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Again, Gunmen Disrupt SDP rally, destroy property worth millions of Naira

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By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

WITH the Kogi off-circle Governorship Election less than three weeks away, Gun wielding hoodlums believed to be sponsored political thugs have again, disrupted the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship Election Ward rally in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Faruk Adejoh-Audu, Director, Communications, Muri/Sam Gubernatorial Campaign Council of the SDP disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Lokoja.

The campaign Communications Director said that the hoodlums descended on the rally venue at St Matthews Primary School, Ejule and started shooting sporadically to disperse a mammoth crowd of SDP supporters that had gathered for the event.

He said that earlier in the day at about 9:30am, about two hours to the scheduled time for commencement of the rally, the thugs had invaded the venue and destroyed canopies, Public Address Systems, Chairs and the podium arranged for the event.

“But SDP leaders in the LGA led by Elder Obolo Okpanachi, Rabi Emaiku and Gambo Haruna encouraged supporters to ignore the intimidation and still show up for the rally.

“The moment supporters began trooping to the rally ground followed by a motorcade, the hoodlums again unleashed the thugs this time shooting sporadically”, he said.

Adejoh-Audu however said that the gunmen led personally by one Mohammed Nasir Alfa said to be the Assistant State Chairmam of the APC (Kogi East District), this time, laid seige on the rally ground shooting sporadically.

He said that the SDP supporters had to scamper for safety and run for their dear lives adding that Several persons were injured in the course of the bedlam while the thugs equally destroyed several vehicles they identified as belonging to SDP supporters.

Adejoh-Audu said eye witnesses identified some of the thugs including Dele Ademu; Daddy Ndah; Danladi Alaba from (Umomi Village); Muhammed Nasiru Alfa (APC zonal Chairman); Yahaya Ademu aka Kia Man; Mustapha Idris aka Ore; Besiru Mudi aka Para (all from Ejule Town).

“This is the second time that an SDP Rally will be attacked by identified aides of Bello leading thugs in less than weeks.

A similar attack was unleashed on an SDP rally at Koton Karfe in Kogi LGA of the state on September 29, leading to one death and at least 10 persons sustaining gunshot injuries.

“For the record, we are again calling on the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police,

“The Director-General of the Directiorate of State Services and all other Mangers of our security and federation to urgently intervene and address the drift in Kogi State before it fatally undermines our democracy”, he said.

One of the Chieftains of the party, Col. Suleiman Babanawa (rtd) said the unprovoked and surprise attack on SDP supporters on Wednesday presented a sad reminiscence of one of those unsavoury moments in the History of Kogi East Senatorial District.

“I’m very sad, I’m disturbed, that what should have been a very peaceful campaign, designed by the campaign council, approved by the commissioner of Police, has turned into the kind of mayhem that we saw in Ejule.

“Who is really responsible for this? Who is directing this script? It is very unfortunate. However, we remain restrained, we remain law-abiding, we remain hopeful that the powers that be will look carefully into this, we believe in Mr President, we believe in the security team that we have.

“We will ensure that we do things democratically, we don’t do things with impunity. We still remain restrained and I hope that it will not reach a point where we will ask the common man to defend himself”, he said. (Ends)

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Politics

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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