***Calls for Strong Opposition to Strengthen Democracy

By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja

The federal lawmaker representing Esan Central/West/Igueben Federal Constituency in Edo State, Hon. Marcus Onobun, has expressed deep concern over the internal leadership struggles within the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Hon. Onobun described the factionalism and divisions within the PDP as troubling but unsurprising, emphasizing the importance of a united and strong opposition in holding the government accountable.

“A strong opposition is crucial for keeping the government in check. Without it, even the most capable government can become complacent,” he stated.

Hon. Onobun reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP but stressed that political affiliations should not hinder service delivery. “Politics is local, and our primary duty is to serve the people. Whether you’re in the PDP, APC, or any other party, the focus must be on improving the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Hon. Onobun criticized the current Edo State government for dwelling on past administrations instead of addressing the immediate needs of the people.
“In Edo, we see a government fixated on criticizing former Governor Obaseki rather than crafting policies and programs to improve the future. Edo people deserve governance that meets their aspirations, not endless disputes about past figures,” he remarked.
He urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to adopt a collaborative governance style and engage with local leaders and experts to move the state forward.
“I hope the governor focuses on governance. The people of Edo deserve leadership that prioritizes their well-being and development,” he added.
Hon. Onobun also criticized the suspension of local government chairmen and vice chairmen, calling the process unlawful. “The constitution mandates transparency and due process in such matters. The recent actions reflect a disregard for the rule of law,” he said.
Hon. Onobun, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, expressed alarm over the significant reduction in the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget for 2025.
The budget allocation for the ministry has dropped from over ₦200 billion in 2024 to approximately ₦70 billion in 2025, a cut Hon. Onobun described as “shocking” and detrimental to food security and rural development.
“2025 should be a year of hope after the economic hardships of 2023 and the palliatives of 2024. However, the drastic cuts to agriculture funding raise concerns about the government’s ability to tackle food insecurity and stabilize the economy,” he stated.
He revealed that his committee had raised the issue with the Appropriations Committee and written to the executive, urging a reconsideration of the budget allocation to agriculture.
“This is not the time for excuses. Nigerians need real solutions. A reduced agricultural budget undermines efforts to address hunger, poverty, and rural development,” Hon. Onobun warned.
He emphasized the importance of a budget that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians, calling for solutions to the ongoing economic challenges. “Nigerians are tired of excuses. They need a budget that instills confidence in their government and addresses their needs, not political interests,” he said.
As budget discussions and political dynamics unfold, Hon. Onobun remains optimistic that the government will prioritize the welfare of Nigerians, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for the country.

As the Labour Party (LP) faces growing internal discord, stakeholders and professionals within the party have issued a stern warning to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. They caution that his perceived role in the party’s current crisis could jeopardize both the party’s future and his political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Alliance for All Labour Party Professionals and Stakeholders (AALPS), led by Dr. Blessing Elaigwu, has criticized Obi for allegedly fostering division rather than uniting the party after the 2023 elections. The group accuses him of supporting attempts to undermine the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure, a move they believe has plunged the Labour Party into unnecessary legal battles.

“The infighting is not only stagnating the party but is also a betrayal of the trust millions of Nigerians placed in him during the 2023 elections,” Elaigwu said.

This critique comes as other political parties are already laying the groundwork for 2027, while the Labour Party remains mired in internal strife. The group claims that Obi’s alleged interference has shifted focus from consolidating gains made in 2023 to addressing avoidable leadership disputes.

Observers within and outside the Labour Party argue that the current discord could harm the party’s standing as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties. “The Labour Party should be building on its momentum, not tearing itself apart,” said a political analyst.

Some members of the public have also expressed disappointment, with many questioning why a party that once symbolized hope for millions appears unable to manage its internal affairs. “If the Labour Party cannot resolve its issues, how can it convince Nigerians it can govern the country effectively?” asked Tunde Ajayi, a Lagos-based political commentator.

The AALPS has urged Obi to resolve the crisis through dialogue, warning that prolonged litigation and division could alienate the electorate. They further stressed that the party’s progress should not hinge on a single individual, no matter how influential.

With a 48-hour ultimatum issued to engage in reconciliation, the ball is now in Obi’s court to either mend the fractures or risk losing the goodwill that catapulted him to prominence in 2023. As the nation watches closely, the Labour Party’s handling of its internal crisis could determine its trajectory for years to come.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s persistent electricity woes despite borrowing a staggering $3.23 billion in the last four years to address the sector’s challenges.

Speaking after reports of a power outage on Saturday, Obi lamented the recurring grid collapses that have left millions of Nigerians in darkness, disrupted businesses, and crippled critical infrastructure. Although the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) dismissed claims of a nationwide collapse, attributing the incident to two tripped transmission lines affecting parts of Lagos, Obi remains unconvinced.

The Labour Party leader described the power sector’s failings as a “recurring decimal,” highlighting that the national grid collapsed approximately 12 times in 2024 alone. “The untold setback and hardship it brought on households and businesses was immeasurable,” Obi said, questioning why Nigeria still struggles to produce just 4,500 megawatts of power after years of borrowing and investment.

“Instead of making significant progress, we’re witnessing recurrent failures. One wonders where all the funds borrowed for the power sector have gone,” he stated.

Obi linked the crisis to widespread corruption and a lack of commitment by leaders, urging the government to prioritize genuine development in 2025. He emphasized that without stable electricity, the nation’s economy, particularly households and small businesses, will continue to suffer.

This latest critique comes as Nigerians grapple with the realities of an unreliable power supply despite years of promises and investments in the energy sector. Obi’s call for transparency and accountability strikes a chord with many citizens who question why the lights are still out after billions of dollars have been spent.