Category: Politics

Activist and Labour Party supporter Aisha Yesufu has publicly criticised Peter Obi over his recent comments downplaying the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. In a YouTube video published on Thursday, Yesufu responded to Obi’s remarks suggesting that there was no need for mass protests when fuel prices increased from ₦87 to ₦120 under Jonathan. She called Obi’s stance “a very wrong allusion,” stressing that the right to protest is a cornerstone of democracy. “Yes, there was every reason to protest during Jonathan’s time,” Yesufu said. “People protest every day in functioning democracies. Protest is not about who is in power; it is about holding leaders accountable.” Yesufu, a prominent voice in Nigeria’s civic movement and a co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, reminded Obi and other political leaders that no administration should expect immunity from public dissent. “If Mr. Obi thinks he will become President and people won’t protest because of how ‘good’ he is, then he should forget it,” she said. She also rebutted Obi’s logic that the 2012 protests were misguided since fuel was still relatively affordable. “People were protesting against ₦120 then — and rightly so. The ₦900 per litre we’re seeing today was in the future. Nobody protests the future,” she explained. Yesufu’s comments signal internal debate within the Labour Party’s support base, especially as Obi continues to maintain a high profile following his 2023 presidential bid.

Over the past few days—and particularly in the last two hours—I have received numerous calls and messages from concerned family members, friends, and well-wishers regarding a report by an online newspaper alleging that I am currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Let me be clear: this claim is entirely false, mischievous, and appears to be a deliberate attempt by the publication and its backers to achieve a motive known only to them. At present, I am enjoying a well-deserved rest following the recent dissolution of the Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), where I had the privilege of serving as Group Chief Executive Officer. Having dedicated 34 years of my life to the service of NNPC and NNPCL—17 of those in management positions, and the last 5 years and 9 months at the helm—I rarely had the opportunity to take even two weeks of leave. It was an honour to serve under the leadership of Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am grateful for the trust reposed in me. Throughout my career, I have strived to serve with integrity and the fear of God. As a devout Muslim, I am fully aware that while one may evade human scrutiny, no one escapes divine accountability. Therefore, I stand ready and willing to account for my stewardship—both to man and to Allah. That said, the spread of disinformation serves no one—not the NNPCL, not our nation, and certainly not our economy. Reckless reporting sends the wrong signals to investors and the international community and undermines the credibility of our institutions. I appeal to the media to be professional and circumspect. It is vital that we avoid misleading the public with unverified or unsubstantiated reports, particularly on matters still subject to validation by the appropriate authorities. To my family, friends, and all those who have reached out or attempted to, I extend my sincere gratitude. Rest assured, I remain fully available to respond to any lawful inquiries. Thank you.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, does not require any coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party or support from political figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to win the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in an exclusive interview, the Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, asserted that Obi remains a formidable and widely accepted candidate, capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in a free and fair contest. Ndubuaku dismissed any speculation about Obi rejoining the PDP, describing the opposition party as a “crisis-ridden and near-empty platform.” He said, “Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate. If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in the 2023 elections before the controversial glitches. He even defeated Tinubu in his own stronghold in Lagos, which shows Nigerians want him in power.” “For as long as INEC conducts a free and fair election, he will win. He can also leverage his local and international connections to make it happen,” Ndubuaku added. His comments come just days after the Obidients Movement declared unwavering support for Obi, regardless of the platform he chooses to run on in 2027. The National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, emphasised that Nigeria is in desperate need of rescue and said Obi remains the only candidate capable of leading the country out of its current economic crisis. Echoing Tanko’s position, Ndubuaku insisted Obi commands nationwide acceptance across all six geopolitical zones and warned against any return to the PDP. “No serious candidate will consider the PDP as a viable platform at this point,” he said. “Obi is a disciplined man. If people are suggesting he return to the PDP, on what basis? Compare the PDP’s issues with those of the Labour Party. While LP’s crisis—centering around Julius Abure—has been settled by the Supreme Court, the PDP is still battling a hydra-headed crisis. Moving from LP to PDP would be like jumping from frying pan to fire.” He further noted that fears about zoning and power rotation are unfounded, especially in light of Obi’s reputation for performance. “The only reservation some people have is that if Obi wins, he could take the full eight years, which the North fears may disrupt the zoning balance. But we know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power,” Ndubuaku said.