Category: Politics

A new controversy has erupted over the involvement of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the emerging opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with claims surfacing that he was tricked into joining the alliance under false pretenses. Reports suggest that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may be positioning himself as the coalition’s leading presidential hopeful for the 2027 elections, following recent statements hinting at his intention to run again. At a public event, Atiku vowed to clamp down on corruption if elected, saying, “I swear to God, if elected, whoever steals or engages in any corruption-related activities, we will declare war against them and they must be punished.” Meanwhile, Peter Obi clarified that he has not discussed any joint ticket arrangement with Atiku or anyone else. He reiterated his commitment to serve only a single term if elected president. “If there is any form of agreement that will restrict me to four years in office, I will comply with the agreement and be ready to leave office on the 28th of May 2031,” Obi said. Obi Was Deceived into Coalition – Ex-Adviser Alleges Katchy Ononuju, a former Special Adviser on Public Affairs to Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign, alleged that Obi was misled into joining the coalition. According to Ononuju, the promise was that Obi would emerge as the presidential candidate after the coalition’s launch, but those behind the move had other intentions. “They tricked Peter Obi, saying don’t worry, go and register, go, let us inaugurate. After the declaration, we will start negotiating on you being the presidential candidate,” Ononuju told DAILY POST. “But ADC is an Atiku Abubakar construct. You’re not going to get it.” Ononuju claimed he had warned Obi against trusting the arrangement and cautioned that any attempt to accept a vice-presidential slot under Atiku or anyone else would result in a “political death.” He stressed that the youth-led Obidient Movement would reject such a compromise. “Peter Obi as a political creation will die if he abandons the youths. In every single administration, the voice of the Vice President does not matter; it is muted and if he complains, he is degraded,” he said, citing past vice presidents such as Osinbajo and Atiku himself. Obi Remains with Labour Party – Tanko Reacts Reacting to the claims, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, dismissed Ononuju’s assertions as attempts to sow discord. He denied that Obi was tricked into joining the coalition and reaffirmed his continued membership in the Labour Party. “They are trying to create distractions and disharmony,” Tanko said. “If Peter Obi is going to make any statement as regards the coalition, you will get it from him directly, from me, or from any of his aides.” Tanko emphasized that the coalition was being formed with 2027 in mind and does not affect Obi’s current affiliation with the Labour Party. “He has made it clear that he is a member of the Labour Party to protect the interest of his followers… The coalition is a coalition he is interested in for the 2027 general elections and we are in 2025,” he added. While the ADC-led coalition remains in the early stages of formation, internal power struggles and conflicting ambitions appear to be threatening its cohesion even before any formal structure has been agreed upon.

Adamu Garba, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned that sycophants around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are misleading him about the true state of the country and the ruling party. Garba made this statement on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He noted that the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC national chairman has exposed the party to attacks from opposition forces, particularly a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as “vultures” seeking to exploit the party’s internal cracks. “There are a lot of sycophants around the president, people telling him that things are okay — but things are not okay,” Garba said, stressing the need for sincere and capable leadership within the APC. He also lamented that the party’s popularity in the north has declined since the exit of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. According to him, the APC secured only 5.5 million votes in the region during the 2023 elections, compared to Buhari’s historic 12 million votes. Garba urged the party to “re-engineer its strategies” to remain politically relevant in Buhari’s absence.

The Edo State Government has addressed widespread misinterpretations surrounding Governor Monday Okpebholo’s remarks about the recent visit of Labour Party leader Mr. Peter Obi, stating that the Governor’s comments were not a threat but a call for proper security protocols. In a statement issued on Saturday, the government emphasized that high-profile individuals, especially politically exposed persons, are expected to notify and obtain security clearance from the state before embarking on public engagements. “As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional duty to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors. Adequate security measures must be put in place during high-profile visits to avoid exposing visitors and citizens to unnecessary risks,” the statement read. Rising Security Concerns Governor Okpebholo’s stance comes amid a rise in attacks and abductions targeting religious leaders, particularly Catholic priests and Christian clerics. Edo has witnessed several high-profile incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in past years. Public donations to faith-based institutions, while commendable, must be done with discretion and in consultation with security agencies to avoid making such institutions and their leaders vulnerable to attacks. The Governor cited biblical teachings on private giving, referencing Matthew 6:2–4, which encourages acts of charity without public display, both for security and moral reasons. No Political Hostility The government clarified that Governor Okpebholo’s comments should not be misconstrued for political purposes.“Edo State remains open and welcoming to all well-meaning Nigerians. However, the safety of all residents and visitors remains paramount. Leaders, no matter how highly placed, must align with security protocols,” the statement added. Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and improved security, urging political actors not to twist his words for cheap political points.

The immediate past governor of Sokoto State, current senator, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has sent warm birthday wishes to Peter Gregory Obi on the occasion of his 64th birthday — a gesture observers say might be his first public felicitation of the Labour Party presidential candidate. In a heartfelt message, Tambuwal praised Obi for embodying integrity, discipline, and service in Nigeria’s political landscape. “In a time when our nation yearns for principled leadership and moral clarity, your life has come to represent the possibility of a politics grounded in integrity, discipline, and service,” Tambuwal wrote. He commended Obi’s record as former governor of Anambra State, highlighting his achievements in fiscal responsibility, education, healthcare, and people-oriented governance. Tambuwal also acknowledged Obi’s philanthropy and continued support for schools and hospitals across Nigeria. “Your unwavering dedication to the public good — in governance and as a private citizen — continues to inspire many across party lines and generations,” he added. Tambuwal concluded his message by wishing Obi strength, wisdom, and grace to continue his impactful service to Nigeria. Political Undercurrents? The warm message has sparked speculation about potential political realignments ahead of 2027, given Tambuwal’s influence in the opposition and Obi’s growing national appeal. Political observers are closely watching for signs of alliances as opposition forces reposition for the next general elections. Would you like me to draft a short analysis piece titled “Is a North-South Opposition Alliance Emerging Ahead of 2027?” using this development as a reference point?