Politics
2023: Consensus Arrangement Will Spell Doom For APC, Vatsa, Niger APC Chieftain Warns
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***Says Buhari, APC Unfair To Tinubu
Former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism and a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger state, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa has warned the APC to avoid picking its Presidential Candidate through a Consensus arrangement as it will spell doom for the party in the general election.
The outspoken former Commissioner categorically pointed out that anything short of a Presidential candidate of the party emerging through a democratic process where all the Aspirants fate will be determined by the party delegates will amount to handing over the government to the main opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023.
The former publicity secretary of the party in Niger state who spoke in Minna, the Niger state capital on Saturday when he briefed journalists over the uncertainty surrounding the National Delegates Convention of the ruling party, said that the party is heading for a self destruction if it decides to opt for a Consensus candidate, adding “this will amount to changing the goal post in a football match after a penalty has been awarded.
“Why would we want to change the goal post when a penalty has been awarded, that is how I looked at the whole thing. Aspirants have bought nomination forms, traversed the entire 36 states of the country seeking the support of delegates, underwent screening, and all of a sudden you are talking about a Consensus candidate.
“It is too late to talk about Consensus at this dying minute, it will not work except there is a ground design to hand over the government to Atiku in 2023 because this will surely tear the party apart. The Aspirants will not agree to any Consensus no matter the threat.
“We all know that until all the Aspirants agreed to a Consensus with their signatures, there will be nothing like Consensus because the electoral act and the Nigerian constitution are very clear on the matter. Let the party not shoot itself on the leg ahead of the general elections”.
Vatsa pointed out that those advising President Mohammadu Buhari on this “unpopular idea” of a Consensus candidate did not mean well for the party, stressing that “those behind this undemocratic arrangement should be reminded that what happened during the emergence of senator Abdullahi Adamu as the National Chairman of the party will not be acceptable this time around.
“Delegates must be allowed to decide the faith of these Aspirants, let President Buhari go and lobby governors to deliver their states delegates for his preferred successor, there is nothing wrong with that, but telling some Aspirants to step down for anybody will not work, that will be the end of the party”.
On the outburst of Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his meeting with Ogun state delegates last week, Vatsa expressed the believed that President Buhari and the party have not been fair to the National Leader of the party who stood his ground with his money, time and energy to make sure Buhari emerged as President in 2015 and even 2019.
“This Man was the back bone of the party in 2015 and in 2019, we all know this, he played a great role in Buhari’s emergence as President so to tell such a person to step down for anybody will amount to a betrayal. The party will pay dearly for such decision”, he added
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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