Ondo State Police Command has doused apprehension by parents over the safety of their children as piblic schools resume on Monday for the 2027/2027 academic session.
Still recounting the Oriire in Oyo state incident during which school pupils were whisked away on motorcycles and rescued after over 50 days in captivity, the parents called on the state government to guarantee safety of their wards.
In a statement on Sunday, the state police command assured parents, guardians, students, teachers, school proprietors of adequate security as schools resume for the new academic session.
The state, signed by tge conmand’s spokrsman, Abayomi Jimoh revealed some measures already being put in place to ensure safety in schools.
“To this end, personnel of the School Protection Squad of the Command have been adequately deployed across the State to provide security coverage around schools and ensure a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“The Command has also intensified patrols, visibility policing and intelligence-led operations around schools and other critical locations across the State to prevent criminal activities and promptly respond to security threats.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain security-conscious and educate their children and wards on basic safety measures.
“School owners and administrators are equally advised to promptly report any suspicious persons, activities or security concerns around their schools to the Police.
“Students are urged to avoid isolated routes, refrain from following strangers and promptly report suspicious activities to their teachers, school authorities, parents or the Police.
“The Command assures members of the public that police personnel will remain vigilant and responsive throughout the academic session.
“The cooperation and support of all stakeholders are solicited through the provision of timely and credible information that could assist the Police in preventing and tackling crime.”
The command released some emergency numbers to be called in case of any suspicious activity around tge schools.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu wishes all students a safe, peaceful and successful academic session and reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State.”
Days after his rescue from kidnappers, a Kwara Monarch, the Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, in Isin Local Government Area of the State, has died.
The Monarch died in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital where he had gone for treatment after his release.
His son, Prince Olasunkanmi, confirmed the death and said the traditional ruler fell ill shortly after returning from captivity.
“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” he said.
Gunmen abducted the monarch on August 22 after invading Igbesi community. Security operatives rescued him five days later during an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.
Two other kidnap victims also regained their freedom during the operation.
The rescue followed a distress call received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station. A vigilante member had reported that a colleague sustained a gunshot injury while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of the Oro Police Station led a joint team of police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.
The suspected kidnappers opened fire after sighting the advancing security team. The ensuing gun battle led to the death of one suspected kidnapper.
Other members of the gang fled into the surrounding area as the security team pursued them.
The operation eventually led the security personnel to the three kidnapped victims. They rescued the victims and took them for medical attention.
News of the monarch’s death drew sadness from the community and traditional stakeholders.
The National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, announced the death on Saturday and expressed grief over the development.
Fakayode also prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul.
“The late Oba Iwedunmoye’s death came only days after his release from captivity, adding a tragic turn to the kidnapping incident that had shaken the community.”
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has charged women of the State to leverage the annual August Meeting to promote community development, economic empowerment and investment in the State.
Uzodimma gave the charge at the grand finale of the 2026 Imo Women August Meeting held at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri, Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The theme of this year’s Women August Meeting was “Threads of Tradition, Voices of Progress.”
He congratulated the women for the huge success the 2026 Women August Meeting recorded, and described the gathering as a demonstration of the strength, unity and resilience of Imo women.
Uzodimma urged the women to take their rightful place in leadership, entrepreneurship and decision-making, while supporting education, skills acquisition and women-owned businesses.
The Governor who recognized the commitment of his wife, Barr Chioma Uzodimma in advancing the course of Imo State women also called on the women in the Diaspora who attended this year’s event to become “ambassadors of the progress taking place in the State by encouraging indigenes to return home, invest and contribute to community development.”
The Governor’s wife, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, used the opportunity of her remarks to launch the Imo State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, just as she unveiled an empowerment package for women, youths and farmers across the State.
The package includes sewing machines for tailors, cash support for 270 student entrepreneurs, agricultural inputs and financial assistance for farmers, support for indigent women and tricycles to promote entrepreneurship.
Mrs. Uzodimma urged traditional and religious leaders, government institutions, civil society organisations and women to support the effective implementation of the action plan.
She reiterated the hidden strength in women and the need to support them realise their potentials in all areas of endeavour where they have found themselves.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support they have consistently extended to the women, noting that such supports have not gone unnoticed by the women, particularly Imo women.
The event witnessed large out of women gorgeously dressed in different colours from across the 27 local government area of the State.
Present at the occasion were: the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru SAN, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu and wife, former deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku and his wife, Dr. Bola, Local Government Chairmen and their wives, female government appointees as well as members of the State Expanded Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, among others.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has pledged the continued support of his administration to the Arsenal Golf and Country Club Obinze, describing the annual competition as an avenue for promoting healthy living, friendship, social interaction and business development.
The governor made the commitment while speaking at the 2026 edition of the tournament tagged “Governor’s Cup 2026” held at the Arsenal Golf and Country Club, Obinze, Owerri on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Uzodimma said the tournament had provided an opportunity for Imo indigenes, residents and their friends to come together in a relaxed atmosphere, strengthen existing relationships and promote the spirit of brotherhood.
He noted that golf was not merely a recreational or social activity but also contributed to the physical and mental wellbeing of participants while creating opportunities for business networking.
“Golf is not just a social event; it is also a healthy event. It is a physical fitness event and a point of contact for connection of businesses and improvement of networks,” the Governor said.
Uzodimma assured participants that his administration would continue to encourage the tournament, particularly as a means of helping retirees and members of the working class maintain healthy and productive lifestyles.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the organising committee, Sir Ernest Nwapa, commended the governor for his intervention and financial support towards the development of the club and the tournament.
Nwapa disclosed that the governor had approved N100 million to support the completion of an ongoing building project at the club.
He explained that the intervention followed the Governor’s inspection of the project and his concern over the delay in completing the building.
According to him, the organising committee had been exploring ways of raising funds for the project before seeking government assistance.
Nwapa said the Governor’s intervention provided the needed financial boost, adding that the gesture demonstrated his commitment to the development of golf and sporting activities in the State.
Nwapa described the 2026 Governor’s Cup as a landmark edition and expressed appreciation to the Governor for his commitment, support and encouragement.
The highpoint of the event was the Governor joining the league of golfers to play at the tournament.
Among those that played include: the Igwe of Orlu, Igwe Dr. Rick Acholonu, Engr. Charles Ngoka, former caption Ikoyi golf club, Sir. Ernest Nwapa, the Captain Arsenal Golf Club, Hon. Chike Ojiako, among others.
Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt and professional operation that led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected with the Thursday attack on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of the state.
At least four mobile policemen and eight residents were killed on Thursday night when over 200 armed bandits launched a coordinated attack on Ayilamo, a farming community in Tombo Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Ayilamo lies along the volatile Abinsi–Tyulen–Anyiin–Wukari Road, a route that has witnessed repeated assaults over the past two years.
According to residents, the attackers entered the community at about 9:30pm from the Alufu axis of Taraba State.
Governor Alia denounced the attack which led to the tragic loss of innocent lives, including four police officers, according to a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
The governor described the arrest as a significant step towards uncovering the full circumstances of the incident and bringing those responsible to justice.
He said, “We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody.
“The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty”.
He described it as a disturbing reminder of the persistent insecurity and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities and law-enforcement officers in the area.
Governor Alia said, “I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government community. We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in this difficult period”.
Governor Alia denounced the attack which led to the tragic loss of innocent lives, including four police officers, according to a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
The governor described the arrest as a significant step towards uncovering the full circumstances of the incident and bringing those responsible to justice.
He said, “We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody.”
Meanwhile, Campaign for Democracy, (CD) has blamed Alia for continued insecurity in the state, telling him to step aside if he cannot protect life of the people.
CD in a statement by its chairman, Ifeanyi Odilli, stated that “Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, swore on oath to protect the lives and property of the people. That sacred covenant is being desecrated daily under his watch.
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 14(2)(b) is unambiguous: ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’
” Furthermore, Section 215(4) places on the Governor, as Chief Security Officer of the State, the duty to direct the Commissioner of Police in the maintenance of public order.
“CD holds the incontrovertible view that he possesses both the constitutional powers and political will to halt this carnage.
“The tragic irony is that this same will and energy have been visibly and shamefully deployed by him against political opponents, while defenseless communities are left to be slaughtered, displaced, and buried in mass graves.
“This is a gross violation of his oath of office under the Seventh Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, and amounts to a betrayal of the highest order. This is governance by abdication.
“CD therefore serves him this demand: He must immediately mobilize all security forces, intelligence, and state resources to hunt down, arrest, and prosecute these herder-killers. He must stamp out this terrorism within a reasonable timeframe.
“Anything short of this amounts to complicity and a breach of his constitutional obligations.
“If he lacks the courage, capacity, or will to perform this most basic duty of government, then in the interest of the suffering people of Benue, he should honorably resign his office.
“The people deserve a leader who will defend them, not one who presides over their annihilation.
“In light of this, CD calls on the Benue State House of Assembly to invoke its constitutional powers under Section 188(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
“The Assembly must issue Governor Alia a stern ultimatum and marching order to end these barbaric killings.
“Should he fail, it must commence impeachment proceedings against him for gross misconduct as defined in Section 188(11) for dereliction of duty and for failing to secure the lives of those he swore to protect.”
Tunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, through his Media Aide, Aliyu Giwa, has stated that the Police Boss is not against the videoing of Police Officers while carrying out their duty in public, but frowns at the misuse of such recordings, particularly when Police encounters are turned into social media content.
Making this clarification in a series of posts on X on Saturday, Giwa said this was necessary following criticism of the IGP’s recent comments on Nigerians filming Police Officers while carrying out their legal duties in public.
According to him, the police were not seeking to prevent legitimate scrutiny or deny citizens their rights.
“The IGP’s concern is not to shield Police officers from accountability or deny citizens their rights. Instead, it focuses on the misuse of recordings, especially when officers are provoked, ridiculed, filmed for entertainment, or subjected to unnecessary intrusion while performing their duties,” Giwa said.
He urged Nigerians to distinguish between documenting police activities responsibly and deliberately exploiting encounters with officers for social media content.
“It is important to distinguish between responsible documentation and the deliberate exploitation of Police encounters for social media content,” he said.
Giwa noted that legitimate recordings could serve as evidence against misconduct while also protecting police officers from false allegations.
“As a public institution, the Police must remain open to legitimate scrutiny. Evidence is essential when an officer acts improperly. Similarly, responsible recording can protect officers from false allegations and support investigations,” he said.
He, however, stressed that being a police officer did not strip an individual of basic rights to dignity and privacy.
“However, wearing the uniform does not remove an officer’s right to dignity or privacy,” Giwa said.
Recall that the IGP had been publicly criticised by an X user who argued that the police should equip their officers with body cameras if they objected to citizens recording them.
Responding to the submission of the X User, Giwa maintained that Disu had not rejected the practice of recording police officers altogether.
“While you are allowed to interpret it as you see fit, the message from the IGP was concerning the misuse of recordings, not a general rejection of legitimate documentation or accountability,” Giwa said.
He further disclosed that body cameras were being considered as part of efforts to promote accountable policing.
“Body cameras are, in fact, part of the broader conversation about modern, accountable policing, and they can protect both citizens and officers,” he said.
Giwa however called for a more constructive debate on the issue, saying accountability and citizens’ rights could coexist with professional policing.
“The police need to be accountable and citizens should exercise their rights in a responsible way, we can have that discussion without using insults. The end aim is the same, a more professional Police Force and a safer Nigeria,” he said.
He also rejected attempts to portray the controversy as a confrontation between the police and the public or between Disu and the Nigerian Bar Association.
“Therefore, the conversation should not be framed as Police versus the public or the IGP versus the NBA,” he said.
“Instead, it should focus on balancing accountability with responsibility, transparency with privacy, and citizens’ rights with the professional discharge of Police duties,” he added.
Fee weeks back, the NBA Leadership had paid a courtesy visit to IGP Disu at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, during which the issue of recording police officers was discussed.
The Police boss had expressed concern about Nigerians recording police officers, particularly for social media skits, describing the practice as “very, very demoralising” for members of the Force.
The IGP, however, acknowledged that citizens had the right to record officers performing their duties in public.
“We are not saying they cannot exercise their rights of recording officers in the public places while doing their jobs,” Disu said.
“But they should put restraints and not turn our police officers to content for their skits or anything,” he added.
His response had triggered criticism from lawyers, human rights groups and other Nigerians, with some arguing that citizens had a constitutional right to document police officers while they were performing their duties in public.
The newly sworn in NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya had also argued that a distinction should be made between legitimate recording of police activities and intrusion into officers’ private lives.
The controversy came after a March 17 judgment of the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, which affirmed Nigerians’ right to record police officers while they perform their duties in public.
Giwa said the meeting between the IGP and NBA leadership showed that institutions could hold different views while still engaging constructively.
“The engagement between the IGP and NBA leadership demonstrates that strong institutions can engage constructively, clarify positions, and collaborate despite differing perspectives,” he said.
He said the way forward was not for the police or members of the public to fear the use of cameras but to ensure that technology was deployed responsibly.
“In the digital age, the solution is not to fear the camera. Instead, we should use technology responsibly, uphold professionalism, and let truth, rather than social media narratives, define the conversation.
“The camera should not weaken the institution. Also, institutions should not fear legitimate scrutiny. Both must ultimately serve the truth, justice, and the Nigerian people,” he added.
Anulika Onyeanusia, the 36-Year Old Tik-Toker arrested for alleged child pornography in Onitsha, Anambra State, by the State Police Command has confessed that she made $300 for uploading her eight-year-old daughter on a pornographic platform.
Following the disturbing video that went viral on several social media platforms, Onyeanusia was subsequently arrested.
She revealed that she had been making money on a pornographic platform by uploading such disturbing content, and had made $300 before the long arm of the law caught up with her.
She also disclosed that the eight-year-old girl seen in the video is her second child, while preliminary investigation by the Police allegedly revealed that she had also subjected her first daughter to similar acts and uploaded the content on a pornographic platform.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly blamed the act on the devil, telling police: “It is the devil,, please forgive me” while adding that her husband was unaware of what she has been doing to their two daughters.
She was arrested following the circulation of a video she posted, where she was using sex toys on the eight-year-old girl. The video prompted Police operatives to act on what the command described as open-source intelligence and trace the suspect.
In the disturbing footage, the girl could be heard crying and pleading with her mother to stop as the alleged abuse continued.
The Police said the video showed the suspect allegedly engaging in the act while apparently producing the content for an online audience.
During the operation which was carried out on Thursday evening, the Command said four Children, aged two, three, six and nine years, were rescued.
The Police also disclosed that sex toys and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation were recovered from the suspect.
The Command said investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the abuse and determine whether other persons were involved.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect and rescue of the children.
Ikenga said, “The suspect is currently in Police custody as the Command intensifies its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and the possible involvement of other persons.
“The husband of the suspect is also undergoing interrogation to determine whether he has any connection with the alleged offence.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, who is deeply disturbed by the alleged act, described it as unacceptable, particularly because it involves the exploitation and abuse of children who are incapable of protecting themselves.
“He has, therefore, directed a thorough and professional investigation while ensuring that the rescued children receive appropriate care and protection.
“To this end, the Command notes that beyond the investigation and prosecution, its priority is the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the rescued children.
“The Command will work with the appropriate child-protection and relevant support agencies to ensure that the victims receive the necessary care, protection, counselling and other support required for their recovery.
“Their identities and privacy will be protected throughout the process, and they will be treated with compassion and sensitivity.
“The Command also commends the vigilante operatives in the area, as well as bloggers and residents who provided information that assisted the investigation and led to the arrest of the suspect”, he stated.
Nigeria’s Ambassador- designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode has announced the killing of two Nigerians, Bishop Michael Fakunle and James Nwankwo. Both were killed in Johannesburg.
The duo was reportedly killed in separate incidents, raising concerns about xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in the country.
Fakunle was killed by unknown persons at his home in Johannesburg, on September 4, after allegedly receiving a series of threats, while Nwankwo was reportedly killed on September 5.
Former Minister for Aviation and Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, announced this in a statement on his X handle.
He wrote, “I am mortified and deeply shocked to hear about the murder of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle by unknown elements in Johannesburg on September 4th. After issuing a series of threats his killers went to his home and shot him dead.
“I am equally shocked to hear about the murder of Mr. James Uchechukwu Nwankwo by officers of the South African Police Service again in Johannesburg on September 5th.
“He died as a consequence of what has been described as ‘gruesome interrogation techniques’ by the South African police.”
Fani-Kayode disclosed that Fakunle and Nwankwo were the seventh and eighth Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026, alleging that four of the eight were killed by South African police officers.
He further said that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and Friday, with more than 30 allegedly killed by officers of the South African Police Service and the South African Defence Force.
“What is most disturbing is the fact that in spite of our constant expressions of concern about this disturbing state of affairs not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for ANY of these heinous crimes,” he said.
Fani-Kayode called on the South African Government to do more to protect Nigerians in the country and ensure that those responsible for the alleged killings were brought to justice.
“This is unacceptable. We call on the South African Government to do far more to protect our nationals and to bring those that have killed or are planning to kill them to justice. No-one deserves to be targetted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” he said.
He pointed out that the Nigerian community in South Africa was “deeply disturbed” by the developments and expressed concern over what could happen next.
Fani-Kayode also raised concern over what he described as another deadline issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa by September 30.
He alleged that the deadline was issued by South African non-governmental organisations and accused the groups of threatening African nationals who failed to comply.
“Equally disturbing is the fact that yet another deadline has been issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa by September 30th.
“This deadline, like the last one, was issued by a number of brazenly racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic South African Non-Governmental Organisations who have openly threatened to target and harm our nationals if their illegal deadline is not complied with.”
Fani-Kayode urged the South African Government to protect Nigerians from what he described as the excesses of the organisations and to prosecute those responsible for threats against them.
He also called for action against those he accused of “traumatising, terrorising, torturing and killing” Nigerians.
“Whilst we seek to establish stronger and deeper ties with the South African Government one thing remains clear.
“If this vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing of our nationals do not stop there will be consequences. Simply put our patience is wearing thin.”
“South Africans are not targetted and killed in Nigeria by our people or our security forces. The least the South African Government can do is to reciprocate this gesture, protect our nationals and address our legitimate concerns.”
He concluded by expressing condolences over the deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwor.
As of Friday evening, there was no immediate official response from the South African government or the South African Police Service on the deaths.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa and the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg have condemned the killing of Fakunle.
NICASA’s National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said two suspects allegedly gained access to the Bishop’s residence and opened fire on him, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
Onyekwelu said the association had reported the incident to the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg and that a murder case has been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
Also, the Consulate General said Fakunle was killed by unidentified assailants at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, describing the incident as a “gruesome murder.”
The mission called on the relevant South African authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that anyone found responsible was prosecuted.
Family has confirmed the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and prominent Nigerian businessman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Tukur reportedly died on Saturday at his residence in Abuja after a prolonged illness, according to confirmation from his family.
His death marks the end of a long and influential career spanning business, public service and partisan politics, during which he held several significant positions in Nigeria.
Tukur, who hailed from Adamawa State, served as governor of the former Gongola State during the Second Republic.
Gongola State was later divided into the present-day Adamawa and Taraba states as part of Nigeria’s state-creation exercises.
Following his tenure as governor, Tukur remained active in public affairs and was appointed Minister of Industries during the military administration of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
He also expressed interest in contesting Nigeria’s highest political office before becoming deeply involved in the leadership of the PDP.
Tukur later emerged as National Chairman of the PDP, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, where he played a significant role in the party’s affairs and leadership.
His tenure as PDP national chairman placed him at the centre of major political developments in the country and further established his reputation as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Beyond politics, Tukur was also a successful businessman whose career contributed to his prominence in national affairs.
The family is expected to proceed with his burial on Saturday at the Lamido of Adamawa’s Palace in Yola, Adamawa State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Just as we had in 2023, it’s a three-horse race once again. Nigeria is set for another general election with three major candidates on the ballot.
In Nigeria’s election history, (as it is in presidential elections around the world), it has always been two frontrunners. But in the last election, a certain Peter Obi crept into the ballot through the back door.
Using the instrumentality of a floundering Labour Party, he literally set Nigeria’s political landscape ablaze. Presidential elections have never been the same since then.
The 2027 election is by the corner and three, not two presidential wannabes are jostling for the top job yet again.
Peter Obi (NDC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC) and the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC. But there are 16 others too. We forbid to call them spoilers and clowns!
OBI’S BLITZKRIEG
In 2023, Peter Obi wasn’t only the X-factor, he was widely acclaimed to have won the election before INEC brazenly ‘glitched’ it and awarded it to Tinubu. Election observers said so; decampees from the ruling party who were cohorts in the rigging crime, have been confessing in lachrymal mea culpa, how they stole in broad daylight, a poll Obi won by miles.
Today, the incumbent sags under the dead weight of an illegitimate mandate. A stolen mandate would often render leadership arduous and rudderless.
The incumbent’s response to Obi, the third force and the people’s choice was to seek to bar him from the ballot ab initio. Obi’s Labour Party was torn to shreds by the rampaging APC ruling house. But the stubborn gadfly yet again, managed to get on the arena, under the umbrella of a new, fledgling party, the National Democratic Congress.
Peter Obi
Immediately Obi joined the NDC, it blossomed to become probably the biggest party in Nigeria overnight.
That’s the power of organic followership.
Apart from Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and to a lesser extent, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, no other political leader in Nigeria’s history has managed to garner Obi’s power and momentum.
With a movement which grew by its own manure and named itself Obi-dients, they had insisted that it was Obi or nothing. They vowed never to settle for a second fiddle position. This drove Obi to decamp once again. He left the African Democratic Congress where the party was bent on denying him the ticket even though he has the mo and the magic.
As in 2023, Obi remains the issue today in the run-up to the 2027 election. Most remarkable about this candidate is that he seems to buck all electioneering trends. No elaborate campaign councils, no billboards, no radio and television commercials. Nothing of such stuff Obi has described as “criminal structures.”
Many state governments have made it very expensive and almost impossible to campaign in their domains.
Most have imposed outrageous fees for outdoor bills. Some dimwits have even insisted candidates must get written permissions from them first.
These undemocratic injunctions seem to target candidate Obi.
A near-bloody episode happened in Benue State on Tuesday when thugs who were apparently state-sponsored, physically blocked the highway and denied Obi access into Makurdi. It took Obi’s gracious nature to avert a fatal clash. He led his team back!
He has said he would campaign directly and not by proxy. He would reach out to Nigerians and not just by touching base but by truly feeling their pains. He has traversed about half the country already in the short period the campaign whistle was blown.
ATIKU’S BOMBSHELLS
The flag-bearer of the ADC has kicked off his campaign with a most enviable strategy that may have not only destabilised all opponents, but has the incumbent in panic mode.
He’ has focused on the major mistakes of the APC in the last three years.
Atiku started by jeering at the so-called fuel subsidy. He would tinker with it because Tinubu’s model has not only failed, it has left the populace prostrate.
He will give scholarships to Nigerian students and not bond them to sovereign loans. Meaning that he may disband NELFUND, the much bragged about, corruption-ridden National Education Loan Fund.
Atiku, the old political fox, has pursued Tinubu to the US to finally unravel his certificate and narcotics shenanigans.
Atiku Abubakar
This barrage of political firestorm has probably sent president Tinubu fleeing to catch his breath and rework his campaign strategies. Officially though, the president is on vacation in Europe for about three weeks. But people are asking, which serious politician would jet off to holiday abroad at the beginning of campaign in a major election cycle?
TINUBU’S DOODLE
Apart from the damaging effects of the political salvos from opponents, the APC’s campaign may have come unstuck when the long list of its campaign council members is found to be filled with rogues, embezzlers and bandits.
The deafening uproar that ensued caused the list to be hurriedly trashed. Three weeks later, APC has not been able to constitute a campaign team.
President Bola Tinubu
The president who is to lead the charge won’t be back till October when electioneering would have been halfway gone. What does that say? Perhaps that’s a show of confidence?
Even at that, the incumbent is a vastly damaged product. His first term so far has been an abysmal failure. With 60 million Nigerians heaped in the dunghills of poverty, Tinubu’s campaign is dead on arrival. He has nothing concrete to campaign with. Some wags have actually conjectured that he’s on the run!
JOKERS, SPOILERS, MASQUERADES AND CLOWNS
After the top three runners, the rest of the park falls into categories to be described as jokers, masquerades, spoilers and such.
Two stand out: Mr Donald Duke who aligned himself with the parochial Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
If President Olusegun Obasanjo as he was in 2006 had picked Governor Donald Duke (as he was) as running mate to the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Duke would likely have the status of a former president right now instead of Goodluck Jonathan.
IS DUKE A PAID SPOILER?: As a result of the sterling pedigree of Duke as governor of Cross River state (1999 – 2007), many of us rooted for him at the material time, to run with Yar’Adua.
If not for the dynamics of geography in Nigeria, Duke would have been President of Nigeria already. That’s how enchanting a politician he is/was.
And this leads us to question? After 20 years of being at the cusp of glory why would Duke descend to the current inglorious state of playing spoiler?
Everyone who knows DD is wondering what infernal folly is driving him now. What the heck is he doing in PRP, they muse? Why PRP or all parties? Isn’t it more honourable to align forces with a team seeking to rescue Nigeria? Isn’t he troubled by the state of the nation today? Wouldn’t he he proud to be among the crowd that takes Nigeria out of the woods? What would he tell his grand children if Nigeria upends as a result of the current suicidal incompetence and exponential graft? All this doesn’t matter to him?
Perhaps he never had any nobility in him? Maybe overrated after all!?
But some observers have ventured that he’s not running for president, he’s a mere spoiler! He’s probably on retainership of sorts with Abuja.
That seems beyond reason but Nigeria’s politics is not a game for the rational.
Whatever the case may be, Duke’s glorious political life has been quenched at noon. What a pity.
WHAT’S GOV. SEYI UP TO? Seyi Makinde, the outgoing governor of Oyo State has moulded himself into an enigmatic politician after an impressive eight years in office.
He defied the ruling party and President Tinubu’s autocratic tendencies.
For instance, the day he announced his presidential interest coincided with the blitzing kidnap of school children in Oyo schools.
Yoruba say, the witch cried today and children suffer misfortune tomorrow. You need no calculator to do the maths.
This is why when Gov. Seyi called for an international audit of the Oyo kidnap saga, the ruling party apparatchiks were much distraught. It would seem as if Seyi spoke treason going by their responses.
Seyi Makinde’s candidacy can only be a dross to President Tinubu in Oyo State and the south west.
It is even feared that he may align with NDC or ADC at the last minute.
That would be a dagger to the heart of APC and a huge bolster to Seyi’s bona fides to statesmanship.
Seyi Makinde
Should he align with a winning party, he would immediately become the most important politician in Yoruba land after the fall of Tinubu!
And lest we forget, like Obi and Kwankwaso, Makinde also boasts of some organic followership in Oyo State.
SOWORE THE CLOWN: One can’t help seeing the serial presidential contest of Omoyele Sowore as mere clowning around. This is probably the third time he’s running for president. Though Yele sounds smart on the face of it, but why this serial stupidity?
Why can’t he start from the National Assembly or governorship level at that?
Just because he was a student union leader doesn’t mean he can catapult himself to Aso Rock simply by contesting! Could he be suffering from a case of arrested development? Does he think he’s still on campus?
Well, let someone whisper to Sowore that he’s never going to be president of Nigeria even if he tries till the end of time. Unless he reworks his strategies and start from the lower rungs.
He also appears like an autocrat: how come he’s the only one in his party. Did he cannibalise others or he’s a lone ranger?
Maybe someday when he becomes a true democrat Nigerians can begin to take him seriously.
LIKE SOWORE LIKE ADEBAYO: Another perennial presidential candidate is Mr. Adewole Adebayo, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Adebayo is imbued with immense economic brilliance but he must have failed his political courses in school. SDP used to be a sizable party with men of stature. But Adebayo has reduced it to the size of his lean frame. Like Sowore, he’s the sole contender, the rooster among the chickens. No other name or face. That’s a red flag already!
THE REST OF THE JOKERS: THERE are 19 presidential contenders altogether. Beyond the top three, and the two spoilers, the remaining 14 may well be advised to go for mental health check up while there’s yet time.
Why would people with no name, nor face nor pedigree deign to seek to run a country? Why don’t they consider governorship or the legislature as stepping stones?
One wagers that these are busybodies and people with easy cash to burn. In every election circle, they only succeed in elongating the ballot paper and making the process more cumbersome for the voter. In the years ahead, we must find a way to discourage people like these from plaguing the system with utter folly.
LAST LINE: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PRESIDENT TINUBU?
Yes, we have been informed he’s on vacation for some weeks. But this column doesn’t think a sitting president has the luxury of total privacy for weeks on end.
The presidency of a country bears a country’s sovereign authority. It’s like a monarch of yore reigning over a kingdom.
A President, like a king, should never go to another king’s domain to hibernate for weeks on end. It speaks ill about the state of his kingdom.
Today, most leaders create exotic vacation spots at home where they retreat to and unwind. Most presidents shun medical tourism in another country. Apart from the security risk, even minor national entities have upgraded their health systems to the point that high-emd facilities serve their leaders and create medical tourism in the process.
It’s unacceptable that a Nigerian president still travels to another president’s domain in search of rest, recreation and medical support in 2026.
