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Abia Governor says G-5 phenomenon is beyond 2023

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***Security is not the greatest problem of Nigeria but mutual suspicion

The Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpazu has indicated that the phenomenon of the G-5 governors is beyond the 2023 general election as being perceived in many quarters.
Speaking on Thursday at the Yaradua Center in Abuja after the public presentation of a book “The biochemistry of the environmental pollution’ he co-authored with a lecturer from the University of Portharcout, Dr Kalu Kalu Igwe, he reiterated that the G-5 governors’ grouse against the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is to ensure that everyone’s interest is protected, especially at the national level irrespective of tribe or zone.
The PDP has been enmershed in an internal crises over party leadership with the presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar and Governor Wike of Rivers state, Southern Nigeria, having opposing views with Gov. Wike calling for the removal of the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu for the South to produce the party’s next national chairman.

Ikpazu who dismissed the notion that the G-5 is no longer relevant said their agitation is about inclusiveness the lack of which has been holding the country at the jugular which he said was being reenacted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“Let me say this to us, how I see G-5 is that what we try to bring to the fore is beyond 2023 elections
It is about inclusiveness, it is about what we think is at the root and jogular of what we think is with Nigeria.
“If I come to a point in my life as a politician and you produce two or three critical officers of my party and they are coming from one particular geo-political zone, I will still agitate, even if , it comes from my geo-political zone.

“I am talking about, how do we bring everybody on the table. If you exclude Igbos I will protest, if you the same to northern Nigeria I will ask the question, I will also protest. If you exclude people from western Nigeria, I will still Protest.
“For me, it is about including everybody, the youth, the women. People from the North, People from the South.
“All of us, we need to do social mobilization in order for us to solve the economic problems of this country.
“Social mobilization to solve the security problems of this country, you do have to put the cart before the horse.

“The greatest problem of Nigeria Today is not security, neither is it economic. It is lack of cohesion. It is disunity. It is because there is mutual suspicion, lack of mutual respect.
“We must come together, women, youth, people from the south, people from the North stating that this country belongs to all of us under one God.
“The parameters must be the same. A criminal in Zamfara, must be seen as a criminal in Abia. A criminal in Enugu must be seen as a criminal in Lagos. So G-5 is what it is because it is beyond 2023.
On the book presented to the public and it’s relevance in the academic circles he said, “You have heard the professor if environmental studies in the university of Portharcourt declared Publicly that he has been teaching that subject for 20 years without any material for teaching and I needed to fill that gap.
“It is a very strong inspiration and drive to stop that gap. It was a very strong inspiration and drive to ensure that, that gap is filled. The essence of our being, here, is to solve problems.
“My study and sojourn in the area of biochemistry will be in vein, if I cannot contribute to the body of knowledge. It is this drive that propelled me to keep at it till I achieved it.
“When I came over to the flip side of public service, to serve as governor, I thought that, that would have been a point of divergence and disconnection from my first love – Biochemistry,
Each time, I look at every issue, and every problem from the perspective of biochemistry.
“In 2013, I had the opportunity to serve as the deputy general manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency. As we were managing domestic waste I also saw the dimension of Biochemistry in terms of trying to explain the causes and the diseases and the derailment we suffer everyday because of the pollutants in the environment, so Biochemistry refuse to leave me and I had to go back and pick it up.
He said he feels very fulfilled because it was a journey that he started over 20 years ago.
“It is not easy at all. To write a book on biochemistry does not leave me with too much choice, because there are rules, there are principles which you must reflect in your interventions. For me it is the icing on the cake, as an academic. I feel fulfilled I feel very happy.”
The chairman of the book presentation HRH prof James Ayatse who is a professor of biochemistry and the To Tiv said people can make contribution to knowledge in any topic they have chosen irrespective of the other challenges.
What is important about the book is contribution to knowledge rather than what ever will come out of it in terms of financial reward.
He said it is not for the purpose of making money that the book is being presented, it is to have a wonderful contribution to knowledge in the area.
He commended the governor who he said was his student for combining the rigors of governance with intellectual venture
“Ikpazu, I am proud of you as one of your teachers. You have gone where I couldn’t make it, you know I dived into politics.

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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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