Peter Obi’s entry into Nigeria’s political landscape is a breath of fresh air in a system that often demonises those with differing views. His recent publicly stated advocacy for the release of Nasir El-Rufai has ignited significant discussions across Nigerian politics, especially considering their intense rivalry before and during the 2023 elections. In the traditional Nigerian political playbook, Obi could have easily reminisced about the pivotal role El-Rufai played in thwarting his aspirations Despite Obi being the people’s choice, El Rufai went for party loyalty and supported Bola Tinubu, who has now become his traducer.
However, what we are witnessing is not merely nostalgia; it is a strategic shift reflecting Obi’s commitment to a “politics of principles.” This shift serves as a foundation for a new political coalition—the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—as they gear up for the 2027 polls.
On March 9, 2026, Obi released a powerful statement on X, vehemently condemning the continued detention of El-Rufai and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. His argument rests on three essential pillars: fairness, the illegitimacy of the government’s “Fishing Expeditions,” and the undue “repeated transfers” of El-Rufai between the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS. Obi called out this approach as a “desperate search for any charge that might stick,” challenging the integrity of the investigations. While he supports the fight against corruption, he insists that it must begin with those currently in power, emphasising that selective enforcement undermines the broader fight against corruption. He framed El-Rufai’s detention as “political persecution disguised as criminal prosecution.”
By defending a man who once dismissed him as a “tribal candidate” and a “Nollywood actor,” Obi is establishing himself as a leader who prioritises constitutional processes over personal grievances, elevating the rule of law above political grudges. As a Northerner who once admired El-Rufai until the latter joined with Tinubu in 2022, I find Obi’s principled stance on El-Rufai’s detention to be a monumental moment for our politics and for the ADC Coalition.
Both Obi and El-Rufai have recently united under the ADC banner, and Obi’s defence of El-Rufai is a savvy move to fortify this coalition. It sends a clear signal to northern power brokers that he is a fair partner, capable of putting aside past disagreements. I stand firmly with Obi’s supporters (Obidients) who interpret this act of magnanimity as evidence of his “superior temperament.” In a civilised society, detractors are entitled to fair treatment and the rule of law.
Yet, some critics may dismiss this “spirit of fairness” as merely a “marriage of convenience” with a former adversary. They are mistaken. It is high time for the North to cast aside its prejudices against Igbos and give Obi a chance. He has a proven track record that can instil confidence, especially given his pragmatic vision that has the potential to transform the North. I am happy that a formidable Northern mobilizer like Rabiu Kwankwaso is trying to identify with this Obi project. Imagine how electrifying it would be to have a political movement like the Obidient and Kwankwansiyya groups on one platform.
The time has come for the North to confront the escalating poverty in our region—a situation that is primed to erupt into crisis. We must acknowledge that no one will escape the fallout when that happens. Let’s act decisively for the collective good.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has called for strict alignment of messaging and mobilisation across the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging Party coordinators to adopt a unified strategy in promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms.
Speaking at the South-South zonal workshop of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Asaba, Uzodimma stressed that “we are one Party; we must have one message,” describing coordination as “a requirement, not a suggestion.”
He said the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ national work plan—developed after the APC strategic summit in Abuja—provides clear guidelines, timelines and responsibilities for grassroots mobilisation.
Highlighting key economic indicators, Uzodimma noted improvements in foreign reserves, GDP growth and oil production, but acknowledged that many Nigerians still feel the impact of ongoing reforms.
“The pain is temporary; the gains are permanent,” he said, urging Party members to bridge the gap between government performance and public perception, guarding against, “wesponising people’s pain against the APC administration,” and seeking alignment in policies and speeches.
He tasked coordinators to intensify grassroots engagement, counter misinformation and translate government policies into relatable terms for citizens.
Uzodimma also set a 90-day timeline for measurable mobilisation outcomes, including ward-level structures and reporting systems.
“The President has done the hard work of reform; we must now do the work of communication,” he added.
“Move beyond propaganda – honest conversations, active listening and fact-based communication,” Uzodimma advised, adding,” misinformation travels faster than facts. We must counter propaganda with truth and cynicism with hope.”
The Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Director General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and the Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassador in the South South, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for rising up to the decision of the APC leadership to provide informed narrative of the activities of the Party under President Tinubu at the local, State and national levels to Nigerians.
“There is no reasonable Nigerian who will not want to support the pensioners….If there is anything I would do to improve the lives of the pensioners in Imo State I will not hesitate to do it.”
The above statement was made in September 2020 by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State during one of his meetings where he addressed the concerns about delayed pension payment in the State.
Four months earlier, May 2020 to be precise, and in his determination to right certain institutional wrongs in Imo, Uzodimma had signed a bill into law that repealed an earlier one that gave former Governors and their deputies, former Speakers and their deputies, the right to collect pension and gratuity after leaving office as political office holders.
Uzodimma had reasoned that the operationalisation of such law in Imo State then violated the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and that the past leaders in the State were simply taking undue advantage of the offices they had held in trust for the people to exploit them and undermine the system.
Mind you, Uzodimma did not bother that he would have been a beneficiary of the same law that made past Governors and their deputies, past speakers and their deputies, to collect pension and gratuity from the State if such law is allowed to stay.
But for this bold move by the Governor, what many Imo people did not know was that a bill was already in the works at the then House of Assembly where the lawmakers were seeking to be paid pension and gratuity after leaving office.
Today, if that bill had also been passed into law, together with the one already in existence to take care of the former Governor, his deputy, the former speaker and his deputy, all the resources of the State would have been used to service their interest.
The Governor had initiated the biometric verification and automation processes for pensioners in Imo State and before long, the verified pensioners started receiving bank alerts of payment of their pensions from the comfort of their homes. It never happened before.
I recall the leadership of the Imo Pension Union paying a courtesy call on Governor Uzodimma on behalf of their members to express their profound gratitude and support for the full implementation of the biometric verification and automation processes to ensure all the retirees were captured. Today, that request is history as the exercise has long been completed and all pensioners in Imo receiving their pay without let or hindrance.
Oguwike Nwachuku
Away from the challenges of payment of pensioners’ salary every month, the Governor also promised to commence payment of their more than 20 years unpaid gratuities which none of his past colleagues wanted to touch with a long spoon because of the princely sum running into billions of Naira involved.
In no time, the phased payment of gratuities started in Imo in line with the payment structure the Governor had envisaged and openly disclosed to the retirees accordingly. Again, the pensioners were excited and full of gratitude. In fact, it was the size of their excitement that made them to give the Governor an award as – “Most Pensioners- friendly Governor of Imo State”- which he cherishes till date.
As yours sincerely writes, the pensioners who fall within the first phase of the gratuity payment plan/structure have been paid. Arrangements are also in top gear to migrate another set of pensioners to the structure where they will get paid their entitlement.
The above short background is critical for us to understand the intention behind the decision of the persons claiming to be pensioners who were credited to have gone to the Assumpta Cathedral last week for a Thanksgiving for surviving the none payment of gratuities by the Governor Uzodimma administration.
Report had it that the so-called pensioners had beseeched God to intervene on their plight.
Before I proceed to evaluate what the acclaimed pensioners must have done with their supplication to God over gratuity, it is important to note that the Union of the Pensioners in Imo State had long distanced the members from the Assumpta Cathedral excursion, describing those involved in the exercise as impersonators.
However, the point must be made that the Church, as God’s Sanctuary, desires that all manner of persons approaches it. That is why both the good, the bad and the ugly, even in behaviour, can boldly go to the Church to seek God’s face. No man of God drives anyone who has approached the Church for God to solve his or her problem away. In fact, the more persons that approach the Church for whatever reason, the greater the believe that God dwells therein and prayers answered.
But what is usually the challenge is the intension. Is it with good heart? Is it to kill or destroy or blackmail or slander? Is it for mischief purpose or for attention seeking? Or is it for just social outing?
I am really concerned about the intention of the so-called pensioners who were said to have gone to ask God to compel Uzodimma to pay them their gratuity.
I am also compelled to draw our attention to the book of Jeremiah 17:9, which says, “the heart is deceitful above all things.”
If we are in agreement that human emotions, desires and subjective reasoning are unreliable guides that can trick us into making poor decisions and judgement, as well as prioritizing selfish desires over truth, is it not possible that the so-called pensioners had a motive that was beyond seeking God’s face?
Given that their is no retiree in Imo State that is not in tune with Uzodimma’s intentional efforts to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to the pensioners since the past 20 years, is it out of place to describe these few respected elder statesmen and women who went to Assumpta Cathedral as mischievous retirees?
It was late South African President and anti Apartheid Czar, Dr Nelson Mandela who said, “it always seems impossible until it is done.”
Before now, no retiree in Imo State believes payment of gratuity was possible. But can they sincerely say that there is no action on the subject matter? If it is because you have not received your own, should that be a reason to deny the genuine effort of a man who has remained passionate about the welfare of not just pensioners but the entire workforce in the State? Apart from Imo, which other State in Nigeria is paying N104,000 minimum wage in Nigeria, more than the Federal Government pays? Which State in Nigeria is implementing a free Health Insurance programme for her workforce including for the pensioners? What happens to the our heart of gratitude?
Many believe that political opponents always find in our retired elder statesmen and women a willing tool to play politics because of their “vulnerability.” If the leadership of the Imo State Pension Union is unaware of the so-called Thanksgiving prayer at Assumpta Cathedral and said those who went there are imposters, what message has their outing sent across – those praying to God for answers to their problems or those mocking Him for the sake of their selfish desires?
Interested political opponents may want to take advantage of the “vulnerability” of our aged retirees to get them engaged in any activity to keep them busy in line with George Bernhard Shaw’s caution that, ” a life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”
Unfortunately, did the Holy Book not warn us in Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked?”
Mine is a frank advice to our respected retirees. They should rather engage in genuine and sincere prayer to God for the gift of a man like Hope Uzodimma at this period in the history of Imo State for what God has used him to accomplish for the State.
They ought to pray to God to continuously supporting, sustaining and encouraging Hope Uzodimma in his determination to leave Imo State better than he met in all ramifications. They should implore God in their supplication to help Hope Uzodimma fulfill his promise to make every worker and pensioner in Imo State happy by ensuring that the resources of the State are used, only for their good and not for the select few whose stock in trade has always been to play politics with their livelihood and future. I am certain they will not lose anything should they pray the way Hezekiah did in 2 kings 19 and 20, because God is still in the business of answering prayers when the heart is genuine and pure.
The popular saying that an elder does not stay at home and watch a tethered she-goat suffer the pains of child birth ought to also apply to our senior citizens.
Nwachukwu, Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to Governor Uzodimma writes from Owerri
A shake-up has taken place in the Nigeria Police Force. The Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Disu, has approved the redeployment of a number of Assistant Inspectors General of Police across key departments and formations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP’s directive was contained in an internal wireless message from the Force Headquarters, Abuja. It was marked “Most Immediate,” emphasising the urgency of the new postings.
In the new postings, AIG Ado Emmanuel takes charge of the Department of Research and Planning at Force Headquarters, while AIG Joseph Eribo goes to the Department of Armament. AIGs
Miller G. Dantawaye and Henry Ifeanyi Uche take charge of Operations and Training and Development respectively.
In same vein, AIG Olanrewaju Peter Ogunlowo goes to Accounts and Budget, while Dahiru Mohammed was was posted to Zone 15, Maiduguri.
AIG Dankombo F. Morris was posted to Zone 4, Makurdi, while Bello Shehu was redeployed to Zone 14, Katsina.
AIGs Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba and Ahmed Musa were posted to Legal Services and Community Policing, respectively. AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, former Lagos State Commissioner of Police was posted to Zone 2 Command in Lagos while
Simeon U. Akpanudom was redeployed to the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos. Haruna Olufemi resumes at the Special Protection Unit, Force Headquarters.
These redeployments stem from the recent promotions within the Force which saw to the elevation of deserving Commissioners of Police to AIGs and deserving DCPs to Commissioners of Police.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, has caved in to mounting pressure, with a declaration to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday March 24, 2026.
The Source reports that El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, who is facing inter-agency investigations on multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering diversion of public funds and security related Offences has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, 2026, after being granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
But despite the expiry of a 14-day extended court remand order granted to the Commission by the Bwari Chief Magistrate court since March 19, the anti-graft Commission has continued to hold El-Rufai in custody.
Expectedly, the Commission had come under severe criticisms detention, without arraignment of the former Kaduna state Governor, with not a few questioning the motives behind the arrest.
Only on Sunday, Peter Obi the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, while condemning the continued detention of El-Rufai without trial, described the development as a classical case of political persecution.
Obi, a prominent figure of the ADC, and its presidential hopeful, while speaking at a stakeholders parley of ADC in Kaduna at the weekend, warned that ICPC’s prolonged detention of El-Rufai without trial greatly undermines the rule of law and due process.
“How can you invite someone who just returned from abroad ,and then begin to treat him like a fugitive?
” For me, what is playing out now is political persecution. We have a law and that law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail in the present circumstances” Obi stated.
A statement on Monday from John Odey, ICPC’s spokesperson, informed that the anti-corruption commission has filed formal charges bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property and money laundering, and diversion have been filed at a Federal High Court, Kaduna with arraignment scheduled for Tuesday March 24, 2026.
According to Odey, El-Rufai has also been slammed with another set of charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage ,at a Kaduna State High Court
“Both charges were filed by the ICPC on 18th March, 2026. The date of arrangement in the State High Court will be communicated as determined by the court.
“The ICPC wishes to inform the public that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has been duly served. The ICPC restates its commitment to adhering fully to due process and rule of law at all times”, the statement noted.
The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has debunked claims of about 150 suspected terrorists drowning in a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida community,Sabon Birni Local Council of Sokoto State.
The Source reports that the media was, on Sunday, awash with reports of a fully loaded boat capsizing with its occupants suspected to be terrorist elements all perishing.
But in a statement on Monday, March, 23, 2026, from its Area Manager Sokoto Zonal Office, Bello Bala, NIWA described the reports as false, and misleading.
While urging the public to disregard the report in its entirety, Bala, denied any record of any boat mishap within the Sabon Gida area, or any other place within Sokoto State.
” There was no such incident within the area. The mentioned river is not navigable”, the NIWA spokesperson added.
This is as he tasked media organizations and members of the public on the importance of fact-checking before publications.
He further stated that an incident of such a magnitude would have been made public through approved channels.
The alleged gang ra*e incident in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, has generated controversy, accusations and counter accusations, as the Safer Society for Children Foundation, SSCF, and the Elegant Nurses Forum, ENF, have petitioned the Ogun State Police Command, demanding justice over the alleged gang ra*e of a young female student.
In the strongly worded petition dated March 22, 2026, the groups accused the Nigeria Police Force of failing in its primary duty of protecting the victim, and alleged that officers compounded her ordeal through acts of misconduct.
The Groups in their petition specifically claimed that personnel at the Igbeba Police Station breached confidentiality by disclosing the victim’s identity and residential details, thereby exposing her family to intimidation.
It further alleged that relatives of the suspects were allowed undue access, allegedly enabling attempts to pressure and induce the victim’s family into silence through threats and inducements.
Describing the incident as more than a criminal act, the groups characterised it as a case of “institutional betrayal,” warning that such alleged lapses could erode public trust in law enforcement.
The petition demanded the immediate investigation and prosecution of the four suspects identified as Kalu Prosper, Oche Destiny, Adamu Paul, and Adewusi Qudus, alongside any police personnel found culpable.
They also called for adequate protection for the victim and her family, as well as sustained transparency in the handling of the case, urging Nigerians to rally against se*ual violence and corruption.
However, in a swift response, the Ogun State Police Command dismissed the allegations of misconduct, insisting that due process was strictly followed throughout the investigation.
The Command stated that the suspects had already been charged to court, with the matter now before the judiciary, underscoring that the legal process was actively underway.
According to the police, all critical procedures, including medical examinations, evidence gathering, and documentation, were conducted professionally, with the victim’s safety and dignity prioritised.
Nevertheless, the Commissioner of Police has ordered an internal review into the allegations raised, assuring that any proven breach of duty would be met with decisive disciplinary action.
While the Command urged the public to provide credible information to aid ongoing inquiries, it reaffirmed its commitment to justice, even as the unfolding developments continue to test public confidence in the system.
The Niger State Police Command has informed that clearance operations are underway along Luma Road, in Borgu Local Council of Niger State, the scene of an explosion.
The Source reports that an IED-induced explosion had, in the wee hours of Monday, March 23, 2026, rocked the Luma/Babana/Agwara link Road, destroying a vital bridge, and hitting an approaching vehicle.
Seven persons, all occupants of a commercial vehicle caught by the explosion on the bridge w lost their lives in the incident.
The explosion also wrecked a significant damage on the bridge, which is said to connect Luma, with other communities including Agwara.
The heavy explosion which was said to have occurred at about 2.00 am Monday, is believed to have been planted by banditry elements operating within the nearby forests.
A statement from the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said the link bridge was targeted by the suspected terrorists.
“On 23rd March, 2026, at about 6.30 am, a report received revealed that on the same date at about 2.00 am, suspected terrorists within the park forest used an explosive device, and bombed a bridge located along Luma Road, Borgu LGA, connecting Luma-Babana-Agwara communities .
“It was discovered that the bridge was damaged by the hoodlums during security operations in the area”, Abiodun stated.
He, however, informed that efforts are ongoing to clear the affected areas by security operatives.
The Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led National Working Committee, NWC, has vehemently rejected claims suggesting that it is committed to the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.
The Source reports that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had, on Sunday, at an interactive session with the media in Bauchi after a closed door meeting with his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammad, alleged that the Federal Capital Territory Minister and his group, are only out to assist President Tinubu in realizing his second term ambition by destabilising the PDP.
Makinde who had in 2025 drawn attention to the promise made by Wike to hold down the PDP for his benefactor, President Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 polls, insisted that anybody working with the Wike-backed PDP faction is working for the re-election of the President.
He accused the faction of not being sincere in its quest for reconciliation within the PDP.
But speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday March 23, 2026, spokesperson for the Wike faction, Jungudo Mohammed, described the alleged support for the President as false ,and misleading.
He dismissed the allegation as a mere rumour being parroted by some people to discredit both the party and the FCT Minister.
The PDP spokesperson assured that contrary to widespread insinuations the PDP will definitely field its own Presidential Candidate as well as others during the elections.
“We are not supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027 general elections. We will do everything to field our own candidate.
“And I am using this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to give us a little time – between now and the time we will conduct our primaries.
“All these rumours about our support for All Progressive Congress, APC, or being an appendage of the APC will come to pass.
“Time will take care of those rumours and propaganda . It is aimed at either discrediting the PDP or discrediting the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike” Mohammed stated.
However, the PDP’s spokesperson’s position sharply contrasts with that of the FCT Minister who has remained adamant about his readiness to support the re-election bid of the President alongside his supporters.
Wike, in pursuant to this mission has launched what he called ” a Rainbow Coalition both in Abuja and his home state of Rivers to drum support for President Tinubu’s second term ambition.
Not a few are also of the conviction that his desperate push for the total control of the PDP opposition party is aimed at achieving his set goal of fending off strong opposition to the re-election bid of the President.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that any support for the Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led National Working Committee NWC, is a support for the death of multiple party democracy in Nigeria.
This is as he insisted that anybody still following the Federal Capital Territory Minister,Nyesom Wike, in his efforts at holding down the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, should be regarded as anti-people.
The source reports that the Oyo state Governor had, towards the end of 2025, raised the alarm over alleged plans by Wike, to assist the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by way of destabilising the main opposition political party.
Governor Makinde who spoke on Sunday, after a closed door meeting with his Bauchi State counterpart and Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammad, alleged that Wike who is serving under the APC-led Federal Government is only out to sell the PDP to his benefactors in Government.
The Oyo State Governor emphasized that Wike and all those backing him are not sincere about reconciling with anybody, accusing them of only being interested in promoting the second term ambition of the President .
” I came into the public domain to say that I was in a meeting with Wike and Mr President, and Wike promised to hold the PDP for Mr President ahead of 2027 elections .
“That position still remains m. So, anybody dealing with Wike, and his group in any guise, what it means is that they have also agreed to support President Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
“We need Nigerians to judge. If you can be in their (Wike’s) camp where they promised that they are supporting the President so be it .
Nyesom Wike
“On our part, we are not begrudging them, You can support whoever you like to. But go to them if you want to support them. That is our position.
“They (Wike’s camp) have the Federal Government behind them . They have the Judiciary behind them . They have INEC behind them. But we have the people behind us, “Makinde stated .
He explained that the issue of reconciliation was muted by a Court of competent jurisdiction– a court of Appeal as a veritable means of repositioning the party.
The Oyo state Governor, however, emphasized the need for such a conciliatory process to be pursued with a sincerity of purpose..
He expressed regret that the FCT Minister and his allies are not interested in any efforts that will see the PDP mounting a meaningful challenge ahead of the 2027 polls
