Politics
Northern leaders unite against Tinubu, move to strategize for 2027
Notable leaders from northern Nigeria are coming together for a pivotal summit focused on revitalising the region’s political and economic power, ahead of the 2027 elections.
This was revealed in Abuja on Tuesday, during a gathering of the League of Northern Democrats, a group comprising former governors, senators, and other prominent figures from the region.
The central theme of the initiative, set to be officially announced at a summit in Kaduna, revolves around addressing the region’s political trajectory, economic growth and security issues.
The 2023 general election in the country saw power returning to the southern part of the country, after eight years of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.
Two of the major presidential candidates in the election, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party were from the South West and South East respectively, with the Peoples Democratic Party presenting a northerner, Atiku Abubakar.
The recent #Endbadgovernance protest went wild across the northern states, with protesters holding Russian flags, demanding the overthrow of the democratically-elected President
Miffed by the development, Vice President Kashim Shettima, in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation Hausa Service, said the North would soon summon a high-level meeting of the northern stakeholders, which will include governors, politicians, business executives and traditional leaders, to discuss issues related to the region.
He said the violence witnessed in the North during the protest was the result of leadership failure.
Speaking on the plan for a northern summit on Tuesday, the Protem Chairman of the LND and former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said, “The LND resolved to organise a Northern Nigerian Political Summit, to be held in Kaduna.
“This summit will serve as a platform for discussing the region’s political future, economic development, and security challenges. It will bring together key leaders, thinkers, and influencers to chart a new course for the North.”
In an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the meeting, Shekarau expressed the group’s concern about the progress of the region.
He said the group intended to evaluate the challenges confronting the North, particularly security issues, and create a document detailing possible solutions to tackle the problems.
“We came together to analyse and review the problem bedevilling the northern part of Nigeria. We said we need to embark on general societal reorientation, to enlighten the people on what are their basic challenges and their basic needs.
“It is apolitical though. It is not about any person or any political party, and it is necessarily not about 2027. It is an all-time issue. We want to produce a document, which is not about a year, two-year, or 10-year issue.
“The whole idea is to produce a document that we can confront anybody seeking our votes that these are the aspirations of our people and we want you to assure us that this will be part of your guiding principles.”
In a communiqué jointly signed by the convener, Umar Ardo, and the interim secretary, Emmanuel Jime, the LND announced its resolution to unify the North and reestablish it as a dominant force in national politics.
To achieve this, the group planned to invite prominent northern stakeholders, including former heads of state, current and former vice presidents, and former Senate presidents to rally support for the initiative.
According to the communique, the LND would engage with past Speakers of the House of Representatives, former security chiefs, and other influential figures to gather widespread backing for their efforts.
“The LND resolved to prioritise the political unity of Northern Nigeria. Recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our ranks, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity.
“This unity will serve as the foundation for our efforts to reposition the North as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape,” it stated.
PUNCH
Politics
Obi: Adeboye Is Right, Tinubu Has Tried His Best
National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to recent remarks by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, , agreeing that President Bola Tinubu has done his best to address Nigeria’s security challenges but arguing that his best is no longer enough.
Obi made the remarks during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, uploaded on YouTube on Thursday, while explaining why Nigerians should support his presidential ambition over other opposition candidates.
Asked why he should be elected president, Obi urged Nigerians to evaluate his past record alongside his current vision for the country.
“It’s for you to look at my past and look at what I’m saying now,” he said.
Responding to Adeboye’s recent comments on Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, Obi described the respected cleric as a sincere and credible religious leader whose assessment was fair.
“Somebody asked me yesterday, they said that Pastor Adeboye said Tinubu has tried his best and he’s not happy. And I said, no, Pastor Adeboye remains a very revered, respected religious father, whom I believe in his genuineness and goodness.
“And what he said was correct. He said he has tried his best. He’s trying his best. That’s it. It’s the correct answer.
“The question to ask is: Is his best good enough? Where we find ourselves today, that leads to the issue of capacity.”
Obi maintained that effective leadership is defined by competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character, arguing that Nigeria’s persistent security challenges demonstrate the need for a leadership change.
“When I talk about leadership, I say competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, character. These are the issues. President Tinubu is tired. He needs to go home and rest,” Obi said.
Adeboye had earlier defended President Tinubu against criticisms over worsening insecurity during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23.
The cleric argued that the President had fulfilled his responsibility by issuing directives to the military, stressing that a commander-in-chief was not expected to personally participate in combat operations.
“I don’t support those who are accusing the President of not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” Adeboye said.
Despite defending the President’s role, Adeboye expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that terrorism and kidnapping had spread beyond northern Nigeria into the southern parts of the country.
He also revealed that he advised the President to issue a 90-day ultimatum to military commanders to either end the insecurity or resign, while urging the government to identify and prosecute those sponsoring terrorist activities.
Politics
Nwifuru’s Quiet Politics Faces Its Biggest Test as the 2027 Battle Takes Shape
Politics
Peter Obi Alleges Harassment, Says He May Not Be Alive to Contest 2027 Election
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), , has expressed concern over what he described as persistent harassment and frustration ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Obi alleged that the actions of the current administration have made his daily activities increasingly difficult and negatively affected his means of livelihood.
The former Anambra State governor claimed he faces constant obstacles and said the pressure has become so intense that he cannot be certain he will be alive to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
“With the way this government is going, I may not even be alive to contest the 2027 election. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is deliberately frustrating. I face frustration every day,” Obi said.
He also alleged that he recently experienced an incident at an airport where his vehicle was locked, citing it as an example of the challenges he claims to be facing.
Obi did not provide further details about the airport incident or identify those allegedly responsible for the action.
Politics
Senate: Odoh Unveils Vision to Make Ebonyi Central Globally Competitive
The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, , has unveiled an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at positioning the district as a globally competitive hub for innovation, technology, agriculture and enterprise.
In a statement addressed to the people of Ebonyi Central, Odoh thanked the leadership of the NDC, party members, stakeholders and supporters for entrusting him with the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.
He described his emergence as a call to service and pledged to pursue legislative initiatives capable of attracting federal interventions, strategic investments and economic opportunities to the district.
According to him, the future of Ebonyi Central depends on electing a senator who can shape transformative legislation, influence national budgets, strengthen oversight and build partnerships that deliver sustainable development.
Odoh argued that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, digital technology, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and precision agriculture require proactive policies to ensure Ebonyi Central is not left behind in the global economy.
He said his legislative priorities would include expanding broadband infrastructure, promoting digital innovation and skills centres, attracting agro-processing and mineral beneficiation industries, and supporting modern agricultural practices to improve productivity and create jobs.
The NDC candidate also promised to unveil a five-part SMART Legislative Agenda detailing plans to strengthen education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, agriculture and investment through purposeful legislation and strategic federal advocacy.
He urged residents of Ebonyi Central to support a vision that would transform the district into a centre of innovation, enterprise and shared prosperity, with the goal of delivering “prosperity in every home, jobs, wealth and opportunity.”
Politics
2027: Nwifuru Plays Safe as Cold War Brews, Denies Rift with Wike
The Ebonyi State Government has moved to dispel speculations of a rift between Governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, NyesomWike, insisting that the governor never threatened the minister and that reports suggesting otherwise were politically motivated.
The clarification comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, following remarks made by Governor Nwifuru during the June 15 endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at the .
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh, dismissed allegations by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the governor had threatened Wike.
According to Omebeh, the governor’s remarks were directed at opposition figures allegedly exploiting Wike’s name to spread misinformation and stoke political tension in Ebonyi State, not at the FCT minister himself.
He explained that Nwifuru’s use of the word “consume” was figurative and merely signified that individuals bent on disrupting public peace would face the full weight of the law if they refused to desist.
“The attention of the Ebonyi State Government has been drawn to statements issued by the national leadership of the two factions of the PDP, as well as media reports concerning remarks made by Governor Francis Nwifuru during the endorsement rally,” Omebeh said.
“We wish to state categorically that at no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issue any threat against the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.”
The commissioner maintained that Governor Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect, describing attempts to portray them as political rivals as false and mischievous.
He accused the PDP and some media outlets of twisting the governor’s comments to manufacture an unnecessary dispute between the two leaders for political gain.
Omebeh also urged the opposition to focus on resolving its internal leadership crisis instead of criticising the Nwifuru administration, arguing that the PDP lacked the moral standing to lecture the government on governance.
He further claimed that the opposition had lost political relevance in Ebonyi State and would not pose a serious challenge to the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming the government’s position, the commissioner said the people of Ebonyi State remained firmly behind Governor Nwifuru and would demonstrate that support at the polls, insisting that attempts to create an imaginary rift between the governor and Wike would ultimately fail.
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