Politics
2023: Jigawa gov, deputy, Emir stay away as Osinbajo visits
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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa state, deputy governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi and Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi on Saturday shunned vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo who visited the state on Saturday to meet delegates ahead of APC presidential primary election.
It was gathered that the governor created an emergency trip to Abuja on the day the vice president scheduled to visit the state to meet delegates and seek their votes during the party’s presidential primary election.
Reports from the state indicated that the governor had relocated to Kano since he declared his aspiration to run for president as he keeps holding frequent meetings with politicians in respect of his ambition
The vice president shifted the time of arrival to the state from 1pm to 3 pm as the governor refused to receive the vice president claiming to be traveling to the federal capital torritory Abuja as he directed his deputy to represent him.
Our reporter in the state gathered that the deputy governor has also been out of the state for some days for his political activities.
Speaking to our reporter the media aide to the deputy governor, Malam Ahmed Haruna said “my boss is not in town, he is in Abuja for screening over his governorship aspiration”.
At the time of filing this report, there was no certainty on the government official to receive the serving vice president.
A source in the state government said the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Abdulkadir Adamu Fanini was expected to receive the Vice president.
According to the programme of the vice president’s visit in the state, he was scheduled to visit the palace of the emir of Dutse and pay courtesy call on the governor and to end it with a meeting the delegates at the 3 Star Hotel in Dutse.
On arrival, Prof. Osinbanjo was received at the Dutse Airport by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Adamu Fanini; Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa, Alhaji Sani Aminu Gumel; party executives; state Assembly members, among others.
It was learnt that the inability of the Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar to welcome the VP might not be unconnected with his divergent political interest, as he is not in the same camp with the VP, despite both of them belonging to the ruling party.
During the closed- door consultative meeting with the delegates, the VP told them that politics should be seen as a tool for expanding frontiers of progress and development through constructive focus, commitment and hard work.
He said:” Let us modify our political culture in line with the present-time challenges. Let our polity be politics of inspirations conceived with innovative ideas and laudable issues that can bring about future political prospects for even development for our collective interest…”
Osinbajo said politics should be viewed as a vital tool for national cohesion and strengthening of national unity among the country’s divergent races.
He continued: “My reason for aspiring for the office of the President is to serve the Nigerian people. I have no other reason or objective except to serve…”
“After I have been in office as a vice president for seven years, I know that God did not give me that opportunity so that I would sit down somewhere and write the history of my service as vice president.
“God doesn’t give you a challenge without showing you how to solve them. I know all the efforts we are putting in place, especially led by President Muhammadu Buhari, we will see an end to insecurity in our country. In the next few years, we will definitely see progress in our country.
“There is a lot of hope. This country has everything that is necessary to be great: the talents, resources and we also have the men and women who are able to serve. I am very optimistic that all will be well with our country.”
Politics
Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity
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Following a successful Advisory and Directorate Committees meeting held recently, the Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to a united, strategic, and value-driven political future.
The meeting, described as a milestone gathering, brought together key stakeholders and leaders within the movement to solidify strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Central to the discussions was the vision of ensuring competent, value-based leadership, with a strong emphasis on supporting Peter Obi and like-minded leaders who embody the movement’s ideals of integrity, good governance, and accountability.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of organisation, coordination, and active participation in driving the movement’s objectives.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the need for structure, outreach, and grassroots mobilisation to sustain the momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
Following the deliberations, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, fully aware of the responsibilities ahead.
National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko
expressed confidence in the movement’s direction, thanking those who have taken up leadership roles in various directorates and advisory councils.
“We deeply appreciate all those who have accepted appointments to serve in different capacities. Their contributions will be critical in shaping the movement’s future. We also salute the millions of Obidients across Nigeria and beyond who tirelessly advocate and mobilise for a better country. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this movement,” Dr. Tanko stated.
Continuing, he said eith renewed energy and focus, the Obidient Movement is set to expand its structures nationwide, ensuring greater coordination and effectiveness.
According to him, the movement will also empower supporters with the tools needed to actively participate in governance and political processes as well as sustained mobilization at all levels, to reinforce the push for transformative leadership in Nigeria.
Dr. Tanko urged all supporters to stay engaged, participate actively, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s cause.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is within reach, but only through collective action and perseverance.
Finally, Tanko encouraged all Obidients to stay informed, join local chapters, and contribute to the shared vision of a better Nigeria.
For further updates and participation, he urged supporters to reach out via Obidient.unification@gmail.com.
Politics
2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs
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National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, has warned that alliances must go beyond mere power-seeking and instead be rooted in principles, ideology, and national development.
This is coming as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections with political coalitions and realignments taking center stage once again.
In a thought-provoking paper titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” released in Abuja on Monday, Agunloye examined Nigeria’s history of political coalitions—highlighting their successes, failures, and the urgent need for a new approach.
Dr. Agunloye traced the failures of past alliances, including, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964, formed out of political expediency, lacking a unifying ideology.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 successfully unseated the ruling party in 2015 but failed to deliver long-term national development, leaving Nigeria struggling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and economic challenges.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP 2018) despite signing a memorandum to support a joint candidate, it lacked a clear roadmap before the 2019 elections.
The National Consultative Front (NCF 2021) aimed to form a mega-party for the 2023 elections failed to implement its strategy within INEC’s timeframe.
Looking ahead to 2027, Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term electoral victories and instead adopt a structured, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He emphasized that alliances should prioritize national security, social justice, and economic prosperity over personal ambition.
“Political partnerships must be built well in advance of elections, with clear strategies for leadership, policies, and campaign execution.
“Coalitions should not be a dumping ground for defecting politicians but a platform for individuals and groups genuinely committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“A blueprint for governance must be established before seeking electoral victory to prevent post-election chaos.”
Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, has the necessary structure to support a well-planned alliance.
However, he stressed that other political platforms could also contribute to building a coalition focused on national transformation.
“Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel,” he stated, urging stakeholders to learn from past coalition mistakes and work towards a grand alliance that prioritizes governance over politics.
As the 2027 elections approach, the critical question remains, will political leaders embrace a new, ideology-driven alliance or repeat the cycle of failed coalitions?
Politics
Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership
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A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has distanced herself from the position of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, on the path to an Igbo presidency, insisting that Ndigbo must secure the presidency through merit, not ethnic sentiment.
Oparah’s reaction follows Abure’s recent statement at a South-East Labour Party rally in Abuja, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to supporting the Igbo for the presidency in 2027. According to Abure, the LP had zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East to “wipe the tears” of the region, urging Igbo leaders to realign and consolidate their political strength ahead of the next election.
However, Oparah, in a statement issued on Sunday, strongly disagreed with Abure’s approach, warning that framing the presidency as an ethnic entitlement rather than a merit-based contest could hurt Ndigbo’s chances.
“The notion that Ndigbo can only achieve the presidency by exploiting tribal and regional sentiments is not only misguided but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” she said.
She pointed to the performance of Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections as evidence that an Igbo candidate can gain nationwide support based on competence, integrity, and vision, rather than ethnic affiliation.
“Obi’s success was not built on ethnic sentiment but on his impressive credentials and performance record, which still speak for him today. If not for certain electoral irregularities, he could have secured the seat for the betterment of all Nigerians,” Oparah argued.
She further criticized Abure’s rhetoric, stating that it undermines the principle of national unity and meritocracy.
“Rather than promoting an ethnic-based campaign strategy, Ndigbo must focus on building a coalition of support across different ethnic and political groups. The presidency of Nigeria should be won based on competence, vision, and leadership, not sentiment,” she said.
Oparah urged political leaders to prioritize a unifying national agenda over ethnic considerations, warning that emphasizing tribal politics could alienate potential allies and weaken support for an Igbo candidate.
As the race for 2027 begins to take shape, her remarks signal a growing debate within the Labour Party and the wider political landscape over the best approach for the South-East to attain national leadership.
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