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I have nothing to buy your conscience, Kogi guber aspirant tells delegates

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By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja

Kogi State Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate-past state Commissioner of Finance, budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Idris Asiwaju Ashiru, has indicated that no amount of money can buy the conscience of APC Governorship Delegates in the State.

Hence, he said, he is only counting on the goodwill, love and tenacity of the delegates whom he describes as ‘Change Agents’ in Kogi State.

“I hope our honourable delegates will give me opportunity to serve our state in higher capacity and I will make them and the state proud and happy if elected candidate based on merit, exposure to governance and the experience I have garnered under purposeful leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello whose legacies I intend to build on tenaciously.

“If elected Governor of Kogi State, my administration will build on existing development programmes in the state, to actualize the economic vision of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration I had been part of since its inception having served meritoriously for eight years.

Speaking on Monday at the state Governorship Media Parley, organized by Kogi State Council of Nigeria union of Journalists (NUJ), held at the Press Centre in the capital, Lokoja, Mr. Ashiru, indicted that he had acquired relevant leadership skills and cognate experience in governance more than any of his competitors as his antecedents and leadership attributes in the course of service to the state in different capacities, are well known to the people of Kogi State.

“Based on exposure and experience, I’m the most qualified to be Governor of Kogi State having had the privilege of working with Governor Bello to develop the state thirty two years development plan on the basis of which the state recorded infrastructure Projects in critical sectors of the economy, and the projects are verifiable and tangible to Kogi State citizens.

“My administration will be a continuation of Governor Bello’s administration because I have contributed my ideas to the running and success story of the state economic team led by our dynamic and progressive Governor Bello whose selfless spirit of commitment to incisive development policies and governance, has re-defined political leadership in the state.

“I have worked on the state economic council and represented the state Governor on the national economic council as well as participation in international economic engagements on behalf of the state in the US, China and Dubai.

“I will also use my professional skills and good understanding of the economy of our state to reduce cost of governance and institutionalize meritocracy in governance and entrench merit system in our public service.

“Kogi State will experience more developments that would be products of Governor Bello’s current 32 years state development plan now on course.

“Due to the efficiency of the accountability and transparency unit in the ministry of finance, budget and Economic Planning, under my watch, the state government secured a grant of US5million from the World Bank for specific Projects that have been successfully executed to the glory of God and humanity.”

Asiwaju Ashiru, identified attitudinal change and shared determination of citizens to excellence in governance as the panacea for sustainable development and Economic prosperity of the state, where inputs of development stakeholders matter.

According to Ashiru, Kogi State is in the process of building two hydro-Power stations in Eastern and Western part of Kogi State under an ambitious Joint power Project with the Chinese government while the state will tap from the abundance of coal deposits in the state as a renewable energy option for Kogi State.
He said the state is currently in partnership with 19 Northern States to generate 100 megawatts of solar energy.

The project, according to Ashiru, is being financed by Nigeria’s Finance Ministry, to deliver alternative energy source to Nigerians, particularly in the Northern region with comparative advantage for

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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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