Politics

SOUTH EAST AND 2023 PRESIDENCY: Of ‘kindergarten’ President and analogous political permutations

Published

3 years ago

January 22, 2023

Advocate News Nigeria

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By Chuks Collins, Abuja

When Pastor Paul Osaromen dropped an usual prophetic message to the nation about four years ago in 2019 -that the Igbos of Nigeria should prepare to take over the rein of leadership of Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari, not many were too surprised.

Yes, because any discerning mind simply know that it was about time. About time to give these dogged never-say-die sons of the East opportunity to contribute their committed quota to the growth of this nation, Nigeria.

About time to get those who have practically and truly demonstrated their implicit belief in this nation by turning every hamlet of Nigeria into home and dwelling place, to lead the way. To lead the way, nurture our economy back to life again and encourage the rest part of Nigeria do same.

But in addition to the prophecy, Pastor Osaromen then shocked the wits off his congregation when he added that, the only major problem with an Igbo man mounting the saddle in Aso Rock for Nigeria to rise again would be his brethren, “the Igbo people”, to use his exact words.

In plain language, that it would be the Igbo sons and daughters that would block, blackmail, hinder and sabotage the chosen one!

That was four clear years ago. And today, from being a former running-mate to Alh Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, an Igbo man has moved from the shadows to become the man to beat in the fast approaching February 25,2023 presidential election. His rise and popularity was actually meteoric. No one really saw it coming.

His initial challenges came from his party men and women, who expected him to fork out between ten and twenty-five thousand dollars, or even more, for each of the delegates to the party’s Presidential Convention to elect the presidential flagbearer.

But the truth is that when the hand of God Almighty is involved, no one would hinder or stop His anointed. Obi read the mood accurately and instantly took a dignified walk, leaving behind all the political chicanery.

He didn’t just take a walk, he instantly resigned from the party having found out that the leadership has been taken over by people with insincere tongues/lifestyles. People who draw up laws and Constitution they won’t adhere to. And as the good book had charged us, -to run away fast from such persons, Obi ran. And even took away the heart and soul of the party and the people with him. And the G-5 Governors on our minds.

From what has been going on since his departure many months ago, he left behind a cacophonous bunch of irreconcilable persons, most of who believed that money is everything. People who apparently believed that the old ‘system’ would last forever and that the people would equally continue to be hoodwinked ad infinitum.

However for those who know Obi well, he’s someone who will never disobey God Almighty! So, he simply ran away from the party knowing full well that inconsistency had become the hallmark of her leadership. It means that no one knows what other chicanery they would come up with next.

He then landed in the ‘barely known’ Labour Party(LP), as described by his traducers.

Almost immediately, the characters he left behind in PDP, with their visible uncharted course instantly raised alarm, claiming that Obi’s Labour Party was unknown; and that he has no ‘structure’. Whatever that means.

Doesn’t it then surprise the world that barely ninety days after all these, Obi and his tornado-like Obidient Movement powered by the teeming Nigerian youths has kept both Atiku of the PDP and Alhaji Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) sleepless, restless and disconsolate, day-in, day-out! It has remained same for all their parties’ other candidates and political minions nationwide.

Consequently, anything any of these opposition candidates could hold on to shoot Obi or any of his LP party’s candidates down, even if it’s mere blanks, have not been spared.

Senator Uche Ekwunife and Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo

Why not, when the nations everyday people, the youth, the mothers, their fathers, artisans, professionals and even the classless have taken over the whole Nigerian streets, the streams, the shops, the markets, the mosques, the churches, the schools, the salons, the boutiques, the bars and restaurants to identify with Obi and the message of hope that he represents as well as his recovery plans for Nigeria. This was while his opponents continued to embarrass the nation locally and overseas with hitherto unknown and unheard sleazy deals and outlandish roguery they had made of themselves and the economic life of Nigeria and even some other nations like Singapore too. They were so audacious and bold at the accusations and counter-accusations that observers started wondering whether that was their agenda to use to pull Nigeria from the debilitating economic doldrums the nation has found itself.

Yet they brook no shame at all still walking the streets. Yet some Nigerians still follow and identify with them, apparently because of the crumbs they pick from under the tables of these wicked masters and lords.

As the seeming helpless supporters trudge on with these cash lords no one or opportunity was then spared. Not even the LP’s senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Chief Victor Umeh. He was dragged to court, and even allegedly sponsored other persons to drag him about in other Courts too.

Most analysts believe that all these were ultimately targeted at Peter Obi! More like the maxim of ‘delinda eh Cathego'(Carthage must be destroyed), of the mediaeval Roman Cathagenian wars era.

Obi must be destroyed. Completely destroyed! All in the name of politics. Really? What about the age long saying that blood is thicker than water.

Furthermore, Obi was consequently, described in many demeaning adjectives, tones and languages, all in the name of dirty politics and selfish-driven permutations. Many have described some of these permutations as analog, selfish, vain, shameful and awful.

Else, how could men, women, youths and electorate from all profession, tribes, tongue, social, economic, political all and religious persuasion clamour for Peter Obi as the President the nation needs at this particular time, then his own Igbo brothers like Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Senator Uche Ekwunife lead the pack to drag him about and down. It’s awful! It’s reprehensible! It’s condemnable! Especially when viewed from the filial consideration that the all come from same Anambra state.

Its even more shocking to note that both Soludo and Ekwunife are hitherto beneficiaries of mass appeal from same political territory with Obi in Anambra state.

Correct or not, Soludo and Ekwunife had variously remained in the nation’s political terrain since the return of democracy in Nigeria, mid 1998. So is it not time both take a sabbatical?

Today, barely 200 hundred days in the saddle as the governor of one of the richest and critical State in Nigeria, Soludo is already scheming on how to become the only known Nigerian President of Igbo extraction. While Ekwunife want to lift the National Assembly’s sit-tight championship.

Unfortunately, both officers had been enjoying chummy relationship with the citizens of Anambra state until now. It’s no longer so, and would likely never be so again.

If it were in the South West, their career, whatever it used to be, would have instantly simply gone down the political drain. They are free to inquire from the Jakandes and the Babatopes! Because once these two names consciously or subconsciously put themselves on the wrong side of the South West political configuration, it became their eternal nonc dimitis till date.

While Soludo has not done three-quarter distance of his maiden term of four years, he has already truncated his governorship history. It’s almost certain he would join the inglorious club of one-term governors. Some political watchers believed it would not be a bad idea if only to teach others a lesson or two on how not to be a traducer to the one God has chosen.

Ekwunife, was accused of openly working to undermine Peter Obi, saying that Nigeria do not need a kindergarten President! Whaaaat? If it’s true, then that would be a brand new case study in ingratitude.

Surprisingly if there’s any politician closely related to Obi, that person is Ekwunife (Iyom, Ada Igboukwu) and Victor Umeh. They all hail from same genealogical and political origin. While Obi comes from Agulu, Umeh comes from Aguluzoigbo and Ekwunife comes from Igboukwu. Their ancestors were brothers. And the trio have remained very close to each other, until political subterfuge now tore them apart. Such that Ekwunife would be alleged to publicly refer to Obi as a kindergarten president! Tufia kwa!

So, apparently in her calculation nothing would be held sacred or spared to favour Atiku and the PDP, not even blood that was known to be always thicker than water. This is sad. And no one from any other zone in Nigeria would do it. But South East.

It’s even disturbingly scandalous to realise that Ekwunife remain a sure bet among the few greatest beneficiaries in a Peter Obi presidency. Why is she then doing this? Was it because they sold a hilarious dummy to some inarticulate people of the zone that ‘Atiku remains the fastest route to an Igbo President’, or that he would do only one term?

The idea is shamefully childish, ridiculous, funny and baseless, and anyone who believes such political nonsense would simply believe anything. What about the constitutionally stipulated zoning issue that was copiously enshrined in the PDP constitution. Yet, Atiku muscled the party into truncating it. He bought his way through and ended up making the party leaders look simply like guns for hire any day.

That unfortunate decision clearly dealt heavy blow to heir individual and corporate image and perception, because of one man, Atiku. It made them look as politically unreliable characters who could waver and turn their laws up-side-down any day, any moment. People who have no regards or respect to their words, laws or agreement. Just because of one man, Atiku.

If he could thrash the party’s constitution so arbitrarily to satisfy his personal ambition, before assuming executive powers unchallenged, who in his/her right senses would believe he wont do worse things as an executive president with executive powers?

And this is the same man who as a Vice President forced a sitting President down on his knees in tears to support his reelection!

President Buhari, from the North, according to a generally known understanding took over from a Southern Nigerian president and did eight years that wrecked all the aspects of Nigeria’s political, economic, social, religious balance/cohesion unperturbed. Instead of all men of goodwill from the North to stay clear and allow the South East as the only zone yet to have a shot, Atiku and some few others in apparent show of arrogant display of political rascality derided the arrangement and all those who adhere to its upkeep, by jumping into the presidential election arena, including Atiku. It shows and means that he cares less about rules and feelings of anyone, not even the whole nation, but himself.

Anyone trying to rationalize the right of the South East, particularly the face of the zone in the coming February 25, 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, is certainly an enemy.

Not just enemy to Obi, but to all Nigerians of good conscience. They have become enemies to our welfare, our health/educational, economic/social recovery plans that he represents.

And the only way to show our anger is through our votes. Let’s turn our back on all those who have made themselves our enemies.

Let all Nigerians vote massively for Peter Obi for the future of Nigeria and coming generations as anything else may signify an end to our dear nation.

Atiku was the second in command for 8 full years, and only helped himself, family and friends. So the question is, why didn’t he use that opportunity to unleash the eldorado he and his foot-soldiers like Soludo and Ekwunife have been mouthing about now.

Let them name one single project he facilitated in the entire South East zone as a mark of his fair mindedness. Little wonder Soludo was counselled by the President of the Imo General Assembly in Nnewi, Chief Chinedu Igwe “not to be distracted by promises by Abuja to make him president after his tenure as governor…”

But in his seeming feeble attempt to defend his administration’s pulling down of Labour Party’s and Obi’s campaign billboards in Anambra, Soludo accused Obi of doing similar things too earlier while he superintended the state as governor years back.

Because many others before him were similarly given such fake and unfulfilled promises like that.

The masses, youths and the downtrodden of this nation, opinion polls and even prophecies have consistently named Obi as the next and incoming president of Nigeria. Therefore any direct or indirect attacks on him will only mean attacking God Almighty who sent him. Hence we can simply wish Gov Soludo and Sen Ekwunife and other enemies within well in their enterprise.

Only time will tell.

Politics

2027: Thousands defy downpour to rally for Gov. Mbah’s re-election

Published

6 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Enugu Gov, Dr Peter Mbah

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…Insist 8-year tenure tradition stands

Thousands of supporters from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday defied a heavy downpour at the Amankanu Development Centre, Owo, to declare their unalloyed support for the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.

The crowd, which surged for the grand finale of inauguration of Ward and Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow is Here Movement across the 17 local government areas of the state, described their action as a clear demonstration of confidence in the governor’s performance across key sectors, saying Enugu State had never had it so good.

They said the tradition where each governor got eight years on the saddle would continue with Mbah, whom they said his achievements in less than three years were towering.

The supporters said their resolve was anchored on what they termed visible transformation in infrastructure, effective security response system, education, healthcare, human capital development as well as the robust revamping of moribund assets under the present administration.

Welcoming the crowd, the Coordinator of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, expressed delight at the massive turnout, noting that the it reflected people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership.

He urged them to sustain the support and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards to secure victory in 2027.

“There is no better alternative to Governor Mbah,” he said, assuring that the Movement would continue to mobilise support across the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, described the gathering as a consolidation of existing support rather than just an attempt to win new followers.

He noted that the administration’s projects were evident across communities, adding that the government would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy.

He expressed optimism that the governor would record even higher votes in the coming election.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, said the scale of infrastructure development under Mbah was unprecedented, citing the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical projects.

He described the governor as “an inspirational leader whose work had earned the trust of the people,” expressing confidence that residents would overwhelmingly reciprocate his uncommon transformation of the state in 2027.

Traditional rulers also endorsed the governor’s continuity. Chairman of Nkanu East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, said the governor had exceeded expectations, noting that improved road networks had enhanced connectivity across communities. He called on residents to sustain their support.

“Before now, there was no road from this venue, Owo, to Ubahu, Amankanu, Neke, and Ikem. But today, a world class, virgin dual carriageway runs from here in Owo all the way to Neke with over 30 bridges and culverts, and it’s connecting our brothers from the northern senatorial district.

“Before now, we in this part of Nkanu East must go through Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South and Nkanu West LGA to be able to access our Council Headquarters at Amagunze. Today, we have a brand new Amechi Idodo to Amagunze road with three bridges,” Edeani added.

In the same vein, the Patron, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Abel Nwobodo said the people of the state had already resolved to back the governor’s re-election, describing him as a beacon of progress and hope.

Convener of G17 for Peter Mbah, Hon. Chinedu Mbah, as well as founder of Solidarity Alliance for Peter Mbah, Hon Paul Nnajiofor, stated that the governor’s achievements had set him apart, adding that all parts of the state had benefitted from his leadership.

According to them, although the governor’s re-election appeared certain, stakeholders would continue to mobilise support to ensure a resounding victory.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the council area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, said the governor had lived up to his promise to transform the state, urging continued support to enable him complete his development agenda.

Commending the Tomorrow Is Here leadership, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwuweike, said the group is known for its grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the governor’s re-election would be a walkover and that there would be no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.

The member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, said he was deeply impressed by the level of development across the state, noting that the governor’s projects had significantly improved the lives of the people.

Presenting gifts to the winners of the open quizzes conducted among citizens at the rally ground, the Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Movement, Hon Ezenta Ezeani, said the mammoth crowd had challenged them from the Nsukka zone to further mobilize for the re-election of the governor, stressing that it’s going to be a competition of which local government and political bloc deliver more votes to the governor.

On his part, the Convener of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Hon. Tony Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for the widespread support the group had received across the state during its inauguration of coordinators.

He declared that the enthusiasm shown by the people reflected their belief in the governor’s vision and performance, adding that the movement would continue to expand its reach.

Okonkwo highlighted key achievements of the administration, including extensive road construction, establishment of smart schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, investments in security and economic growth and the revitalization of moribund industries that have continued to provide employment.

He described the projects as innovative and far-reaching, stressing that they had set a new standard for governance in the state.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of ward coordinators of the movement, who were charged to take the message of continuity to every household.

Wheelchairs as well as scholarships were also presented to persons living with disabilities from Igboeze South Local Government Area and other beneficiaries, underscoring the movement’s commitment to inclusiveness.

Politics

Atiku says 2027 presidential election will be his last outing

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the 2027 presidential election will be his final outing, citing his age as the primary reason.

The former Vice President made this commitment on Wednesday during an appearance as a guest on the Arise Television programme, Prime Time.

Speaking during the interview, he said, “The 2027 election will be my last outing.”

When asked why Nigerians should vote for him after so many attempts, especially considering his age, Atiku explained that since Nigeria faces a leadership crisis, he represents both the past and the future of the nation.

He recommended leadership training for young Nigerians, asserting that the country was in dire need of it.

Atiku has made multiple attempts to become Nigeria’s president since entering partisan politics.

He took his first shot at the presidency in 1993 during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries, before stepping down for the late Moshood Abiola.

He later ran in 2007 under the Action Congress (AC) banner, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

In 2011, the former Vice President contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries but lost the nomination to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He subsequently returned to the PDP to contest the 2019 presidential election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Most recently, in 2023, he again emerged as the PDP candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Politics

ADC won’t surrender to tyranny — David Mark

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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• ADC will win 2027 election —Atiku

•We need viable candidate to defeat Tinubu —Amaechi

•Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts —Obi

•Renewed Hope is a scam —Aregbesola

NATIONAL Chairman of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, on Tuesday, said the party would not surrender to attempts being made to silence the voice of the people and destroy democracy in the country.

He stated this while speaking at the eighth national convention of the ADC held at Rainbow Events Centre, Abuja.

Mark said since the beginning of the current journey, the ADC had faced many challenges and hurdles as well as fierce and unprecedented betrayal.

He noted that recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have raised fundamental questions about the process that govern our democracy.

However, he told those who orchestrated the obstacles before the ADC that they have not weakened them but rather welded them together, stressing that “Every attempt to suppress this party has only deepened the resolve of our members, widened our coalition, and reminded Nigerians why a strong opposition is not optional; it is essential to democracy’s survival.”

He said, “Forces that feared what a united ADC represents came for us; through the courts, through institutions, through bureaucratic obstruction. They sought to stop this convention from happening. They removed our names from official portals. They denied us preferred venues. They deployed every instrument available to them to ensure that you – the delegates, the members, the owners of this party – would never gather. But we are here.

“At our recent press briefing, we made it clear that the integrity of democratic institutions must be protected at all times. We also made it clear that in an ever shrinking democratic space that is orchestrated by those in the ruling party, the ADC will not bow, we will not cower, and we will not retreat.

“Dear party members and leaders, let me remind all of us that strong political movements are not built in moments of ease and in comfort. They are built in times like this, when a broken nation cries out for change and the people look for those who would lead with commitment and honesty.

“We will not surrender, because what is at stake is not just about the ADC or the opposition. It is the very survival of our democracy. To surrender therefore is to yield to tyranny and therefore become complicit in the destruction of our democracy.

“And let us here be the answer to every doubt, every threat, and every shenanigan designed to keep Nigeria trapped in a one party future. The ADC cannot be wished away. The ADC cannot be litigated into silence. The ADC belongs to the Nigerian people – and the Nigerian people have spoken by showing up today.”

Mark, who said he accepted the responsibility to lead the party with an unshakable commitment to reposition the ADC as the platform through which Nigeria will be rescued and rebuilt, described the convention as one of the most significant gatherings in recent Nigerian democratic history because it represented the unyielding survival of opposition democracy in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, and a former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, urged party leaders and members to be united and resilient amid escalating political pressure.

He described the gathering as defining moment, noting that the convention represented not just a meeting but a convergence of purpose to rebuild Nigeria.

ADC will win 2027 election – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed optimism that the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) will win the forthcoming general elections in 2027.

The Waziri Adamawa stressed the need for all leaders in the party to bring genuine change to tackle all challenges facing the country.

He said, “Every issue, every challenge, every problem confronting us as a country and as a people has been stated on this platform “What I would like to appeal to Nigerians, and particularly members of the ADC, is to make sure that this time around, we really need to change the situation in the country.

“I remember when the APC was being formed, the entire political leadership in this country came to my house. They said, “If you don’t come into the APC, this is not going to be possible.” They literally compelled me to join the APC. Only for us to enter the APC, our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone, our infrastructure is gone. The healthcare is gone.

“Now, people like me, we must rise and make sure that there is change, genuine change, a serious change to rectify all these challenges that are happening in the country. I am in this game. We are going to win. Because of you, the young men and women, our children and our grandchildren, this country has been good to us.

“And we don’t believe that this country is being good to the current generation, to the youth, to the women, and to the future of this country. That is why we are here today”

ADC needs viable candidate to defeat Tinubu – Amaechi

Also speaking, a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said only a viable candidate can defeat Tinubu in 2027.

He said the economic situation in the country was so bad that the citizens might find it difficult to buy fuel and eat food with the collection of annual company tax.

He said, “June is here. When they start collecting annual company tax, you will see what will happen. Nobody can buy petrol. Nobody can feed. Let me repeat for those who attack me. If you Nigerians are not hungry, I am. You can attack me as much as you want. The situation is bad. It’s terrible.

“And if you think President Tinubu will give you power, you are wasting your time. ADC must come together, decide on a viable candidate. It must be a viable candidate. We did it in APC. When we joined APC, we looked for a viable candidate and we stopped them. No ethnicity, no religion. We are back to square one. It’s ethnicity and religion that brought you here. It’s religion, religion. Today, we are here, no Muslim market, no Christian market. The market is Naira. This is up to you.”

Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts – Obi

Also speaking, the ADC chieftain and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, Peter Obi, underscored the need for unity among critical stakeholders for the sake of the country.

He criticised the government for Nigeria’s ranking in terrorism, increased debts profile, borrowing amidst subsidy removal, and non funding of 2025 budget.

Renewed Hope is a scam – Aregbesola

While presenting the statutory Secretariat Report titled “ADC is Unstoppable because It Is the Son of Nigeria”, the ADC National Secretary and a former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, described President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a scam.

Aregbesola said President Tinubu ought to have stepped aside for failing to provide steady electricity supply. (Tribune)