Politics
Again Clark urges Tinubu to implement 2014 National Conference Report
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***Ask Ibos never to chicken out as they are eminently qualified for leadership
***Cautions against nepotism by leaders
Elderstatesman and leader of the Ijaw nation, Chief Edwin Clark has again called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immediately implement the report of the 2014 National Conference Report in order to re-unite the Igbos, bringing them to the position they occupied before the civil war.
He spoke yesterday when a delegation of ten Igbo leaders visited to celebrate his 97th birthday, which occurred on May 25, 2024.
He said Nigeria is a big family, as such, leaders particularly Presidents, should avoid the temptation of making appointments on ethnic basis.
He said such an act portends a very dangerous trend for the country.
He said there is no conquered Nigerian, and advised that people who are appointed into offices should stop mystifying those who appointed them, seeing them as god.
He said while courtesy demands that people appreciate when things are done for them, doing so with a slave-like mentality, is tantamount to adulation.
He reminded them that Igbos should hold their head high, as they have always held positions of reckoning in the country.
He recalled the activities of past Igbo leaders like Jaja Wachuku who was a Pan-Africanist and most respected first Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Therefore, for an Igbo man to genuflect and say the Igbos should jump to the skies because one of them is appointed a ‘super’ Minister today, is to him an overpraise. ”
He said Igbos who find themselves appointed to positions, especially at the national level, should see themselves as qualified to hold such position, and not to be subservient. “Because if other Nigerians are qualified, the Igbos are qualified too. ”
He expressed the optimism that the Igbos woll put their acts together so as to achieve their desire.
Chief Clark expressed surprise at the visit and condolences for the recent passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu, the former President-General of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo.
He emphasized the importance of equality and encouraged Igbos to recognize their worth and qualifications in leadership roles.
Chief Clark said he was very surprised and elated by the visit of the Igbo leadership which was to him, quite shocking, as he was not aware of any such plan to visit him.
He expressed his sincere condolences to them, on the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu, who until his death, was the President-General of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo.
He said the loss was not just to the Igbos, but to the people of the Southern and Middle Belt, and indeed to Nigerians.
He prayed that God will give the bereaved family, the people of Ohaneze and indeed everyone, the fortitude to bear the loss.
He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the delegation for finding time to come and celebrate his 97th Birthday, which was held about two months ago. He said he felt quite humbled by their kind words towards him, in appreciation for doing what he is only doing because he feels that all human beings are born equal.
The delegation of the Igbo leadership, led by Chief Dr. Simon N. Okeke, a former chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), said the purpose of the visit was to felicitate with Chief (Dr.) Edwin Clark on his 97th Birthday which the elder statesman celebrated on 25th May, 2024.
The delegation said while they appreciate the fact that the birthday was celebrated about two months ago and would have embarked on the visit earlier, the fact that Chief Clark travelled to the United Kingdom shortly after the birthday celebrations, for his routine medical check-up, was responsible for their late visit.
The leader of the delegation said the visit was also to show appreciation for the selfless leadership qualities Chief Clark has shown in piloting the affairs of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, (SMBLF), an umbrella body made up of the people of the Middlebelt, South-East, South-South and the South-West.
The delegation said the Igbos are particularly grateful to Chief Clark for always speaking out for them, against the perceived discriminations and injustices perpetrated against them in the country.
They prayed God to continue to keep Chief Clark in sound health and mind, as he continues to speak out against discrimination, marginalization and oppression.
Amb. Godknows Igali praised the resilience of the Igbo community. The delegation included notable figures like Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike and Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu.
Politics
Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity
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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.
Politics
2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs
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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?
Politics
Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership
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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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