Politics
Rivers crisis: Tinubu stop Fubara’s removal, protesters arrested
President Bola Tinubu and the Peoples Democratic Party governors on Tuesday intervened to stop the impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The President conferred with the embattled governor and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, disclosed this shortly after the Nigeria Police Council met for the first time under the Tinubu administration.
Both Wike and Fubara had attended the meeting which was held at the State House.
However, photographs and videos capturing the moment were muffled by security operatives who threatened any media house that published them with eviction from the Presidential Villa.
Some cameramen confided that while others were asked not to take photographs and videos of the two men, those who had done so before the directive were asked not to publish them.
This happened as the police arrested about 120 youths in Port Harcourt for protesting the moves to impeach the governor.
Sources said the youth had attempted to invade the official residence of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, in Port Harcourt, but they were repelled by the police, who dispersed them with gunshots.
The youth were demanding Amaewhule’s eviction, claiming that he was no longer the House Speaker.
The protesters had attempted to pull down the gates to the speaker’s residence while demanding his eviction from the building but the police quickly responded to the situation and arrested some of them.
It was gathered that a stray bullet hit one of the youth who bled profusely and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
But a member of the Ijaw Youths Council, who simply gave his name as Thankgod, condemned the arrest, saying, “We did not touch his (Amaewhule’s) gate. We were just at a peaceful protest over what took place at the state House of Assembly.
“You know that some members (lawmakers) said they had signed a notice of impeachment on the governor, and we said it is illegal. It was a peaceful protest. You can see we are not armed.”
Online videos showed the youth sitting on the ground at the premises of the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau in Port Harcourt.
Our correspondent gathered that among those arrested was the state Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Chijioke Ihunwo.
Ihunwo, before his later arrest said the youth would continue the occupation until they were sure that Fubara was secured.
He stated, “I want to condemn what happened in the state on Monday that a few persons want to cause a crisis in our state by wanting to impeach the governor of the state, Fubara.’’
Police spokesman
When contacted, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Irnge-Koko said she would find out and get back to our correspondent.
But she had yet to do as of the time of filing this report on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, a senior police source confirmed the incident, saying, “Those arrested are about 200. One of them is the Chairman of NYCN, Chijioke Ihunwo.
“One was seriously injured. The ones arrested are in custody,” he stated.
However, an official police source said no fewer than 120 protesters were arrested by the police.
Reacting to the arrest, the Spokesman for the Ijaw Youths Council, Worldwide, Bedford Benjamin, confirmed the development but said the youth had no intention of attacking Amaewhule’s residence.
He said the aggrieved youth only went there on a peaceful protest and condemned the decision of security agents to fire at them.
Benjamin said there was an unconfined report that someone was killed by the bullets adding that many of the protesters sustained injuries.
He said one of the youth and Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, Ihunwo and many others were arrested and thrown into a cell.
Bedford said: “We condemn in strong terms the sporadic shooting at peaceful protesters at the factional speaker’s residential area in Rivers state. One person is feared dead from the shooting many others sustained gun wounds and other degrees of injuries.
“We demand the unconditional release of the chairman of Rivers State Youth Council and the numerous Ijaw youths who are being arrested and detained unlawfully.
“Peaceful protests are backed by law, and anybody who is bent on usurping the will of the people will be resisted by the people.”
Continuing, he said, “We urge those saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the state not to play politics in the discharge of their duty as that can lead to further dangerous outcomes.
“The IYC calls on the Federal Government to step in immediately before the outcome disrupt the economy of the state and by extension the nation. We cannot afford this level of civil criminality in a democratic system”.
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Earlier on Tuesday, the youth occupied the entrance leading to the Government House along Azikiwe Road, Port Harcourt as they continued their Monday protest against the planned impeachment of the governor by some lawmakers.
The protesters vowed to resist any attempt to oust Governor Fubara from office through the back door
The youth numbering over 1,000 besieged the Government House gate with music bands dancing and singing in solidarity in support of the governor.
The state Chairman of the NYCN, Ihunwo, who was one of the leaders before his later arrest said the youth would continue the occupation until they are sure that Fubara is secured.
He stated, “I want to condemn what happened in the state on Monday that a few persons, who want to cause a crisis in our state by wanting to impeach the governor of the state, Fubara.
“It is uncalled for. This is just the beginning and we are going to occupy the streets. We are saying no to godfatherism. The youths will occupy the streets because we have a governor that has a passion for Rivers youths.”
The incident occurred 24 hours after 26 members moved to remove Fubara over the alleged breach.
Bauchi gov
Confirming Tinubu’s intervention on Tuesday after the Villa meeting, the Bauchi State governor said, “The President is on a call; He is speaking to both parties to douse the tension.”
The former FCT Minister further explained, “We had a closed session where very serious national issues that have security implications were discussed. That is the problem emerging in Rivers.
“The President, in his usual leadership position, intervened, and then it will appear there will be peace in that respect. He has shown that he’s a President for everybody. A President of the PDP and a president of the APC by intervening today and bringing succour and solace to the people of Rivers and Nigeria.
“He is making sure he did not use his big hammer and biro to emasculate us as the opposition. We found this to be very good. And going forward, we pledge that we are going to work with him to bring good governance to the people of Nigeria.”
Also, governors elected on the PDP have intervened in the crisis.
The Chairman PDP Governors’ Forum, Mohammed in a communiqué read after a meeting of the group at the Oyo State Lodge in Abuja, commended the President for his intervention in the Rivers State political crisis.
He said, “The PDP governors were alarmed at the recent developments in Rivers State and welcome the intervention of Mr. President to bring the crises to an end. The meeting urged all parties to the Rivers State crises to sheath their sword and resort to peaceful means of resolution
“The forum further offers its platform for a quick and just containment of the issues involved.”
‘Crisis resolved’
After reading the prepared speech, Mohammed explained that the crisis between Wike and Fubara had been resolved.
He said: “As you can see, our brother governor is here; he has resolved the matter with his mentor.”
Meanwhile, the kinsmen of the Rivers governor from the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality have called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately redeploy the state Commissioner of Police, Emeke Nwonyi, over the crisis that rocked the state House of Assembly and the attack the governor suffered on Monday.
The kinsmen under the aegis of ‘Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard’ a Pro-Peoples Democratic Party Support group, while condemning the activities of the Nigeria Police Force, said it was most embarrassing that CP Nwonyi-led state command supervised the ill-treatment meted out on the governor without recourse to professionalism.
Former Chairman of the Andoni Local Government Area of the state, Gogo-Ogute Isaiah, made the call at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, saying the attitude of the CP portrayed him as incompetent.
Politics
Awkunanaw Clan gives ‘Ofo’ to their son, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, the NDC 2027 Enugu state Guber candidate
The people of Awkunanaw clan comprising 22 autonomous communities that span Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas of Enugu state declared their total support for the governorship ambition of their son, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, who is the National Democratic Convention, NDC, 2027 governorship candidate for Enugu state.
The elders and thousands of the people of these 22 communities namely, Omuoha, Amechi Obuoffia, Ndi Uno Obuoffia, Amangwu, Ndi Agu Obuoffia, Amegu Akegbe, Attakwu, Obeaghu, Akegbe Ugwu(Okwuo) Umuatugbuoma, Umueze, Amechi Uwani, Amechi Uno, Amechi, Ugwuaji, Obegu Ugwuaji, Akwuke, Akwuke Uwani, Amodu Okowo, Okpebe, Obeagu, and Obeagu Uno gathered in their ancestral home, Ihuani Okunano at Ndi Uno Obuoffia where they prayed and gave the traditional ‘Ofo’ to Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, endorsing him, and expressing their total support, for his 2027 governorship ambition.
The elders led by the oldest man in the clan, the 104 years-old Chief Emmanuel Agwa Onovo from Akegbe Ugwu (Okwuo), extolled the public life and philantropy of Sir Chinyeaka, and prayed that God and the good people of Enugu State would vote for his victory in the 2027 governorship election. They recalled the hundreds of people of Awkunanaw clan and beyond who have been lifted by his philantropy, and how he single-handedly built the magnificient Akpasha town hall, the meeting venue of the Awkunanaw clan.
“The significance of the event,” according to the eldest man in the clan who presided over the ceremony, “is that the ‘Ofo’ provides a spiritual shield, acting as a direct link to the ancestors and God, serving as spiritual licence that justifies the warrior’s cause”
Chief Mark Ngene, a 98 year old former Director in Enugu state Local System, and a leading voice in Awkunanaw Clan, said, “Sir Chinyeaka’s public service record presents him as the people’s warrior and a trusted son of Igbo land who, as he goes to battle, is, today, the 19th day of August, 2026, presented with an ‘Ofo’ staff which serves as a sacred act of spiritual arming, devine endorsement rooted in a ]covenant of truth and an impending overwhelming victory in the 2027 governorship election”
Speaking after recieving the ‘Ofo,’ Sir Chinyeaka thanked the elders, the Awkunanaw people, NDC candidates and supporters, who graced the occassion. He said, “What you just witnessed, today, the 19th day of August 2026, marking the commencement of electioneering campaign for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, is the gifting of the victory baton, traditionally called, ‘Ofo,’ in Igbo land, given to my humble self by the Awkunanaw clan, led by the Council of Elders, the traditional ‘Ofo’ custodians, ‘aka ji ‘Ofo,’ of the 22 autonomous communities of the clan.
‘Ofo’ is imbued with authority over adversaries and enables the holder to triumph over obstacles and or challenges. I recall that on this ground where I am standing, stood His Excellency Jim Nwobodo in 1979 during the build-up to the then Anambra State governorship election, and recieved this same sacred ‘Ofo’ from the elders of Awkunanaw clan. He, subsequently, won the governorship election. Similarly, in 2004, on this same spot, this same ‘Ofo’ was given to Distinguished Senator Ken Nnamani when he contested the position of the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he, too, won.”
Concluding, he said, “With this ‘Ofo,’ I am now fully prepared to go for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu state and win seamlessly to the glory of God.”
Several NDC chieftains and candidates in the 2027 election attended the ceremony. They included the deputy governorship candidate, Chief Frank Omeje, Enugu West Senatorial candidate, Chief Chinedu Ene. Others were House of Representatives candidates: Awgu/Aninri/Oji River, Dr. John Nwokeabia, Nsukka/Igboeze South, Dr. Hilary Onyishi (Ikemba), Nkanu West/Nkanu East, Hon. El shaddai Chinemerem Ike, Igbo Etiti/Uzouwani, Barr. Fide Ani. House of Assembly candidate for Enugu South Urban constituency, Mrs Ngozi Agbo, was also present.
Other NDC Chieftains present were Barr. Emeka Okeke, former Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Kentus Eze, former SPA to Governor Ugwuanyi, Chief Emeka Madu, former member Enugu state House of Assembly, Chief Hycinth Ngwu, former APC Chieftain and Director, FAAN, Dr Vincent Obeta, former MD NEWMAP, Dr. Anthony Okenwa-Ani, former Chairman, Nkanu Local Government, and a host of others.
Politics
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu: Bringing Enterprise, Experience and Grassroots Leadership to Ezza South/Ikwo
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, popularly known by his traditional title, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, is a Nigerian entrepreneur, political leader, community mobiliser, philanthropist and development advocate seeking to represent the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
His journey from entrepreneurship and community service to political leadership has been shaped by a commitment to enterprise, grassroots development, human capital and a firm belief that effective representation must translate into tangible opportunities for the people.
Hon. Chukwu hails from Enyim Agalagu, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was born into the distinguished family of the late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, a respected entrepreneur and founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.
Growing up under a father whose life reflected discipline, enterprise, hard work and responsibility had a profound influence on him. From an early age, he learnt that success carries an obligation to society and that leadership is ultimately measured by the positive difference a person makes in the lives of others.
His family background also exposed him to the diversity of Nigeria. With maternal roots in Northern Nigeria and significant relationships across different parts of the country, he developed an appreciation for Nigeria’s diverse cultures, traditions and communities.
That national exposure, however, has never weakened his connection to his ancestral home. He has remained deeply rooted in Ikwo and maintains strong relationships with youths, women, elders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Education and Preparation for Public Leadership
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu holds a degree in Political Science from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
His interest in democratic governance, elections and legislative institutions led him to the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), where he obtained a Master’s degree in Elections and Party Politics.
He is also commencing a PhD programme at NILDS, further deepening his academic engagement with democratic institutions, elections, legislative governance and public leadership.
His academic training complements years of practical experience in business, political organisation, community mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.
For Chukwu, politics is not simply about occupying public office. It is about understanding the institutions of government and using them effectively to deliver meaningful development.
Entrepreneurship and Private-Sector Leadership
As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lykombop Nigeria Limited, Hon. Chukwu has been involved in infrastructure, transportation, technology, energy, investment facilitation and strategic development partnerships.
His entrepreneurial outlook is centred on identifying opportunities that can create jobs, attract investment, open markets and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.
One of his notable technology initiatives is the Made in Nigeria Mobile App (MIN), conceived as a digital ecosystem designed to connect Nigerian manufacturers, producers, entrepreneurs and service providers with consumers and markets.
The initiative reflects his broader advocacy for local content, indigenous enterprise, digital inclusion, industrialisation and job creation.
His belief is straightforward: Nigeria must strengthen its capacity to produce, promote and consume Nigerian-made goods while creating an environment in which local businesses can grow.
Championing Technology and Sustainable Transportation
Chukwu’s development interests extend beyond conventional business into emerging technologies and sustainable transportation.
As Coordinator of the Electric Vehicles for Africa (EWEVA) initiative, he has promoted conversations around electric and alternative-energy transportation, charging infrastructure, technology transfer and public-private partnerships.
His engagements in this area have broadened his network across Africa and internationally while reinforcing his belief that African countries should not remain passive consumers of emerging technologies.
He advocates greater African participation in the industries, skills, infrastructure and partnerships that will shape the continent’s economic future.
Grassroots Development and Human Empowerment
For Hon. Chukwu, development begins with people.
Through the Ochiri Ozua Youth Foundation and various personal interventions, he has supported initiatives involving youth development, education, mentorship, economic empowerment and community advancement.
His approach to community leadership is based on accessibility. Despite his exposure to business, political and international circles, he remains comfortable engaging directly with ordinary citizens, community elders, young people and grassroots stakeholders.
Those who know him describe him as sociable, approachable and willing to interact freely with people regardless of their social standing.
He believes that leaders lose touch with their responsibilities when they become disconnected from the people they seek to serve.
From Community Engagement to Politics
Hon. Chukwu’s political journey evolved from years of community involvement, political participation and advocacy for development.
His experiences have given him exposure to party organisation, grassroots mobilisation, electoral competition, political negotiation and the complexities of democratic representation.
Over time, he became convinced that sustainable change requires not only private-sector initiatives and community interventions but also effective participation in the institutions where laws, budgets and national priorities are determined.
That conviction informed his decision to seek election to the House of Representatives for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency.
Following consultations with political stakeholders, community leaders, youths, women and supporters, he emerged as the NDC candidate for the constituency after a competitive primary process.
For him, the nomination is not the destination. It is an opportunity to build a wider movement around effective representation, accountability and constituency development.
A Vision for Ezza South and Ikwo
At the centre of Chukwu’s political proposition is the belief that representation must go beyond occupying a seat in the National Assembly.
He believes an effective representative must understand the legislative process, contribute meaningfully to lawmaking and oversight, attract opportunities and interventions to the constituency, and remain accessible to the people throughout the tenure.
His development priorities include:
- Education and human-capital development;
- Youth and women empowerment;
- Agriculture and agro-processing;
- Healthcare;
- Infrastructure development;
- Technology and digital inclusion;
- Entrepreneurship and employment creation;
- Community security; and
- Greater economic opportunities for families and businesses.
He places particular emphasis on young people, whom he regards as the constituency’s greatest long-term asset.
His vision is to equip young people with education, vocational and digital skills, entrepreneurial opportunities and access to networks that can enable them to compete across Nigeria and internationally.
He also sees enormous potential in the agricultural strength of Ezza South and Ikwo. According to this vision, agriculture should evolve beyond subsistence production through better processing, storage, market access, infrastructure and investment.
Building Bridges Between Government and Enterprise
Chukwu’s private-sector experience has shaped his belief that government cannot solve every developmental challenge alone.
He argues that effective representation should create bridges between government institutions, communities, businesses, investors and development organisations.
Such partnerships, he believes, can unlock opportunities that may not be available through government funding alone.
His objective is therefore to position Ezza South and Ikwo to benefit from government programmes, private investment, technology, development partnerships and emerging economic opportunities.
A Bridge Across Communities and Generations
One of Chukwu’s defining characteristics is his ability to operate across different social, cultural and professional environments.
His roots are firmly established in Ikwo, while his maternal heritage and national exposure have given him relationships across different parts of Nigeria.
His business engagements have also connected him to national and international networks, while his grassroots activities have kept him closely connected to the communities he seeks to represent.
These experiences have shaped a worldview that is local in commitment but national in outlook.
He sees Ezza South and Ikwo as communities that should be connected to opportunities across Nigeria and the wider global economy.
The Man Behind the Public Profile
Away from politics and business, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu is a family man, husband and father.
He values friendship, loyalty, compassion and respect for people irrespective of their social standing.
His traditional title, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, is an important part of his public identity and relationship with the grassroots. To him, traditional recognition is not merely a privilege but a responsibility to remain accessible, protect community interests and use one’s influence for the advancement of others.
His faith in God also remains central to his personal philosophy, with his journey in enterprise, community leadership and public service shaped by perseverance, divine grace and the support of people who have believed in him.
A New Proposition for Representation
As he seeks the mandate of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu presents himself as more than a politician seeking office.
He brings to the contest a combination of entrepreneurial experience, academic preparation, grassroots engagement, community leadership and national and international networks.
His message is built around a simple proposition:
Representation must be visible.
Representation must be accessible.
Representation must attract opportunities.
Representation must produce measurable results.
He believes that elected representatives must remain connected to the communities that gave them their mandate and must continually demonstrate the value of that mandate through action.
For Ezza South and Ikwo, his aspiration is to build a constituency where the people have a stronger voice in Abuja, young people have clearer pathways to opportunity, communities attract meaningful development, and elected leadership remains accountable to the people.
Guided by the values of hard work, courage, integrity, compassion, enterprise, loyalty and service, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, Ochiri Ozua I of Amagu, seeks to bring his experience and networks to the service of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and, ultimately, to the service of Nigeria.
His Philosophy
“Leadership is a sacred trust. Its true measure is not the position a person occupies, but the opportunities created, the lives improved and the legacy left for generations yet unborn.”
Politics
2027: Kevin Chukwu Challenges Chinedu Ogah, Says Ezza South/Ikwo Deserves a Fresh Direction
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has responded to recent comments by the incumbent lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, urging voters to compare their records, capacity and programmes ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Chukwu described Ogah as his brother and said he respected his right to seek another term, but maintained that he equally had the democratic right to present himself as an alternative to the electorate.
According to him, the 2027 election should not be about personal rivalry but about allowing the people of Ezza South and Ikwo to decide who should represent them.
On Ogah’s bid for another term, Chukwu clarified that his argument was not based on any constitutional restriction on the number of terms a member of the House of Representatives could serve.
Rather, he said, after eight years in office, Ogah’s record should be subjected to public scrutiny to determine whether constituents wanted continuity or a fresh direction.
Chukwu also disputed Ogah’s claim that he defeated him in his polling unit in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
He explained that he supported Ogah during both elections and actively worked for his victories.
“You cannot defeat someone who was working for your victory,” Chukwu said, adding that the circumstances would be different in 2027 because both men would be seeking the same mandate.
He challenged Ogah to allow voters to determine the winner at the polls.
Chukwu also questioned Ogah’s claim that about 15 people from his village, Enyim Agalagu, secured federal employment through his intervention.
He said he had made enquiries within the community but could not identify anyone who benefited from such intervention.
The NDC candidate challenged the lawmaker to publish the names of the alleged beneficiaries and the federal establishments where they were employed, promising to publicly acknowledge Ogah if the claims were verified.
On the 500KVA transformer reportedly installed at Ukwuinyinma Village, Chukwu acknowledged that the transformer was physically present but questioned its impact on the community.
He claimed that Ukwuinyinma had never enjoyed electricity supply from the transformer and argued that a project should be measured by its functionality and impact on residents.
Chukwu also addressed Ogah’s reference to a N150,000 financial assistance he once received from him.
He confirmed receiving the money after approaching Ogah for assistance during a difficult period, but rejected the suggestion that the assistance amounted to political sponsorship.
According to him, receiving help from an elected representative does not mean a constituent forfeits the right to disagree politically or contest against the representative in a future election.
The NDC candidate further defended his financial capacity and political ambition, describing himself as the son of the late Chief Tobias Chukwu, Omeruoha I of Alike, founder of BEAS Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.
He said he grew up in an entrepreneurial environment and had remained involved in business, investments and enterprise throughout his adult life.
Chukwu also defended his ability to speak Hausa, describing his connections and ability to communicate across Nigeria as an advantage that could help him attract opportunities and partnerships to Ezza South and Ikwo if elected.
He said his manifesto would focus on education, employment, agriculture and agro-processing, electricity, infrastructure, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, legislation, oversight and effective constituency representation.
Chukwu accepted Ogah’s challenge to present his manifesto and urged both candidates to take their programmes directly to the people.
He said the electorate should compare Ogah’s eight-year record with his own experience, capacity and plans for the constituency.
“I am not contesting to make up numbers. I am not in this race to negotiate with anybody. I am contesting to win the mandate of the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and to offer a fresh direction in representation,” he declared.
Chukwu appealed for a peaceful and issue-based campaign, insisting that the election should focus on records, ideas, capacity and the future of the constituency.
He stressed that regardless of the outcome, Chinedu Ogah would remain his brother and that the legitimate choice of the electorate must be respected.
“The people will have the final word,” Chukwu said.
In Hausa-language video interview shared on 𝕏, Atiku said after securing the presidential ticket in 2007, Tinubu sent five elders, including Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande, and three others, to meet with him, requesting to be his running mate.
Atiku said he opposed Tinubu’s proposal because a Muslim-Muslim ticket would not be in the best interest of the country.
He said, “He said he would back me to secure the ticket. After I got the ticket, he sent five elders among them Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande and three others. They told me that Tinubu wanted to be my running mate. I told them that, as Christians they should understand that it was inappropriate for me to pick a Muslim as my running mate.
“I asked them why they could not tell him that. I told them that I could not accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, because it would not be of the best interest of our country. He broke away and backed the late President Umaru Musa Ya’adua, may his soul rest in peace.”
Speaking further, Atiku said they parted ways and did not find themselves in the same political camp until 2014 during Buhari’s campaign.
Atiku said late Buhari solicited for his support during a meeting at his (former Vice President’s) residence, and he gave a condition that Tinubu must not be his running mate.
According to Atiku, Buhari agreed to the condition but Tinubu got upset over the late former President’s failure to keep to his promise.
Atiku also said that Buhari declined to work with a female running mate when Tinubu suggested his wife, Oluremi, who is a Christian.
He added, “I returned to Abuja after the convention and Late President Muhammadu Buhari visited me at my residence. He told me that he had contested the primary election and won, but needed support to win the secondary election, saying he could not win without my support.
“I gave him one condition because I learnt that Tinubu wanted Buhari to pick him as his running mate. I assured him I will support on the condition that he will not do Muslim-Muslim ticket. After about five minutes of thought, he assured me would not.Executive Branch
“Tinubu was so upset, saying that Buhari had not kept his promise, and so on. He was eventually calmed down. He later asked Buhari to pick his wife since she is a Christian, but Buhari declined to work with a female running mate.
“Clerics were involved in the ensuing disagreement, but in the end, Tinubu was convinced to nominate Osibanjo who was his Attorney-General and a Christian and Buhari accepted the nomination.”
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Chief Kevin Chukwu, has declared that he is contesting the election to win and provide what he described as purposeful and people-oriented representation.
Chukwu made the declaration while reacting to social media reports alleging that he was being sponsored by political opponents or merely contesting to secure recognition as a candidate.
The NDC candidate dismissed the claims as attempts to distract the electorate, insisting that he enjoys strong grassroots support across the constituency and is fully focused on building a formidable campaign ahead of the election.
He said he would soon unveil his manifesto and campaign strategies, which, according to him, would focus on the needs and aspirations of the people of Ezza South and Ikwo.
“Those saying I am not serious or that I am not contesting to win are jokers sponsored by my opponents to distract the electorate. I am prepared to launch my grassroots campaign, where I will unveil a people-centred manifesto that will speak directly to the needs of the people of Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency,” he said.
Chukwu also criticised the current representation of the constituency, arguing that the incumbent, who he said had served two terms, should give way to another person in 2027.
“We all know the current person occupying the position. He has been there for two tenures, and it is time for him to come back home for another person to go, because we don’t do third term in our constituency,” he said.
He further alleged that the incumbent’s programmes and projects had not been sufficiently inclusive, claiming that the benefits had largely been limited to a section of the constituency.
According to Chukwu, “the people are already tired of his representation and are ready to bring him home in 2027.”
The NDC candidate urged his supporters and other constituents not to be discouraged by what he described as “fake speculations,” assuring them that his campaign would soon commence at the grassroots.
“I wish to call on all our supporters and people of our constituency not to be discouraged by their fake speculations or be intimidated by the APC thugs. By the grace of God, our grassroots campaign will showcase the plans of NDC, and I am certain that all NDC candidates will emerge victorious, right from the presidential candidate down to the State House of Assembly,” he said.
Chukwu also disclosed that he would soon unveil his campaign team as part of preparations for the 2027 election.
He promised that, if elected, his legislative agenda would prioritise human empowerment, infrastructural development and the promotion of laws and policies designed to improve the welfare of residents of Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency.
He added that his legislative representation would also seek to contribute to the broader development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
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