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Only Tinubu can sack me – Wike

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that political power is earned through strength and strategic action, warning that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area remains a decisive force in Rivers State politics.

Wike also dismissed calls for his removal, stressing that the power to sack him lies solely with the President.

Wike spoke on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths.

PUNCH Online reports that the minister has been touring the state’s 23 local government areas to appreciate residents for their support in the 2023 elections and to canvass continued backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

Addressing the gathering, Wike stressed that politics should be guided by interest, not sentiment.

“There is no sentiment, there is no emotion. Politics is an interest; the interest of your people. Power is not given; we struggle for it. After all, if Donald Trump did not have power, would he go to Venezuela to pick a president? He wouldn’t. Because he has power, that’s why he can act,” Wike said.

“So for the people of Obio/Akpor, we have the power to dictate who becomes governor. All these people commenting from the sidelines, ask them if their local government, which produced only 5,000 votes, can challenge one that produced 40 per cent of the votes? Let us see how it will work.

“We will use our strength to punish them. Nobody has become governor in this state without Obio/Akpor making the pronouncement. Nobody has become the senator of Rivers East without Obio/Akpor deciding. So, if you like abusing us, after abusing us, come and look for the votes—and we will punish you with the votes.”

The former Rivers State governor also dismissed calls for his removal from office, stressing that such decisions rest solely with the President.

“Don’t bother about people who say ‘sack him.’ If my appointor believes I cannot offer anything again, he has the right, not that you should tell him. I am proud that the people of Obio/Akpor, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians know we have not disappointed them in the FCT,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Gift Worlu, praised Wike’s political influence, describing him as a major asset to the council, the state, and the nation. He commended Wike’s performance across various offices, including chairman, chief of staff, governor, and minister, and stressed the council’s loyalty to his leadership.

“When it comes to who should be President of Nigeria in 2027, we know where to go. As for the governorship of Rivers State, we know where not to go. We will not go the way of ingratitude, disappointment, or disloyalty,” Worlu said.

 

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Politics

JUST IN: Datti Baba-Ahmed Joins 2027 Presidential Race

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Wednesday formally announced his intention to run for president in 2027, amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition.

Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the announcement at a rally at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

His declaration comes just a week after Obi left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, a move that has sparked debate over the party’s future and the broader direction of the opposition ahead of the next general election.

Speaking to party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that his ambition is independent and predates the 2023 election.

“I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said. “Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired to the office. The records are there for you to see.”

He recalled his earlier attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the PDP primaries in 2018 before joining Obi in the Labour Party.

“In October 2018, I participated in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even walked to Obi for his vote. He smiled at me—a true gentleman. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to elect Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I went along with it,” Baba-Ahmed said.

Addressing concerns about religion and ethnicity, he highlighted that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.

“Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am first a Nigerian. The constitution allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also stressed that he would respect party and electoral rules.

“As a law-abiding citizen and loyal party member, I will wait for INEC’s timetable and the Labour Party leadership’s call for aspirants before taking further steps. But Nigerians know the truth,” he added.

His declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential race, as parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.

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Wike
Politics

Wike vows to handpick Gov Fubara’s replacement in 2027

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has declared that he is done with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, and will not repeat what he described as a mistake ahead of the 2027 election.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers state, spoke to his supporters over the weekend in Ahoada local government area of the state.

His words: “We will not make the mistake we made in 2023. I want to tell you now, are we going there? No, we are not going there. Are you hearing me? We are not going there.”

The minister said he would handpick a more pliant successor to replace Fubara in 2027, even as he accused Fubara of reneging on multiple agreements reached between them.

“As far as Rivers state is concerned, nobody will call me because you had a first agreement, somebody reneged; the second agreement, he reneged. Which one will he accept again? We would not make that mistake again,” he added.

Wike mocked supporters of the governor over the popular “on your mandate” slogan.

“Now, because opposition has collapsed, everybody is now shouting ‘on your mandate’. Why don’t you shout ‘on your mandate’ since? We have been shouting ‘on your mandate’ since,” he stated.

The former governor said Fubara’s reported defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not guarantee his support for re-election.

Wike said his loyalty to Bola Tinubu does not extend automatically to Fubara.

“I never hide it as far as Bola Ahmed Tinubu is concerned. There is nothing to think about. He has to complete his eight years because he has shown Rivers state love,” he said.

“Who would ever believe it in this world that a Rivers man would be a minister of FCT?” Wike added.

He said chanting “on your mandate” would not translate into an automatic ticket.

“So, if you like, shout ‘on your mandate’ 50 times a day, it will not give you an automatic ticket,” he said.

“If you like, bring everybody, shout ‘on your mandate’; that is not an automatic ticket,” he added.

Wike said he is not opposed to Tinubu but will insist on installing someone he can trust in Rivers state.

“We are not opposing Mr President, but in Rivers state, you go no say ‘kaki no be leather’,” he said.

“We will get somebody we can trust, go home, and sleep with our eyes closed,” Wike added.

The minister said politics is driven by interests and gratitude.

“Politics is about interest. If you don’t appreciate what people have done in your life, then you have a problem,” he said.

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Rotimi Amaechi
Politics

2027: Amaechi’s poster floods Kaduna

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Posters of Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, former minister of transportation, appeared across major streets in Kaduna over the weekend, fuelling speculation about early political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The posters, which featured Amaechi’s portrait, described him as “the only person to be trusted” and “the only man for the job”, with messages centred on unity, equality, stability and development.

Amaechi, who holds the traditional title of Dan Amanan Kasar Hausa of Daura, has previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.

Residents said the posters were sighted at strategic locations across the Kaduna metropolis, including Ahmadu Bello Way, Ali Akilu Way, the environs of the Kaduna state government house and the Kawo Bridge corridor leading towards Zaria.

Motorists and pedestrians were seen slowing down to observe the displays, particularly around Kawo Bridge, where early-morning traffic was briefly disrupted.

Although Amaechi has not made any formal declaration, the posters have intensified speculation about a renewed presidential ambition.

Amaechi contested the All Progressives Congress presidential primary in 2022, where he finished second behind President Bola Tinubu.

 

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Headlines

Tinubu will win 2027 poll – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed its optimism that President Bola Tinubu will emerge victorious in the next presidential election scheduled to take place in 2027.

The faction of the Igbo socio-political group led by Sunday Udeh, its President General said the chances that Tinubu will secure a second term in office are quite high.

Speaking in Lagos while hosting a reconciliation meeting convened by Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran known as Jandor, the Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, Udeh described Tinubu as an experienced leader who understands the needs of his people.

“We are not in doubt of his victory in 2027. We know our party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, will win again,” Udeh said.

At the meeting organised to foster peaceful co-existence between Igbo and Yoruba residents in Lagos state, Udeh highlighted the growing tension in the state following the recent demolition by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government.

He called on both ethnic groups to stay committed to living in peace, harmony and mutual respect for one another.

Udeh warned residents of the state, irrespective of their tribe and ethnicity, to stay away from sentiments or actions that could create divisions.

He further called on the Lagos State government to ensure it adopts a sustainable approach towards maintain a healthy engagement with the Igbo community and other ethnic groups in the state.

Reeling out some of the incidents that strained the relationship between the Igbos and the Yorubas in the 2023 general elections, Udeh assured that the group will sustain renewed dialogue and collaboration that would help strengthen mutual trust between both ethnicities.

“2027 is close. We know our party will take it. I am a member and will work for the party,” he added.

In his address, Charles Obih, the National President of the Market Leaders Association of Nigeria pledged the support of the umbrella body of the traders towards the re-election bid of President Tinubu.

He said, “We will mobilise our members to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election is smooth and successful by the grace of God.”

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Politics

PDP postpones NEC meeting as gale of defection looms

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The national working committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed the 103rd national executive committee (NEC) meeting.

The event was scheduled for October 15 at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, attributed the postponement to “recent developments” in the party.

Ologunagba said a new date for the NEC would be communicated to members.

“All NEC members should please note the postponement and be guided accordingly,” the statement reads.

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Headlines

2027: Jonathan will contest presidency, return to Aso Villa — Jerry Gana

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Minister of Information and Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, has disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan would contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Gana also expressed optimism that Jonathan would defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reclaim power after 10 years.

Recall that Jonathan, a sitting President was defeated by candiadate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) in the 2015 presidential election. His defeat ended PDP’s political dominance in the country after 16 years of the party being in power. Since then, the PDP has been battling with internal crisis and looking for ways to reclaim power.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the PDP Congress in Minna, Niger State, at the weekend ,Gana said Nigerians had experienced two other leaders after Jonathan and were now yearning for his return.

“In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians. After him, another President ruled for eight years, and now another has ruled for two years.

“Nigerians have seen the difference, and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan,” Gana said.

“I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as President again,” he added.

 

 

 

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Headlines

2027: PDP zones presidential ticket to South

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Peoples Democratic Party’s 102nd National Executive Committee meeting has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the existing National Working Committee zoning formula for the November elective convention.

Addressing journalists after the NEC meeting in Abuja on Monday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed that the decision followed the presentation of a report by the Zoning Committee chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

He added that the NEC also expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations for the November convention.

Ologunagba stated, ” NEC recommended that the North and South should retain their current NWC positions.

“NEC also resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket is hereby zoned to the South.”

Details shortly….

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Headlines

BREAKING: I Will Run in 2027 – Atiku

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he will contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing speculations that he may withdraw from the race.

He also used the opportunity to defend the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, stressing that although it could not influence the outcome of recent by-elections, it remains a formidable force capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

Atiku’s position was made public through his long-time associate and spokesperson during the 2023 elections, Tunde Olusunle, who disclosed the remarks to Thisday Newspaper on Sunday night.

Olusunle explained that Atiku was determined to rescue Nigeria from what he described as “intensive care” under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The former Vice President, who recently resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is aligned with the ADC, a party that has attracted several heavyweight politicians in recent months.

Atiku lamented what he described as the “mega-scale thievery, loss of values, and lack of accountability” under the present government, vowing that the ADC movement would “shock the world” by mobilising Nigerians to upstage the status quo in 2027.

“I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland,” Olusunle quoted him as saying after a private engagement with the former Vice President.

He further clarified that the coalition, which was adopted only a few months ago, could not have been expected to perform spectacularly in the by-elections that were just held. Nonetheless, he insisted that the ADC-led movement was a potent force with the capacity to deliver an upset in the next general election.

Atiku’s renewed declaration also comes amid reports suggesting that he might step back from the race. Over the weekend, Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, who represented Atiku at a defection event in Lagos, had suggested that the former Vice President was more focused on building a better Nigeria than on becoming president “at all costs.”

However, Atiku has since distanced himself from Olateju’s remarks. From his holiday home in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he reportedly clarified that the statement was not authorised.

“When people stand in for me at events, we preview my thoughts on the instant subject. In this particular instance, there was no engagement with me to distill my thoughts. Prof. Olateju was not speaking for me,” Atiku was quoted as saying.

“I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned. The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable.”

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Headlines

Jonathan joins 2027 Presidential Race

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed to contest the 2027 presidential election, a close political associate has confirmed.

The revelation was disclosed by a senior member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) familiar with ongoing consultations involving the former leader, Vanguard reports.

According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Dr. Jonathan has formally accepted calls by influential party stakeholders and national elders urging him to re-enter the race. “The decision has been made. He’s accepted to run. He wants to offer leadership once again to address the poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship currently ravaging the country,” the newspaper quoted the source.

Jonathan, who served as President between 2010 and 2015, is said to have agreed to a single-term presidency if elected. Political observers note that this one-term commitment is being used to persuade northern leaders, many of whom view it as a smooth path for power to rotate back to the North in 2031 without resistance from the South.

“He can only run for one term due to constitutional limits, and that’s why northern politicians are backing the idea. They see it as a transitional move,” the ally explained.

The former president has reportedly commenced consultations both within and outside the PDP. It is understood that last weekend, he met with former military president General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) in Minna, Niger State, where he reportedly briefed the elder statesman on his decision.

In the South-South, Jonathan is also said to be meeting key political stakeholders, including private engagements in Port Harcourt.

Though details of these meetings remain undisclosed, insiders insist that securing support from the region will not pose a challenge.

The PDP leadership is believed to be fully behind the move. Reports suggest that several party chieftains recently visited Jonathan in The Gambia to further persuade him. Speaking to BBC Hausa, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed that the party is in active discussions with Jonathan.

“Many Nigerians have now come to recognise the value of his past leadership. People are asking for his return, and we, as a party, are listening,” Abdullahi said.

He added that Jonathan has remained a loyal PDP member and that the party sees his potential return as a credible strategy to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Jonathan’s anticipated return, however, is reigniting constitutional debates over his eligibility. Following a 2018 constitutional amendment, Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a person who has been sworn in twice as president is barred from seeking the office again.

Legal experts remain divided on the matter.

Some argue the amendment disqualifies him, as he completed President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s term in 2010 before winning a full term in 2011. Others maintain that the law, signed in 2018, cannot be applied retroactively to Jonathan.

However, it should be noted that a 2022 ruling by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa favoured the former president, stating that the constitutional amendment could not invalidate his right to contest.

 

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