On May 9, the Usman-led faction suspended Abure and accused him of illegally parading himself as the national chairman of the party despite being removed by the court.

  • Akpabio to Obi: Solve crisis in LP before seeking to be president

    Akpabio to Obi: Solve crisis in LP before seeking to be president

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday berated the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, for claiming that the labours of Nigeria’s past heroes are presently in vain.

    He called on Obi to resolve the crisis in the Labour Party before aspiring to become the president of Nigeria.

    Akpabio made the remarks during a valedictory session for late Edwin Clark in the Senate.

    The former Anambra state governor had on Wednesday, while making a speech at Pa Edwin Clark’s memorial lecture in Abuja, questioned the silence of those who protested against the administration of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan.

    Obi queried whether they are now dead, saying they protested against Jonathan when he increased fuel from N87 to N120 and a dollar exchanged at N900.

    Obi argued that the labours of our heroes’ past are now in vain.

    He said: “For somebody like me who had just been part of the 2023 general election, he lived a life of courage, a life of sacrifice, a life of justice, a life that is valued. But most importantly, he continued living that life to the end. So why are we saying it (labours of heroes past) should not be in vain?

    “I listened to my brother Mike when you talked about, ‘may the Labour of our heroes past not be in vain’. I’m happy that Jonathan is here. But I can tell you their sacrifice is in vain.

    “They have sacrificed for nothing. We were in this country when people were protesting, when there was no need to protest under Goodluck Jonathan. Where are those protesters? Have they died? Where are they?

    “So why are we saying it (labours of heroes past) should not be in vain? Jonathan increased fuel from N87 to N120, and people were protesting in this country. And when it was the N900, they weren’t protesting.

    “Again, so why are we saying it (labours of heroes past) should not be in vain? UNICEF two days ago announced that Nigeria now has over 2 million malnourished children, the second highest in the world. Are they de-marketing Nigeria? That’s just the reality. Their labour is in vain.

    “We have a country now that’s not democratic. We are not a democratic country, let’s tell ourselves the truth.

    Read Also: Electoral fraud allegations: Civil society groups defend Akpabio

    “Elections that happened in Edo, are they democratic? Everybody knows who won that generation. So why are we keeping it and saying let their work not be in vain?

    “It’s in vain. So we can start picking the pieces now because they’ve destroyed everything people have sacrificed for.

    “Look at what is happening in Nigeria today, all we do today is stealing, stealing, stealing, and stealing, you know, and we have to do something.

    “He lived a courageous life. May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest. And grant us the courage to look into what a father lived for and start picking up our pieces. May God bless all of us.”

    However, Akpabio, in his reaction to Obi, said the Labours of Clark cannot by any means be said to be in vain.

  • Peter Obi breached protocol over Benue visit, says Alia

    Peter Obi breached protocol over Benue visit, says Alia

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has explained why he cautioned the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, from visiting his state.

    Alia, who spoke during an interview with TVC news — ‘Beyond the headlines…’ faulted Obi for failing to adhere to protocols, especially informing the governor of the state.

    He further rubbished Obi’s claims that he attempted to reach him.

    Recall that Obi had cancelled his scheduled visit to Benue State, citing a cautionary statement issued by the state government as the reason for shelving the trip.

    Obi had expressed disappointment over the political undertones surrounding the visit, saying the move to halt his activities reflected a growing trend of politicising charitable efforts in the country.

    The LP chieftain had planned courtesy visits and stops at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and health facilities in the state, but a statement from the state government warned against unscheduled visits, citing security concerns.

    Reacting to Obi’s statement, Alia said: “I’m the one bearing the brunt and pains of the people in my state. The very respected Peter Obi was a governor, and if you’re coming to someone’s state, there are protocols.

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    “You’re a person of very strong personality, and you’re coming to someone’s state, and your party does not know that you’re coming, and I, the sitting governor, did not know that you’re coming, and you’re going to where I’m protecting people i.e. the IDP camp. It is my duty to protect them.

    “So, I don’t know the intent you have. Is it not courteous enough just to know as a sitting governor and even to provide more security for you, and to prepare the minds of the IDP that you’re coming to visit them?

    “His attempts to say he reached me is not the true story. If he couldn’t reach out to me, I have a Chief of Staff, I have an SSG, and I also have a PPS. Saying he reached out to my ADC is not true. That’s not even the duty of the ADC either.

    “How would I have known that Peter Obi’s intent is just to come and visit these people at the IDP? I don’t want people politicizing the IDP. They were not there when we were suffering with them. They are not there in their sorrow. I am there with my people.

    “If you’re bringing some food to them, I need to know what kinds of food. This is a fact, and there are protocols. We need to observe them. You can just move in from Abuja, and say you’re moving to IDP. Do I know the intent of why you’re visiting the IDP? I’ve to know, so that no one is coming to attack them.”

  • Peter Obi warns youths against money-driven politics

    Peter Obi warns youths against money-driven politics

    Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has urged Nigerian youths to reject politics driven by money and manipulation.

    In a video recorded during his talk at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., Obi condemned the growing trend of transactional politics where politicians allegedly pay young people to attack and discredit voices promoting good governance on social media.

    Obi described the situation as tragic and ironic, noting that the youths being paid to spread misinformation are the same ones he fights for.

    He emphasised the need for a political awakening among youths, encouraging them to pursue knowledge, critical thinking, and civic engagement instead of accepting handouts from corrupt politicians.

    According to Obi, youths should be empowered with knowledge, not stipends to insult those seeking change.

    He called on young people to engage actively in civic matters, demanding good governance and accountability from leaders. 

    Read Also: Why I didn’t support Peter Obi for presidency – Wike

    “In the transactional politics of Nigeria, some people pay them to cause confusion. Go to social media, those that are being paid ₦20,000, ₦40,000 monthly to abuse you are the same youths you’re fighting for their lives because I am over 60 and I have few years to go.

    “We must move away from politics driven by money and manipulation. Our youths must be empowered with knowledge, not stipends to insult those seeking change”, Obi said.

  • Why boy who stood in front of Obi’s convoy was arrested – Police

    Why boy who stood in front of Obi’s convoy was arrested – Police

    The Lagos Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the detention of Alabi Quadri, the young supporter who gained attention during the 2023 presidential election for standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy.

    In a statement on its official X handle on Saturday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that Quadri was arrested and arraigned in court after being linked to a violent street clash in the Amukoko area of Lagos.

    According to Hundeyin, the disturbance occurred on January 22, 2025 when rival groups of youths engaged in a street fight that sparked chaos across the community.

    “On January 22, 2025 to be precise, a serious breach of public peace and extensive damage to public and private properties occurred in Amukoko when groups of youths engaged in violent confrontations that escalated into street fights for all, causing widespread violence, panic, and chaos,” Hundeyin stated.

    He noted that amid the unrest, innocent bystanders were assaulted and robbed, further deepening public concern.

    Hundeyin explained that the police had launched an investigation immediately, gathering statements from community members and victims, which ultimately led to the arrest of Quadri and four others.

    “More crucial information was provided by members of the community, some of whom witnessed the incident and recognised several individuals involved,” Hundeyin said. “Victims of the robbery also came forward to give statements and positively identified the perpetrators.”

    Following the investigation, the suspects were charged to court, where the magistrate ordered their remand in a correctional facility pending further legal proceedings.

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    “The suspects were remanded by the court to a correctional facility pending the conclusion of legal proceedings in the matter,” Hundeyin added.

    The Command also reassured the public of its commitment to fairness and due process.

    “All police actions taken in this case have been in the laid-down processes and in accordance with due process, procedures, and based on credible evidence gathered during the investigation,” Hundeyin said. “We urge the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course and be fully exhausted in the case.”

    The statement emphasised that the police remain open to dialogue with the public, stakeholders, and opinion leaders to ensure transparency.

  • Why I didn’t support Peter Obi for presidency – Wike

    Why I didn’t support Peter Obi for presidency – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has offered insights into why he withheld support from Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 general elections.

    Addressing journalists on Friday in Abuja, Wike explained that he did not see Obi as a serious contender, dismissing him as a “social media candidate” with no realistic path to victory.

    “No, he has no chance to win election,” Wike stated. “I don’t go to where you see people like this kind of social media candidates. I don’t do social media candidate.”

    Wike, who served as Governor of Rivers State, said his decision was based on political calculation rather than sentiment.

     According to him, he focuses on evaluating candidates who have the capacity to win, rather than those whose popularity is largely confined to online platforms.

    “I said I see that as a politician, and I analyse the candidate who is likely to win,” he said.

    Wike stressed that elections are shaped by more than a candidate’s qualifications or online appeal.

    “In politics, it’s not always the right that oh, this is the best candidate. No, no, no,” he remarked. “You see Nigerians today, in politics, so many factors come in.”

    Reflecting on the political atmosphere during the 2023 elections, Wike highlighted the impact of the naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity, which he said created a challenging landscape for all candidates, especially for the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu.

    “It was very very turbulent for Tinubu to get to that election,” Wike noted. “It is one party administration. You could see people don’t want to speak the truth before that election.”

    Read Also: Governance: Tinubu has changed the face of FCT – Wike

    He further praised Tinubu’s political resilience and strategic acumen for overcoming the hurdles created by his own party’s policies.

    “No party in government would at that time bring some policy when you know you’re running an election,” Wike said. “But everything was done and he survived. he survived it.”

    Wike concluded by acknowledging that beyond strategy, Tinubu’s victory reflected both experience and divine backing.

    “So that’s how you know that there are people, first of all, God is on their side. Two, they also know this game. You must give it to them,” he added.

  • Court frees viral boy who stood before Peter Obi’s convoy

    Court frees viral boy who stood before Peter Obi’s convoy

    Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old famously known for standing in front of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy during the 2023 election campaign, has regained his freedom after nearly three months in detention at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.

    A Magistrate Court sitting in Apapa on Thursday discharged Alabi, following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which found no evidence to support the armed robbery charge filed against him.

    His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, announced the release via a post on X, describing the arrest and detention as a “diabolical frame-up” allegedly carried out by local thugs identified as Lege and Baba Waris in the Amukoko area of Lagos.

    Effiong explained that Alabi was abducted near his home and handed over to the police under false claims of participating in a street fight.

    He also revealed that the teenager had faced repeated threats since 2023 due to donations he received from Peter Obi’s supporters.

    The family, according to him, was even pressured by community leaders to provide a cow and host a feast to “appease” the area.

    At the hearing, Magistrate A.O. Olorunfemi confirmed that the DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins, advised against prosecution, citing a lack of evidence to substantiate the armed robbery allegations.

    Effiong expressed gratitude to the DPP for “standing by the truth,” and criticised the police for what he described as an unjust ordeal.

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    He also revealed that Alabi, who was arraigned on January 26, had his age falsely recorded as 18 and was detained alongside four adult strangers he did not know.

    The case had drawn public attention earlier in April after being highlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach.

    Following the ruling, Effiong called for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko Police Station and others involved, demanding N100 million compensation and a public apology from the police.

    “Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force,” Effiong said