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2027: “Running With Atiku As VP Imaginary, Obi Remains In LP” – Obidient Movement Clarifies

May 20, 2025

The Obidient Movement has reacted to screaming headline news which purported that Peter Obi has been offered the Vice Presidential slot to run with Atiku Abubakar in 2027.

In a statement signed by its Director, Strategic Communication and Media, Nana Kazaure, the Movement dismissed any such arrangement as imaginary and emphasized that Obi remained a member of the Labour Party, LP.

It also confirmed that Obi is involved in a discussion for a Coalition but said it was a coalition against hunger, against insecurity and all the other ills against the underprivileged.

The statement reads in full:

“The Obidient Movement has been inundated with calls from our members within and outside the country, including other members of the public, regarding a media publication claiming that our principal, Peter Obi, has been offered the running mate position to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the new coalition being formed ahead of 2027.

“Even as we know that the publication is imaginary to the author, we are tempted not to ignore it because of the possible far-reaching misconception it will have in the public space.

“While frank and cordial engagements with our partners and stakeholders towards a coalition continue amicably, the Obidient Movement would like to state emphatically that there is no truth or basis to the reports whatsoever.

“Without any risk of contradiction, we would like to reiterate that Mr Obi has maintained that his objective and his involvement in a coalition, is to provide a united front against and to tackle issues of bad governance, corruption, hunger, poverty, poor healthcare, out of school children and the myriad of other problems daily afflicting the people of Nigeria.

“We want politics that is progressive, standing firmly with the people and serving the great people of Nigeria and not politics just for the sake of grabbing power.

“At this point in time, Mr Peter Obi remains in the Labour party, and if ever this changes, he will make that announcement himself.

“The Obidient Movement would like to advise against sensationalism and speculation on these matters. At this difficult time, all Nigerians and the Media, inclusive, should emphasise and contribute to building a better country.”

Obi was running mate to Atiku in the 2019 Presidential Election under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. They were defeated by the then incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

He defected to the LP in the run-up to the 2023 Presidential election, ran for the Presidential seat and lost to President Bola Tinubu in an exercise that is still described as controversial in many quarters.

Host Community Protest, Halt Activities At Rivers State University

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 19, 2025

Protesters at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The host community of the Rivers State owned Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni on Monday May 19 ,2025 brought activities at the institution to a halt.

This followed massive protests by women and youths against what they described as gross marginalization of the community members in both employment opportunities and contract awards by the institution’s authorities.

The protesters, in their numbers, as early as 10 am, took over the University’s main gate, beating and dancing to local musical rhythms while also being guarded and shadowed by security agencies to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

The protests and subsequent disruption of activities, however, came amidst the institution’s ongoing first semester examinations.

The protesters who blocked other entry and exit routes of the University, vowed neither to vacate nor halt their actions unless their demands are addressed by the relevant authorities.

While addressing the Media, Leader of the protesters ,and Youth Leader of the Community ,Felix Chinda ,alleged that the University authorities have neglected the community in both employment and contract awards despite providing the land for its establishment.

According to him, several efforts made at getting the University management to address their concerns have been rebuffed or outrightly ignored.

The Community, he noted, had before now written several letters and held meetings on the need to accord attention to the community, but to no avail .

The Youth leader specifically referenced the recent employment exercise whereby most of the opportunities were offered to outsiders ,while ignoring indigenes of the host community.

“What we are doing today is a last resort. This is because over the years, during employment, the institution never bothers to carry the us along.

“As a host community,we are supposed to be allotted certain percentage of the opportunities on offer ,and if it is contracts ,we are expected to be patronized.

“But unfortunately, this has not been the case ,with successive administrations of the institution.

“This land used to serve our parents as farmland before it was given out for the establishment of the university.

“In line with the principle of reciprocity, we are supposed to be accommodated in employment opportunities ,and other activities.

“But our people are not given the chance during employment exercises”, Chinda alleged.

However, addressing the protesters, the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof .Okechukwu Onuchuku, insisted that while observing merit in its activities, the institution has also accorded every interest ,including the host community its dues.

According to him, the University authorities have made the twin principles of transparency and fairness the bedrock of their policy formulation and implementation.

Upgraded Oyo International Airport To Begin Operations In 2026

Akinwale Kasali

May 19, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Local Flights to start later this year

The upgraded Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State has been given a new breathe of life by the Federal Government and it is expected to begin Local Flights operations by the end of the year.

This development was announced in a statement released by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday.

He explained that activities are in top gear to upgrade the airport to an International standard and would begin operations in 2026.

Oyelade said the airport’s ongoing upgrades include extending the runway from 2,400 meters to 3,000 meters and widening it from 45 to 60 meters to accommodate wide-body aircraft for International

He noted that the airfield lighting system has been updated to CAT C standards and the fire-fighting response has been upgraded to ensure a robust safety profile.

He added that facilities are being put in place for Customs, Immigration, and other vital agencies to meet International standards.

He said the runway upgrade, apron, taxiway, and blast pads among others which currently stand at 55% will be completed before the end of the year and local flights should resume thereafter subject to approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.

“The International Terminal construction is currently at 15% completion and will be ready by June 2026 for such flights.

“These upgrades reflect the government’s vision of transforming the Ibadan Airport into a modern and internationally competitive facility.

“By enhancing our infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft, we are not only improving domestic connectivity but also paving the way for global travel.”

The Commissioner reiterated the promise of Governor Seyi Makinde that the next Hajj flight to Saudi Arabia next year will be from the airport.

It would be recalled that the flagged off for the upgrading of the airport was done on September 18, 2024, and was officially was shut down in March 2025 to intensify work on the project.

South East Reps Caucus Demands Cancelation Of 2025 UTME, Resignation Of Prof Oloyede

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 19, 2025

Prof Ishaq Oloyede -JAMB registrar — Prof Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The South-east Caucus of the House of Representatives on Monday May 19, 2025, rejected the decision of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, in rescheduling the UTME for Zones candidates.

This is just as it called for the immediate resignation of Prof Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the JAMB, owing to the very poor handling of the 2025 UTME.

The Source reports that the 2025 UTME was marred by unprecedented failure,and poor performances, with candidates from the South-east region and Lagos the most severely affected.

Addressing the situation last week, JAMB’s registrar blamed the ugly development on some technical glitches during the conduct of the examination.

While offering apologizes, the Board, announced the rescheduling of the examination for South East and Lagos candidates .

But in a statement issued by its leader, Hon Igariwey Iduma Enwo , on Monday, the Caucus insisted on the resignation of the Board’s Registrar for what it called “catastrophic institutional failure” on the part of JAMB.

The Caucus described as embarrassing and shocking a situation whereby over 379,000 candidates were affected by the so-called technical glitches.

It vehemently rejected the resit option offered by the Board, noting that the development has severely impacted on the candidates of the region ,and their families.

According to the caucus, the only effective and fair option is for the Board to cancel and re-conduct the entire exercise.

The Federal Lawmakers, particularly, decried the Board’s handling of the situation, especially its poor efforts at communication.

” Last week, particularly, on May 14, 2025, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof.Ishaq Oloyede, made a shocking public admission that due to a technical glitch at some examination centres during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, approximately 379 ,997 ,out 1.9million candidates would be required to resit the examination.

“As a caucus, we are deeply concerned as all South Eastern states we represent were directly affected by these so-called score distortions .

“Over the past week ,we have exercised restraint, hoping that JAMB would provide effective remedial measures to address what is a catastrophic institutional failure, one that has severely shaken public trust and confidence of students and their families nationwide.

“The caucus calls for immediate cancelation of the 2025 UTME, and the fixing of a new date preferably after WAEC and NECO exams to ensure that no student is disadvantaged.

“While, we acknowledge Prof Oloyede’s openness in admitting JAMB failures, we must state unequivocally that the remedial steps taken so far fail drastically short of our constituents’ expectations.

“JAMB’s knee-jerk fire brigade approach has been anything but adequate. Students in the South East, many of whom are currently writing their WAEC examinations, were given less than 48 hours notice to appear for the rescheduled UTME.

“Reports indicate that this notice was grossly inadequate resulting in low turnout. In some cases, the rescheduled UTME clashed directly with ongoing WAEC papers compounding the distress and confusion for students and their families” the caucus stated.

“To this end, the caucus while insisting on the conduct of a fresh general examination for all candidates,also demanded some disciplinary measures against all those found to be either remotely and directly responsible for the embarrassing situation.

According to the caucus, the Registrar’s resignation, much as he has tendered apologies, would permit an unfettered inquest to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the embarrassing development.

Prof Oloyede’s exit, the caucus maintained will equally rebuild public confidence in JAMB as an institution.

High Maternal Mortality: Kano To Compel Pregnant Women To Patronize Hospitals

Ayodele Oni

May 19, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A recent study commissioned by the Kano State Government has revealed that people of the State, especially pregnant women, are not patronizing hospitals.

Following the development, the State Government has expressed worry after the study showed only three, out of ten pregnant women give birth in hospitals in the State.

The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, who made the disclosure on Monday in Kano said, this development contribute to the wide and high record of maternal mortality recorded in the state.

He said, “Only three out of ten and 30 out of 100 pregnant women deliver in the hospitals according to the report we have.”

Labaran, added that, the state government is disturbed considering the huge investment in the health sector by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who has shown special interest in healthcare delivery system of the state.

“We are disturbed by these figures, Kano’s maternal mortality rate is unacceptable. We must all come together to combat it.

“So much has been spent by this government in a bid to providing qualitative healthcare services as such, we must encourage our women to come to hospitals. The time has passed where you keep women at home for delivery.”

“We are yet to fully understand why some men still prefer to keep their wives at home during childbirth in this era, but we want to assure them that we have equipped our hospitals to cater for them.

“Only a certified medical doctor can handle complications from childbirth. No matter how healthy and strong a woman is, she needs to be placed under medical care during childbirth. We are calling on our people to support us in changing these figures drastically.”

The Commissioner further assured the Abba Kabir’s administration commitment to providing good healthcare services geared towards saving lives and better living.

Groups such as Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education CHRICED have severally called on the Abba’s government to enact the free maternal and child health care law in the state which addresses the problem.

Panel Report: Gov Aiyedatiwa Promises Action On Ondo University Of Medical Sciences

Ayodele Oni

May 19, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Visitation Panel set up by the Ondo State Government to review the operations of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), has advocated for a culture of annual performance reviews in the university system.

According to the Panel, this will ensure continuous improvement, rather than only assessing progress at the end of a tenure of a vice Chancellor.

This was part of recommendations contained in the report of the panel which was submitted to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Monday in Akure.

Olumekun noted that such evaluations would increase accountability and help administrators remain focused on institutional goals throughout their terms.

He said that the panel had worked tirelessly over eight weeks to carry out a comprehensive review of UNIMED’s operations.

Olumekun explained that the team examined both the terms of reference provided and other vital aspects that could influence institutional growth.

“Our focus was on processes and systems. We made a deliberate effort not to judge personalities, but rather to assess the positions and roles they occupy.

“We believe that whoever occupies any position must be guided by structure, accountability, and performance standards.”

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that Governor of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa, while receiving the report, commended members of the Visitation Panel describing the work as a critical step toward institutional development and excellence.

The Governor expressed appreciation for the panel’s diligence and objectivity, noting that although he had yet to study the report in full, its scope and depth were already evident.

He particularly lauded the panel’s decision to focus on institutional positions rather than individuals, stating that such an approach is essential for sustainable growth and continuity.

“What makes me particularly pleased is the fact that you focused not on individuals, but on the positions they occupy. That is how institutions are built and sustained.

He added that proper structures and processes must be put in place to guide whoever assumes leadership roles within the university.

He assured the panel that the report would not be shelved, but critically examined and acted upon, saying; “Your labor and sacrifices will yield visible results. The real reward is in seeing your recommendations drive real change in our university system.”

The Governor emphasized that the ultimate aim of the panel’s work is to elevate UNIMED into a world-class institution.

“The whole idea is to build a better university; one that can compete globally, provide a top-tier learning environment, and become a model of excellence among specialized institutions.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that the government would prioritize the implementation of actionable recommendations in the report, reiterating his administration’s commitment to transforming education in Ondo State through deliberate, well-informed interventions.

“Why I Had No Personal Contact With Pope Leo XIV” – Peter Obi

Adesina Soyooye

May 19, 2025

Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi at Pope's Inauguration

By Adesina Soyooye

Peter Obi, a Papal Knight and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Election has opted not to allow his critics wallow in ignorance over why he did not personally meet with Pope Leo XIV during the Pontiff’s inauguration at the Vatican.

Obi had retuned to the Vatican after he came back from same Vatican where he had attended the funeral of the immediate past Pontiff, Late Pope Francis.

Having just returned from that funeral, he had no plans of going back for the inauguration of the new Pope. But a phone call from the Vatican which insisted on his presence at the inauguration changed all that. He went, witnessed the high Profile event from a vantage position, and even had a one-on-one with President Bola Tinubu, leader of the Nigerian Delegation who was personally invited by the Pope.

Since his return, critics, ignorant of protocol, have been taunting him because he did not, like President Bola Tinubu, shake hands with the Pope.

Ignorant as that was, Obi has patiently tutored them as to why. In a statement title:

“Back from the Vatican”, Obi wrote:

“I have just returned from the Vatican, and it was a deeply solemn and reflective visit. My participation in the inauguration ceremony was in line with my previous witnessing of inaugurations, swearing-ins, and official ceremonies across the world. This was no exception.

“Such occasions carry profound moral and spiritual significance. This was never a political event and should remain untouched by politics. Some moments are best reserved for quiet contemplation.

“After the inaugural Mass, I did not attend the Papal Audience and, therefore, did not have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father personally.

“That honour was reserved for Heads of States and accredited diplomats.

“For those who desire such an encounter, the Papal Audience continues traditionally.

“What should truly command our attention, however, is the content and moral force contained in the Pope’s homily, particularly his urgent call to fight poverty and promote a spirit of brotherhood that transcends ethnic, political, and religious boundaries. The deeper meaning of the gathering lies not in ceremonial gestures, but in whether those present internalised his message and will return with the resolve to act.

“The fight against corruption is the essential first step toward building societies where resources are directed to what truly matters – education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure. These should be our major concern and the lasting message we carry home from the Vatican. May we, in whatever station we occupy, rise to the task of building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation.”

Edo Assembly Elects Atu New Deputy Speaker As Edeko Resigns

Ayodele Oni

May 19, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The defection of Lawmakers in Edo State House of Assembly which has given the All Progressives Congress, (APC), majority in the House has led to the resignation of the Deputy Speaker, Maria Edeko.

Rather than joining her colleagues to defect, and dump the party that gave her the platform on which she contested and won election, Edeko, on Monday toed the path of honour and integrity, and voluntarily resigned her position.

Edeko, who represents Esan North-East II, in the Assembly, was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

She resigned her position due to the current minority status of the PDP, in the Assembly, after some of the lawmakers dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In her resignation speech, Edeko, who was elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023, said she resigned her position to allow for justice, fairness, and equity for all the constituencies.

She thanked the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her constituency in the assembly.

Following the announcement of her resignation, other lawmakers in the House took turns to shower accolades on Edeko.

They praised her unwavering dedication, passion for public service, and the high level of integrity she consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure.

They described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her tenure as Deputy Speaker.

The Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC-Esan West), moved a motion that all the entitlements due to the office of the Deputy Speaker be accorded the well-respected woman of integrity, a thing that has never happened before.

The motion which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Charity Airobarueghian (PDP, Ovia North East 1), was supported by other lawmakers, and was finally adopted.

Following her exit, the APC lawmaker representing Orhionmwon East, Osamwonyi Atu, was unanimously voted as the new Deputy Speaker.

LP: Abure’s Faction Celebrates As George Moghalu’s Name Is Published By INEC

Adesina Soyooye

May 19, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Unless there is a dramatic change in the crisis-ridden Labour Party, LP, the Julius Abure Faction seems to have carried the day.

Here is why.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the name of Chief George Moghalu as the Governorship Candidate of the LP in the upcoming Governorship election in Anambra State. The election is scheduled for November 2025.

Moghalu was produced by the Abure faction of the Party in a Primary election that was either boycotted or dismissed as no event by other aspirants. And he is now the one officially recognised by the INEC. This has thrown the Abure faction into a celebratory mood.

The Abure LP disclosed Moghalu’s recognition in a post on its official X handle and noted that by so doing INEC has endorsed its leadership and legitimacy.

The post reads: “INEC has officially published the name of Chief Dr. George Moghalu as the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election.

“This development has reaffirmed the Labour Party under Barr Julius Abure’s leadership as the officially recognized party by INEC, endorsing its leadership and legitimacy.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Chief Dr. George Moghalu on this historic victory!

May your leadership and vision propel Anambra State to new heights. Congratulations also to the good people of Anambra State on this development! Kudos to Barr Julius Abure and his entire team for this victory. The Labour Party is marching forward with strength and determination.”

The Party has been embroiled in unprecedented crisis for months. It resulted in its balkanisation into three factions. However, the Senator (Dr) Nenadi Usman-led Interim Committee is backed by most stakeholders, including the Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2019 Election, Mr Peter Obi, its only State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, Members of the National Assembly and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.

Missing Daughter Of Veteran Actress Jumoke George, To Return Home Today From Mali

Akinwale Kasali

May 19, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has facilitated the return of Adeola, daughter of bedridden Veteran Nollywood Actress, Jumoke George.

George had cried out in an interview with Biola Adebayo in a Podcast that her Daughter was missing. Her daughter travelled to Mali four years ago, and had made no contact with her mother.

Adeolais arrived Nigeria from Mali today, Monday, May 19, 2025.

Her rescue from Mali by the Federal Government followed the unearthing of her mother’s condition by actress, Biola Adebayo through her podcast.

During one of the editions of her podcast, titled: “Talk to B,” Adebayo featured George, who lamented her condition.

The bedridden and homeless veteran actress had revealed that she had been staying in a church for over six years and bedridden since January 2025, and Adeola missing for over four years, thus saddling her with taking care of her two children.

In a further move, Adebayo, who is also a Nollywood actress, got in touch with Adeola, who revealed that she had been in Mali since the last four years.

She said she wished to return home but could not because she does not have valid documents again.

In a further step, Adebayo contacted the Nigerian Embassy in Mali and Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.

As at Friday, all arrangements had been concluded for Adeola to return home.

She was initially expected on Sunday May 18, but the journey was rescheduled to Monday.

It was gathered from Sources at NiDCOM that she would be received at the Lagos Office of NiDCOM by Dabiri-Erewa.

NiDCOM has, over the years, facilitated the return of several stranded Nigerians all over the world.

The latest was the return of 13 ladies from Ghana and Mali last week Thursday.

Adebayo has received applause for her role and intervention in Adeola’s case.

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