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Group asks Buhari to adopt Jonathan as consensus APC candidate

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A group under the aegis of Save Nigeria Buhari Ambassadors, (SNBA) have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to adopt Former President Goodluck Jonathan as the consensus candidate of the Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election.

Addressing a Press Conference on Wednesday at the NUJ press Center in Abuja the National Co-ordinator of the group, Honourable Jazeel Jamil Ibrahim said,

“As a group loyal to Mr President , whose goal is to scout, support and promote credible, competent, intelligent and  visionary leaders with the capacity to  reform, rebrand and transform the political landscape of Nigeria we wish to draw his attention to Dr. Jonathan.

“He should single him out from the hustling crowd of Aspirants canvassing for the office of the President of Nigeria, as a candidate to fly the flag of the APC in 2023 presidential election.”

Ibrahim expressed the believe that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has established himself as a true Democrat, a peace ambassador and a Patriotic Nigerian whose stance for the unification and cementing of the already fragmented pieces called Nigeria as one indivisible Nation. 

“As you all know,  Dr. Jonathan is  one who has the interest of Nigerians at heart, as exemplified in 2015 when he shelved his personal ambition to avert a looming crisis, declaring that his ambition was “not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan has high level of integrity and credibility, He is  a sound academician, with a well cooked egg head,  to revamp and revive any economy. 

“We hereby appeal to Mr. President and the leadership of  All Progressives Congress ( APC), to field him as the Consensus presidential flag bearer in the 2023 forth coming election. 

“We strongly believe that the Otuoke born Politician has a strong reputation as an elder Statesman, a tested and proven patriot, a reliable and trusted nationalist, who is committed to the development and advancement of NIGERIA and Africa at large.

He described  former president Jonathan, as a celebrated hero of infrastructural and economic revivalist whose transformational Agenda birthed the implementation of projects and policies geared at promoting and stimulating development across different phases and stratas of the economy. 

“Jonathan is a leader per excellence, who has the technical expertise to marshal out smart, highly educated and intelligent technocrats that understudied and transformed Nigerian economy. 

“Under his watch,  Nigeria experienced unprecedented economic growth and became the largest economy in Africa.

 “As the then President of the most populous black nations in the world, Jonathan promoted democratic values and principles, peace and national security, which enlisted him as the most sort after black leader, in the continents of Africa.

“Dr. Jonathan made major contributions to the political, economic and social development of Nigeria through his Transformation Agenda.

“Jonathan is a secured leader, who tenaciously and systematically drives with passion his overwhelming commitment to changing the global negative perceptions of the Nigerian elections by reforming the electoral process and establishing a culture of non-violent, free, fair, and credible elections. 

“As the Nigeria’s most celebrated politician, Jonathan has promoted democratic ideals through the observance of the rule of law, enactment of the Freedom of Information Act, electoral reforms and non-interference in electoral outcomes, while he was the President of this nation.

The coordinator said the former President, is  richly endowed with grace and  intellectual prowess,  in his reign as the then President of Nigeria, when he successfully galvanized and  pursued with vigor  his economic recovery programme (the Transformation Agenda) through which he expanded the economy and increased agricultural and industrial production as well as supported and elevated the creative industry sector. 

“As a versatile politician, Jonathan promoted social advancement through gender inclusion and equity and expanded access to education through the establishment and expansion of specialize tertiary institutions.  

“President Jonathan and his political lieutenants smartly grew the economy to be the largest in Africa with a GDP of of almost a trillion dollars. He has a matchless records of results that stands him out among other political bigwigs.

In the quest to highlight his pedigree and notable achievements to many doubting Thomases, former “President Jonathan, was in league with other notable Heads of States in the ECOWAS to resolve the political crisis and stabilize democracies in the sub-region of Africa especially in countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso and Togo.”

According to him, as a peace ambassador in Africa, Dr. Jonathan has shown an avalanche of commitment and passion towards bringing peace and stability to Africa. “Within his five-year tenure  Nigeria got more recognition in the United Nations Security Council. Nigeria was nominated twice, a feat very rarely achieved by non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. 

“Dr. Jonathan, because of his high political pedigree, not only in Nigeria, but in the entire coast of Africa, he was also revered and  given the highest national honour by several African Presidents of their countries equivalent to the GCFR in Nigeria for his commitment to stabilizing democracy in the ECOWAS. 

“Jonathan, since leaving office in 2015, has remained totally committed, dedicated and devoted to promoting democracy, credible elections, peace and respect for the rule of law in Africa. 

“He is notably, the Chairman of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, an organization he founded to promote best practices in democracy, peace and prosperity in Africa. 

“In his quest for overwhelming development, peace and tranquility in the entire African continent, Jonathan has led different International Election Observer Missions to various nations including Tanzania (Commonwealth-2015), Zambia (African Union-2016), Liberia (National Democratic Institute-2017), Sierra Leone (Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, EISA-2018), South Africa (EISA-2019) and Mozambique (African Union-2019). 

“Jonathan has raised the stakes of leadership and governance in Africa  so high that it is very difficult to get a possible replacement for him. In 2019, he emerged Chairperson of the African Chapter of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), an association of serving and former Presidents who are jointly working to bring peace, stability and economic prosperity to the world. 

“In May 2020, he was appointed as a Member of the Kofi Annan Foundation Electoral Integrity Initiative Senior Panel. 

“Given his position as the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the great roles and contributions his administration offered to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in ECOWAS region, in July 2020, he was appointed as the ECOWAS Special Envoy to Mali with the mandate of restoring peace and democracy in the country.”

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Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity

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Obidient Movement Logo

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.

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2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs

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Olu Agunloye

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?

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Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership

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Oluchi Oparah

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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