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Participants at a women political Summit pay tributes to slain Kogi PDP women leader

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Participants at a One-Day Women’s Political Summit have paid tributes to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s women leader, the late Salome Acheju Abu who was gruesomely murdered after the 2019 Kogi Gubernatorial election in November 2019.
The participants were drawn from Kogi Women in Local Government councils, women in Politics and Officials of Kogi Women Empowermwnt Coalition (KWEC).
The summit was Organized by Center for Women Studies and Intervention(CWSI) Supported by CAFOD Nigeria held on 19th June 2023 in Lokoja, Kogi State.
These were contained in a Communique which captured the outcome of the One-Day Political Summit and was made available to the NationalUpdate in Abuja on Tuesday.
The participants in the Communique made a clarion call for peaceful gubernatorial election in November 2023 election adding that they have noticed that the political atmosphere as the gubernatorial election in the State scheduled for the month of November approaches there abound clear warning signs of impending violence.

“As mothers, wives, sisters, aunts and nieces we are beneficiaries of peace and harmony; We pay tribute to Mrs. Salome who was gruesomely murdered during the 2019 general election by political thugs in Kogi East senatorial District as result of her participation in politics.”
Accordingly they said they are deeply concerned that the present peace is fragile and if not carefully managed will lead to violence in the on-coming election.
“We therefore call on all relevant security agencies at the State and Federal levels to closely monitor activities in Kogi State to ensure proactive measures that will guarantee a peaceful, credible, free and fair election taking place on 11th November 2023.
“On this platform we stand and demand for our rights to peacefully exist as co-stewards of a better Kogi State, better Nigeria and a better world.

“We re-echo the imperative and importance of women inclusive governance as enunciated in the United Nation’s Beijing conference of 1995.
“On this premise; we state that exclusion of women from democratic governance impedes the growth and prosperity of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.*

They expressed appreciation to the executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his deliberate effort in ensuring that Women in Kogi State are elected in to the Local Government Coucils as vice chairpersons and legislative Council Leaders.
According to them Bello has applied the principle of affirmative action by which an unprecedented number of forty-two (42) women were included in all 21 Local Government Councils of Kogi State as Vice Chairman and Legislative Council Leaders.
“We appreciate his Excellency’s contribution to elevating the political status of women through his action on women inclusive governance.
“We commend his Excellency for positive response to the multi-sectoral advocacy programs implemented by Community Based Organization, Kogi Women Empowerment Coalition (KWEC) with support from Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) for actualization of inclusive development and equal opportunity in Kogi State.”
They raised concern that unlike Governor Bello, the male executives of the Local councils and Councilors have been marginalising the women in councils.
“We have noticed with deep concern that even though the Executive Governor of Kogi State has taken the step to create new platform of governmental visibility for women, Male Executives holding the offices of Chairman of Local Government Councils and Councilors in Local Government Areas have marginalized female members of the Councils since their inclusion in Local Government Administration.

“This practice discourages women’s aspiration for political self-actualization and opportunity to contribute to local government development. “Therefore, we call on the Chairmen and Councilors in all the Local government councils of Kogi State to emulate Governor Yahaya Bello’s recognition of women.
“They should promote cultural re-orientation, elimination of all gender biased practices in administration of public offices which produce inequalities, suppression and politically motivated violence against women.”
They celebrated the successes of the two women who contested for the Kogi State House of Assembly in the 2023 general election.
“These are Honorable Mrs. Comfort Nwuchola. She is representing Ibaji constituency and Honorable Omotayo Adeleye-Ishaya who is also currently representing Ijumu constituency.
“We recognize them as Political Amazons and commend their determination to break the jinx of total absence of female legislators from Kogi State House of Assembly since the year 2003.”
They made a passionate appeal
to all male representatives in the Assembly to give their cooperation to the elected women by creating an enabling environment for them to effectively fulfill their mandates.
“Furthermore, we applaud all the members of the Civil Society Organizations including CWSI who advocated and contributed to this. We call on all female persons in Kogi State to use the legislation as shield to defend their rights and dignity.

“We commend the executive Governor of Kogi State for signing into law The Kogi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law

“Furthermore, we applaud all the members of the Civil Society Organizations including CWSI who advocated and contributed to this.”
They therefore called on all female persons in Kogi State to use the legislation as shield to defend their rights and dignity.

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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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