Obi

By Uzair Adam

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has urged 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to reconsider his vow to serve only one term if elected in 2027, warning that Nigeria’s political landscape often makes such commitments difficult to fulfil.

Obi has consistently maintained that he would be content with a single term in office, but Sule cautioned that the realities of governance and the influence of vested interests could force a change in such plans.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Friday, Sule noted that while a president might begin with the intention of serving for just one term, the pressures from political stakeholders could make the plan unrealistic.

“Peter Obi might say he wants to do one term, but it is not up to him,” Sule said. “Once he assumes office, powerful interests will pressure him, saying, ‘It’s our turn; you cannot do that to us,’ or even threaten legal action.”

Turning to the current administration’s performance, Sule commended President Bola Tinubu for economic reforms and efforts to bolster national security.

He highlighted the rise of Nigeria’s foreign reserves to about $40 billion and an increase in oil production from around 1.1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day as notable achievements.

“This government is indeed going in the right direction,” he said, while acknowledging that insecurity remains a challenge.

Sule called on governors and local government chairmen to use improved revenues to directly address the hardships citizens face.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A high-stakes coalition meeting involving prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, was thrown into chaos after delegates from Jigawa State protested over representation.

The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel and organized by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was temporarily halted when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, announced a delegate to speak on behalf of Jigawa State.

Angered by the selection, several Jigawa delegates stormed the stage, blocking the nominee and insisting they would not accept an imposed representative.

The confrontation prompted security personnel including police, DSS operatives, and private guards—to swiftly form a protective cordon around Atiku, Amaechi, and other leaders.

After tense moments, order was restored following appeals, with Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, and another delegate chosen to represent the state.

The incident highlights rising tensions within opposition ranks as key figures negotiate alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The African Union (AU) has called on the discontent presidential candidates to maintain peace and order as they seek redress over the outcome of the election results in court.

The AU’s Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, made the call in a statement he issued to journalists on Friday.

Challenging the outcome of the election results that declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner, both Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) have vowed to drag INEC to the court over the results.

Mahamat said, “In this regard, the Chairperson urges all stakeholders to uphold peace and the rule of law and further urges that any post-election dispute or grievance be pursued through the judicial system, as provided for by the law.”

“The Chairperson expresses his deep gratitude to H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, former president of the Republic of Kenya, for his outstanding leadership as head of the African Union Election Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Chairperson also extends his appreciation to ECOWAS and other partners for their fruitful collaboration in support of a peaceful election process in Nigeria.

“The Chairperson renews the commitment of the African Union to support the sisterly Federal Republic of Nigeria in her journey to deepen democracy, good governance, sustainable development and consolidate peace, security, and stability in the country,” he added.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State said that the All Progressive Congress’s (APC) Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has offered him a senatorial slot.

Wike also stated that other politicians from other party, including the Labour Party, are requesting for his support ahead the 2023 general elections.

Tinubu and Wike reportedly met in London last month amidst the political crisis storming the opposition party these days.

However, Wike did not accept the invitation by Tinubu to dump PDP and join the ruling party, APC.

Wike was qouted to have said, “When Tinubu offered me senate slot, I didn’t go for it. If I want power or want to be in power, I would have gone ahead to take the senatorial ticket. But I said no. That is a man who believes in equity, fairness, and justice.”

He added that, “Aside from Tinubu, who is from the APC, other political parties are talking to me as well including Labour Party because they all know my worth and how I can ensure that they win the 2023 poll.

“But I have not accepted any of the offers presented by those parties,” Wike stated.