
Politics
Kogi politics: I did not speak as ACF chairman, Aduku replies critics
The Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Chief Gabriel Yakubu Aduku, has said that he did not speak on Kogi politics in his capacity as the leader of the Forum, but as the Chairman, Kogi East Elders’ Council.
Aduku had penultimate week fielded questions from a cross-section of journalists in Kaduna, during which he expressed fears on behalf of Kogi East Elders on the unfolding political violence in the State ahead of the November 11th 2023 governorship election.
But some members of the ACF were reported to have misunderstood Aduku to have spoken on behalf of the forum and went ahead to allegedly warn him to desist from dragging ACF into Kogi politics.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, the Chairman of Kogi East Elders Council said those who accused him of dragging ACF into Kogi politics did not know about the aims and objectives of the Forum better than he, having been one of the founding fathers of the ACF.
He added that it would be disloyal of him to use the ACF for personal purposes when he knew the reasons behind the formation of the Forum, just as he assured all ACF stakeholders of his undivided loyalty and irrevocable commitment to the realisation of the goals and aspirations of the socio-cultural association as espoused by its founding fathers.

“My attention has been drawn to a press statement credited to some members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) which reportedly “warned the new Chairman of the Forum to desist from dragging the ACF into his personal political warfare in Kogi State or risk being removed as Chairman”. The press statement titled “Stop using ACF for your political fights in Kogi State” was purportedly signed by one Dr Aisha Manga and Alhaji Sadiq Bulama.
“Upon reading through the statement under reference, my initial reaction was to ignore it in its entirety but after a deep reflection, I thought the best thing to do is to issue a rebuttal, to, at least, set the records straight. For the purpose of clarification, it is important to state very unequivocally that as an elder statesman and a founding member of the Turaki Committee headed by late President Usman Aliyu Shehu Shagari, which birthed the ACF, I am not unaware of the aims and objectives of the Forum, part of which is to promote the unity, peace, progress, prosperity and overall development of northern Nigeria within the framework of a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic Nigeria.
“I am more than determined to ensure that the ACF under my watch, achieves these lofty objectives and even more.
“Having said that, I wish to place it on record that it is true that I spoke extempore with a cross-section of journalists on a number of sundry national issues, especially with regards to the unfolding political situation in Kogi State, at my Kaduna residence on Saturday, June 24th 2023, while my familiarisation visit to the headquarters of the ACF took place on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023.
“It is instructive to note that the media parley and its outcome as published in both mainstream and new media, was strictly in my capacity as the Chairman of the Kogi East Elders Council and NOT as the ACF helmsman and should therefore, be seen as such. The two events are mutually exclusive.
“I also wish to clarify that contrary to the insinuation contained in the press statement, I do not have any personal political warfare in Kogi State and therefore, couldn’t have deployed the ACF to achieve such a non-existent aim. I am well-disposed in knowledge and wisdom, to know when to hold and express views that represent those of the Arewa Consultative Forum, even without being prodded. Furthermore, I couldn’t have also used the ACF as a platform to make political statements when I have not even officially assumed duty as the Chairman of the Forum.
“For the records, I shudder to say that the views I canvassed during my conversation with journalists in Kaduna with regards to the unacceptable level of insecurity in Kogi State and its implications for the off-season Gubernatorial election on November 11, 2023, were borne out of a patriotic desire to ensure the convocation of a free and fair election whose outcome would be seen to have passed the test of credibility and transparency.
“Such concerns are not misplaced given the fact that since the emergence of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as Governor, Kogi State has not enjoyed peaceful elections as previous polls had been marred by reported cases of electoral violence, ballot box snatching, and other acts of electoral malfeasance.
“All well-meaning Kogites owe it a patriotic duty to challenge the Governor and security agencies in the State to rise to the occasion to halt any possible slide into anarchy as we approach the November 11, 2023 election.
“I wish to assure all ACF stakeholders of my undivided loyalty and irrevocable commitment to the realisation of the goals and aspirations of the socio-cultural association as espoused by the founding fathers and the generality of the membership of the Forum, upon inauguration and assumption of office as its Chairman”. The statement said.
Arc. Aduku had last weekend expressed worry over recent political violence ahead of governorship election in his state – Kogi, saying the election may not hold if such violence continues unabated.
Aduku in his capacity as Chairman Kogi East Elders Council, lamented the situation where the powers that be in the state would not allow political opponents and other stakeholders to run for political offices in the state, without subjecting them to threat and intimidation, describing such situation as undemocratic.
He therefore called on relevant authorities to wade into insecurity in Kogi state to save the people from being killed outrightly and their property burnt to ashes because of political interests.
News
2027: ‘Peter Obi must not die’ — Igbo Group warns of catastrophic consequences
Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that it will be catastrophic should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi.
It could be recalled that Obi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that his life was under threat.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, raised fears that he may not be alive in 2027 to be part of the election.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader, Njiko Igbo Forum Nigeria, he warned that should anything happen to Obi or he was not in the ballot, the reaction and result would be very catastrophic.
Obioha said the caution was part of the decision taken during an emergency meeting held today, Thursday, in Enugu.

The Forum said, “That we have seen the viral video made by His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, speaking on a number of issues, he expressed serious concern that his life is in danger.
“For him to have gone to the extent of saying he might not be alive before the 16th of January 2027, speaks volumes both in our polity and in the country at large.
“We have seen him in the past, spoke about the federal government trying to frustrate and targeting him not to be in the ballot.
“We have also observed over a period of time that the presidency or the federal government led by President Tinubu does not want Peter Obi to be in the ballot.”
While drawing the attention of the Presidency, Nigeria and the world to those allegations, Njiko Igbo Forum declared that “if anything happens to Mr Peter Gregory Obi or finally his name is not in the ballot for the 16th January, 2026 presidential election, the reaction and result will be very catastrophic and may adversely affect the continued unity in diversity of this country Nigeria.”
It further stated that the Igbo had been very quiet, pushed to the wall, segregated against, marked out everywhere, chased about and even tried to take their possessions.
Njiko Igbo Forum cautioned that keeping quiet does not mean the Igbo are cowards.
It said the ruling government should not forget that for any democracy to thrive, there must be a viral opposition in the polity.
“There is no reason, for what we have seen in the process or polity in trailing Peter Obi and going to an extent of chasing him through all the political parties and now wanting to kill him.
“This outcry by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, must not be taken lightly and request as a matter of urgent National importance, that an urgent investigation panel be constituted to verify Mr Peter Obi’s allegations.
“We are strongly stating again that, nothing should happen to Mr Peter Gregory Obi.
“Yes, Chief Awolowo said, before Nigeria he was of the Yoruba Nation. The same way we are saying before Peter Obi is of Nigeria, he is of the Igbo.
“Mr Peter Gregory Obi will live and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” it declared.
News
I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.
Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.
According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.
The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.
“The way they are going now I might not be alive, I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.
“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.
He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.
Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.
He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.
Politics
Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the resounding victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ongoing reforms being implemented to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Prof. Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.
According to the National Chairman:
“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”
“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”

Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.
Prof. Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.
“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”
“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”
The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.
He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.
“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”
Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
It
“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”
The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.
Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.
“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development.”
“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”
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