News
Obi’s acceptance soaring in Northern Nigeria — Obidients
The umbrella body of Peter Obi Support Groups, the Obidient Movement, has declared that their principal’s northern support base is growing by leaps and bounds with more and more Nigerians from that part of the country identifying with him in his quest to build a better nation.
In what can be described as a bold statement to this effect, to the Palace of the District Head of Pantami, in Gombe State, has conferred Obi with the traditional title of Sarkin Maskan Pantami, meaning: “Chief of Shelter and Peace of Pantami.”
The conferment of the title, was contained in an official appointment letter signed by Mai Martaba Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi, District Head of Pantami, which was made public by the Global Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, in Abuja, yesterday.
In the letter, the Royal father commended the former Amambra State Governor for his unwavering dedication to humanitarian service and grassroots development.
The letter read in part: “This appointment is being made in recognition of your dedication and determination towards the development of our community.”
While Peter Obi has a reputation for declining traditional titles as a matter of principle, his supporters under the Obidient Movement accepted this one on his behalf.
The movement described this title as “a cultural endorsement of service and leadership.”
According to the movement, Obi’s rising profile in the North is credited to his hands-on humanitarian work across several states.
In communities like Pantami, the impact is visible.
His intervention in water supply through borehole projects, support for Almajiri education, and youth empowerment initiatives has earned him admiration across religious and ethnic divides.
While receiving the appointment letter on behalf of his principal, in Abuja, Dr. Tanko Yunusa said,
“The people of Pantami now call it ‘Peter Obi’s borehole.’ That tells you he has won their hearts,” said a resident at the title conferment ceremony.
“The title is the first such honor Mr. Obi has received from any northern emirate, and observers say it signals a major shift in regional political alignment.
“This is a moment of real political symbolism. A respected emirate in the North is honoring a politician from the South-East. That speaks volumes about unity, respect, and shared vision.”
Tanko, who himself was conferred the title of Dan Maje Baba Pantami, described the moment as a turning point in the movement’s acceptance nationwide.
Adding, “Mr. Obi may not physically accept titles, but this one represents more than tradition—it represents unity and endorsement from a region many thought was unreachable for him,” said Dr. Tanko.
On Obi’s recent vow to serve only a single term if elected, he said it is further boosting his image in the North, with many viewing it as a bold gesture of sincerity and respect for Nigeria’s rotational power structure.
“It’s not a gimmick. It’s leadership by example. He’s saying: give me four years and watch what I’ll do,” said a Gombe-based youth leader, who was at the event.
According to him, Obi’s recent humanitarian acts—including drilling boreholes, supporting Almajiri schools, providing toilets, and engaging northern youth in entrepreneurship—are helping transform lives in tangible ways. In Pantami, the borehole he facilitated has become a landmark, now popularly referred to as “Peter Obi’s borehole.
“Go to Pantami now, people will say, ‘Go get water from Peter Obi’s borehole.’ It shows the people have connected with him—not just politically, but humanely.”
He noted that Obi’s acceptance in the north in 2025 is “far, far better” than what was seen during the 2023 elections, calling it a paradigm shift that is poised to boost his electoral value in future polls.
Speaking at the ceremony where Mr. Peter Obi was honored with a prestigious traditional title, Ibrahim Hussein Abdukarim, Director General of Big Tent Nigeria, explained the strategic shift in how the Obidient Movement now handles honorary titles offered to the former presidential candidate.
He said, “As we’ve been briefed by Dr. Tanko, our Global Coordinator for the Obidient Movement, Mr. Peter Obi has a personal principle of not accepting chieftaincy titles, as he prefers to remain focused and undistracted in his mission to serve the nation. But almost daily—weekly, monthly—people from across the country continue to offer him titles as a mark of respect and admiration.”
Abdulkarim said that while Mr. Obi himself may not be present to receive these titles, the Obidient Movement will henceforth accept such honors on his behalf.
“Instead of rejecting them outright, we, the Obidient Movement, have resolved to accept titles in his name to demonstrate the depth of his acceptance across Nigeria. These honors serve as a kind of receipt—a cultural expression of ‘we love you, we support you, and we want to work with you.’”
“When people offer you a gift, you don’t reject it. You accept it as a mark of respect to those offering it. This is why this one is special—it’s from a respected northern community, honoring someone from the East. That’s powerful,” he said.
Touching on Obi’s recent declaration that he would serve only a single term if elected, Tanko again stated that the Obidient movement is not only comfortable with it but sees it as a reflection of Obi’s character and integrity.
“He said even four years is too much for what he wants to achieve. That’s how determined and prepared he is to transform Nigeria. Just fixing power alone will put his name in the history books.”
He dismissed Insinuations that the promise of a one-term presidency was a political gimmick, instead framing it as a sincere commitment to national unity and respect for the informal north-south zoning arrangement.
“The coalition has been presented with the one-term proposal. It’s now up to them. But we are ready, and we believe it can be done.
“Peter Obi is a unifier. His presidency will bring this country together and move us from consumption to production. What we need now is integrity—and we’ve found it in him.” (Vanguard)
The Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Nigerian Army, Doma, Maj.-Gen. Olurotimi Awolo, has inaugurated a General Court Martial (GCM) to try 12 soldiers accused of various offences, including alleged murder, assault and aiding criminality.
Speaking during the inauguration on Tuesday in Doma, the Commander, represented by the President of the General Court Martial, Col. Salihu Ibrahim, said the convening order was issued pursuant to powers conferred on him by Section 131(2)(d) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He said the court was constituted to hear the cases of all accused personnel and determine each matter strictly on its merit.
“The court will be guided throughout the trial by the principles of natural justice as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“We are also mindful of the cardinal principle of criminal justice that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“Where the prosecution fails to establish any allegation beyond reasonable doubt, the court will discharge and acquit the accused person.
“Conversely, where an accused person is found guilty, the law will take its course in accordance with the provisions governing such offences,” he said.
He assured all parties of the court’s commitment to fairness, justice and professionalism, urging prosecution and defence counsels to avoid unnecessary delays and frivolous adjournments.
The court president maintained that speedy disposal of the cases would serve the interest of justice and ensure confidence in the military justice system.
However, trial could not commence immediately after the inauguration as six of the accused persons present in court were declared medically unfit to stand trial.
The court’s Medical Orderly, Sgt. Audu Ahmadu, informed the panel that five of the six accused persons had elevated blood pressure levels.
Following the development, the prosecutor, Capt. Shamsondeen Sadiq, urged the medical orderly to ensure that the affected personnel received adequate medical attention to enable the trial to commence.
The President of the court subsequently adjourned proceedings to a later date, which would be communicated to all parties.
Speaking with newsmen after the inaugural sitting, Barr. George Illah, counsel to one of the accused persons, commended the Command for constituting the court martial.
He expressed confidence in the competence of the panel, noting that the president of the court, other members and the Judge Advocate were qualified to discharge their responsibilities.
“As a defence counsel, I will do my best to ensure that the soldiers standing trial before this honourable court martial get the justice they deserve.
“It is important for people to understand that military personnel standing trial before a court martial are entitled to all constitutional and legal rights guaranteed under the law, and we will ensure that those rights are protected,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the General Court Martial include Col. A.A. Buhari, Lt.-Col. Victor Yamu, Lt.-Col. A.K. Karma and Lt.-Col. S. Abdullahi.
Others are Maj. J.M. Usendeng, Maj. A.D. Ahmed, Maj. U. Ahmed, Maj. S.L. Sagu, while Capt. U. Nna serves as Judge Advocate. (NAN)
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
*In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, berated Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him.*
*The appellate court held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront on the hierarchy of courts.*
*It held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”*
*“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.*
*“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.*
*“The application for stay of execution is here yet granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the appellate court held.*
Appeal Court suspends execution of judgment against ADC, 4 others
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, the widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits shortly before the retired senior military officer died in captivity.
According to military sources, the rescue operation was carried out in Tunga Village, where troops encountered the armed bandits holding her captive. During the exchange, the kidnappers reportedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing as soldiers advanced on their position.
The troops immediately secured the area, rescued her and administered emergency first aid.
Military authorities said Mrs. Abubakar sustained gunshot wounds and was bleeding when she was rescued. She is currently receiving medical treatment.
The rescue comes days after the burial of Major General Rabe Abubakar, whose death while in captivity sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.
Following Major General Abubakar’s death, the Defense Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, launched a major offensive operation, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, targeting terrorists and bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Katsina State.
According to the military, the operation commenced on 14 June 2026 to locate and neutralise those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across the affected communities.
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