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Edo Gov’ship Verdict: Fmr. Gov Obaseki, PDP Say It’s Danger Sign For Democracy

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godwin Obaseki
Governor Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions continue to trail the judgement of the Supreme Court which validated the victory of Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo with his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki denounced what he termed the “iconic manner” in which the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election of was manipulated.

Also, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state expressed disappointment over the outcome.

Obaseki warned that the judiciary’s validation of the process sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

“We, however, want to caution that the iconic manner in which the Edo election was manipulated, coupled with the judicial validation it has received, portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.”

The former governor said he “strongly disagreed” with the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election victory.

He pointed out that he believed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, won the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

“I am profoundly grateful to the good people of Edo State and Nigerians for their overwhelming support for the victory, which we believe our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, won.”

Obaseki emphasised that the party’s legal challenge, which went across the Election Petition Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Supreme Court, was driven by a strong conviction that the election was manipulated.

However, he noted that despite what he described as clear evidence, all courts ruled against the PDP.

He, however, called on the people of Edo and Nigerians at large to remain hopeful and resilient, expressing faith that divine justice would prevail.

“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, but as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement signed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who expressed disappointment over the judgment, however expressed hope that the country’s democratic institutions will one day fully reflect the genuine will of the people.

“We have come to the end of a long legal journey, culminating in the judgment of the Supreme Court. As a party that believes in the rule of law and the democratic process, we have received the decision of the Court with the utmost respect.

“Though the judgment did not go in our favor, we accept it with grace and dignity.

“Nigeria’s democracy, we must remind ourselves, is still a work in progress. This moment is a reminder of how far we have come — and how much farther we must go.

“We remain hopeful that one day soon, our democratic institutions will fully reflect the genuine will of the people, without fear, favor, or manipulation.

“To the resilient people of Edo State, we say: thank you. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for your courage, your faith, and your trust in the PDP.

“We may not have received the verdict we hoped for, but we are not defeated. We are not discouraged. Our cause is just, and our commitment to good governance, justice, and development remains strong.

“Let it be known: this is not the end. This is only another chapter in our shared journey toward a better Edo State and a better Nigeria. We will continue to engage, organize, and serve with integrity and purpose.

“To all our supporters across the state and beyond — stay peaceful, stay united, and remain hopeful.

“History is not written in a day, and no judgment can erase the love you have shown us, or the bond we share as a political family.”

Tinubu, Wike Urge Edo Gov To See Victory As Call To Service

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election victory.

Governor Okpebholo was declared winner of the Edo State governorship election held in September 2024 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His victory was later contested in Court, but the legal battle ended on Thursday as the Supreme Court upheld his election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu welcomed the ruling and described it as a reaffirmation of the people’s will.

The President urged Governor Okpebholo to be magnanimous in victory and unite all citizens of Edo State, regardless of political differences, stressing the importance of building a shared vision focused on development and progress.

“Now that the legal hurdles are behind you, it is time to accelerate the delivery of good governance and quality services to the people of Edo State. You’ve already made a strong start—keep the momentum going.”

The President also congratulated the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and called for unity and dedication in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to them by the people.

Also, in a statement, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister,  Nyesom Wike, hailed the Supreme Court judgment, affirming the victory of Governor Okpebholo, in the September last year’s governorship election in the State.

Wike, who urged the Governor to remain focused, said he should see the victory as a further call to selfless service to the people of Edo State.

In a statement on Thursday,  by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media,  Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, described the Supreme Court judgment as a final confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo State.

He said: “This victory is for the people of Edo State,  who elected Governor Okpebholo. It is a call for greater commitment to the service of the people.

“I congratulate the governor and urge him to keep doing his best for the upliftment of Edo State and its people.”

While urging the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo to join hands with Governor Okpebholo to  develop Edo State,  the FCT Minister said, “now that a final answer has been provided as to the question of who actually won the governorship election, it behoves on all opponents of the governor to, in the collective interest of Edo State, to join hands with him.”

New Visa Policy: Presidency Initiates Dialogue With US Govt

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bayo Onanuga

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has assured Nigerians that Government will dialogue with the United States, (US) authority over reasons for the recent visa policy.

It added that although Nigeria has an e-visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians.

The position was made known in a statement on Thursday by the

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement stated that: “We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.

“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity.

It explained that the clarification became necessary following contrary social media report on visa policy of the present administration.

“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment made by the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.

“The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.

“The 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.

“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion. The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.

“The e-visa policy aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals. Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.”

‘‘99.99% Forest Criminals Are Igbo’’;  Group Roasts Soludo

By
The Source
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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Charles Igbo

Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo is in trouble.

A pro-Igbo socio-political group, which goes by the name, World Igbo National Union (WINU), has slammed the Governor over his public statement in Maryland, United States that 99.9% of criminals hiding in South East forests are Igbo. By that saying, Soludo debunked  the widely held belief that the criminals are rogue Fulani herdsmen.

He confessed that he was initially taken in by the propaganda that rogue herdsmen were responsible for the atrocities until he discovered the truth.

The Governor’s statement made during a meeting has triggered a huge outrage from Igbo stakeholders and civil society groups.

Publicity Secretary, WINU, Comrade Ifeanyi Uwakwa, said Soludo’s statement was, both, at once,  “insensitive and baseless”. He   demanded from the Governor either an evidence to support his claim or a public apology for “the demonization of Ndigbo.”

WINU: “We demand that Governor Soludo provides proof to back his speech in the United States, or he should tender a public apology for his insensitive and callous remarks, made just to appease political sponsors,”

and added that it was   shocked that Soludo, a “renowned scholar” made such allegations without any investigation and/or interrogation.

That, the statement said, is important given that several reports have linked rogue herdsmen to the   atrocities in forests and farmlands within  the region.

“Foreign and local reports indicate that herdsmen, armed with sophisticated weapons and sponsored by unnamed interests, have been the primary actors in the attacks on rural communities in Igboland,” it said.

The group berated Soludo for  closing his eyes to the documented atrocities of terrorist herders in  Mgbakwu, Igboariam, Umueri, Umunze, Ogbunka, and Amansea, all in Anambra State and chose to blame their long-suffering victims.

WINU: “Framing the victims as perpetrators is a shameful tactic. It must cease. Why is the Governor covering up the atrocities of these terrorist herdsmen while shifting blame to Igbo youths?”

The group advised Soludo to adopt a more proactive and evidence-based approach in his address of insecurity, like other South-East governors and stop relying on political rhetoric.

Obi Insists “New Nigeria Possible,” Donates N25 Million To Four Institutions In Kaduna

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Peter Obi Donates To Kaduna Schools

By Ayodele Oni

Labour Party, (LP) Presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has donated a total of ₦25 million to four institutions in Kaduna State.

Obi, who announced this on Thursday, reaffirmed his commitment to education and healthcare as critical drivers of national development,

Announcing the visits via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he said his mission was to demonstrate continued support and encouragement for sectors central to human development.

“Today, I continued my show of support and encouragement to critical areas of human development in our society with a visit to four educational institutions in Kaduna State.

“The visit was in line with my unwavering commitment to investing in our people through education, healthcare, and human capital development.”

According to report, his first stop was the Muhammad Sambo Memorial Islamic Institute, founded by Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachukwu. While no specific figure was announced for the visit, Obi pledged long-term support to the school.

“I gave my support to the school and assured them that I will always be available and committed to supporting their efforts, now and in the future.”

Next, he visited the Madarasatul Hidayyatul Auladi Muslimima Almajiri School in Kawo—a school he has supported on multiple occasions. He donated an additional ₦5 million to support its ongoing development projects.

“I have previously visited about five times to assist the school’s developmental projects and studies.

“I gave an additional donation of ₦5 million, as I have always insisted that no child deserves to be left behind when it comes to education. No matter their location, we can take education to them, as this is the key index of pulling our people out of poverty.”

Obi proceeded to the Womenhood College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kaduna, where he also donated ₦5 million. He commended the institution’s role in training women for healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.

“I recognise the critical role the institution plays in training and empowering women in health-related fields, especially in our rural communities.”

His final stop was at St. Gerald’s College of Nursing Sciences, where he donated ₦10 million to support the training of nurses.

“While speaking to the students, I emphasised that when we invest in education and healthcare, we’re not just building schools or hospitals; we are building the future of a secure, productive, and united Nigeria.

Obi used the occasion to reflect on the responsibilities of leadership, urging Nigerian leaders to focus on service over titles.

“I pray we as leaders understand that leadership is not about the title you hold, but about the lives touched. That is the leadership Nigeria needs.

“Let us continue to build a nation where no child is left behind, regardless of region, religion, or background. A New Nigeria is Possible.”

Skill To Wealth Program: Participants Petition Senate, House Of Reps, Indict Ministry

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Skills to Wealth

By Akinwale Kasali

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has been indicted by Participants of the Skill-To-Wealth Program over alleged failed promises. They are lamenting the failure of the Ministry in implementing the empowerment grants promised them during the flag-off ceremony.

The Participants also complained about the shoddy handling of the training program, lamenting that despite the promise of empowerment and support, the program fell short of expectations, as the Participants are bearing the brunt and consequences.

Following this development, the Participants have petitioned the Senate and the House of Representatives to wade into the issue.

The initiative, according to the Spokesperson of the Participants, Oludare Israel, is designed to tackle youth unemployment, build resilience, and transform lives, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In the petition addressed to the Senate President,  Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, the Participants stated that one of the initiatives of the indicted Ministry

is the Skills-to-Wealth program, which aims to empower Nigerian youths with practical skills in areas such as; Agriculture; targeted at enhancing food security and create employment opportunities.

Also, Renewable Energy which is aimed at promoting sustainable energy solutions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and also Automobile Maintenance; aimed at equipping youths with skills in vehicle maintenance and repair.

It further stated that the program was flagged off by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on May 15, 2025, at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Oshodi, Lagos State.

Sadly, Israel stated that Participants are  expressing their deep disappointment and frustration to the National Assembly over the unpleasant and lackadaisical attitude of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction’s handling of the recent training program.

The Participants further lamented the poor welfare condition meted to them during the Training as they alleged that they were grossly neglected.

“The Feeding arrangements were inadequate, leading to many participants falling ill due to poor nutrition.

“Accommodation facilities were substandard, with many participants forced to sleep on corridors or in overcrowded rooms infested with bedbugs. The facilitators and organizers showed a blatant disregard for our well-being, ignoring our pleas for improvement”, Israel stated.

Speaking further, Israel stated that inferior and inadequate equipment were used in the training.

“Participants in the Solar Energy department received only solar panels and batteries without essential tools like inverters and toolboxes.

“Agriculture Business participants received water pumps, solar panels, and knapsack sprayers.

Automobile participants received inferior toolboxes, engine oil, and computer tablets that were incapable of reading car engines from 2010 models and above.

“The most egregious breach of promise was the failure to provide grants to participants as promised during the flag-off ceremony. Instead of support for startup businesses, participants were left with nothing but empty promises. The facilitating companies offered token transportation allowances that were later reduced without explanation”.

The Participants stressed that the Ministry have betrayed the trust leveled on them following the Ministry’s failure to fulfill its promises and commitments.

Furthermore, Israel stated the inferior equipment provided for training and lack of grants have left the Participants without the necessary support to start their own businesses.

The Participants are demanding that the Federal government and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction should pay the promised grants to all participants to support startup businesses.

Also, they are demanding that the facilitating companies should balance up the transportation allowances as promised at the start of the program, and also provision of essential equipment such as Inverter and tools box should be provided to all 54 participants in the Solar Energy department as part of their starter pack, and other departments.

As regards the release of remaining tools, the Participants are demanding that the remaining tools and equipment at Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, Lagos Centre, including solar street light poles and panels, and solar water heaters, should be released and distributed to participants.

Israel stated that the action of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is not accepted by the attendees of the program, and urged  the Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.

The Participants  demand accountability and action to address the grievances outlined in their petition.

OPINION: Again, Trump’s Way or the Highway

By
The Source
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0
Azu Ishiekwene
Mr Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

It’s hard not to love US President Donald Trump. He is the world’s most powerful president and wears his pre-eminence on his sleeve. Not for him the crooked modesty of the Chinese or the boring self-effacement of the British.

Six months after his second inauguration, it’s been one day, one Trump. Two of his latest alter egos have been his invitation to the White House to five African heads of state, and his threat to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on any country that gets too close to the BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – middle-level powers trying to find a common ground and chart a trading system outside the dollar.

That beautiful word

First, the BRICS story. In response to BRICS leaders at the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, calling for closer monetary cooperation, Trump warned that the US will not tolerate a unified currency or trading system that offers an alternative to the dollar. The man who once described “tariffs” as the most beautiful word in the dictionary threatened to wield it again.

What is Trump afraid of? As of 2025, BRICS countries collectively contribute about 40 percent of the world’s economic output, measured by purchasing power parity. In the past two decades, their share of global GDP has grown from 21 percent in 2000, to nearly 35 percent by 2024 for the five original members. The BRICS digital payments market is projected to reach around $2.45 trillion by the end of this year.

Trump can read the writing on the wall, and in his America First world, whatever threatens the dominance of the dollar threatenshis slogan. Even though blockchain and central bank digital currencies and cross-currency settlements are evolving, they can hardly compare to the challenge that a unified BRICS currency might pose to the dollar, which currently accounts for nearly 80 percent of the global trading system, estimated at $33 trillion.

Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump

The dollar as a weapon

But that’s not all that bothers Trump. A lesser, but equally important reason, the US President warned that “there will be no exceptions” in the 10 percent tariff, is that apart from weaponising the dollar, the US also gets a sizable commission by issuing the greenback to the global trading system. It is called “seigniorage.”

According to a 2022 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the US has earned a cumulative seigniorage revenue of $3.7 trillion since the dollar became the global reserve currency after World War II. “On an annual basis,” said Professor of Finance, Rahul Ravi, of the University of Alberta, Canada, “the US regularly earns tens of billions of dollars through seigniorage, functioning as a quiet, recurring fiscal windfall that reduces the need for taxation or borrowing.” Trump isn’t about to give up this benefit without a fight.

A different world

So, what? BRICS countries can either continue with the economic imbalances and trade distortions created and maintained by the dollarisation of global trade, or proceed with a viable alternative despite Trump. After 80 years of a global financial system built on the ruins of World War II and the collapse of the gold standard, the world has been at its most prosperous ever.

Thanks to the extraordinary spread of knowledge through research and advances in science and technology,trade has grown 38-fold since 1945, reflecting a profound transformation in the world economy and a shift in the global financial powerhouses that test the viability of the methods and institutions that govern trade.

A global trading system dominated by the dollar is no longer fit for purpose. Trump doesn’t think so. He believes the US can continue to eat its cake, preferring bullying and unilateralism to dialogue and multilateralism. The BRICS (now BRIC+) has a combined GDP that is two and a half timeslarger than the EU’s. It would be foolish of BRICS tounderestimate its advantage or indulge Trump’s tantrums.

Follow China

Regardless of its insidious opportunism, sometimes, China has played a significant role in developing an alternative payment system over the last nearly 10 years, especially with Gulf states, and has much to share with other BRICS members.

The US benefits from the dollar’s global reserve status through cheap borrowing and commissions. Still, other countries bear the cost of the reduced ability to respond to economic shocks. Of course, Trump can argue, as he often does, that countries like China also manipulate their currencies to the detriment of US exporters, but that’s all the more reason the world needs a viable alternative trade payment system.

We’ve had enough of decades of economic imbalances, reduced monetary autonomy, financial instability and geopolitical tensions linked to the dollarised global system. BRICS didn’t come this far to capitulate to a president who sets the world by his clock.

Going to the White House

This brings up another point about the second version of Trump seen lately. South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa,who was at the Brazil meeting, and his West African neighbour, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who attended as leader of “a partner country,”must be relieved not to be on Trump’s list of five African heads of state invited to the White House on July 9.

In Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, opposition leaders mock Tinubu for being passed over. But I think the joke is on Trump. Of the five countries he invited –Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, Liberia, and Guinea-Bissau – with a combined GDP of about $80 billion and populations of over 33 million, Senegal stands out for many good reasons. Not only does it represent nearly half of the economy of the five countries, but its economy is also the most diversified, with a promising government.

Back story

One thing that all five have in common, perhaps the biggest draw for Trump, is mineral resources. This, quite frankly, is all the US president cares about, with the token inclusion of Liberia for historical reasons.After the stick brutally cutting the continent’s development aid by $4.5 billion, Trump is offering not the continent’s powerhouses, but some of its weakest, the carrot of a White House tour to discuss their minerals.

Good luck to them, but it’s also an opportunity for a continent always looking elsewhere rather than within itself for redemption. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA) should mean more than paperwork. It offers a genuinely sustainable path to Africa’s growth and development. Those mocking Tinubu could not have quickly forgotten Ramaphosa’s experience at the White House. Trump is the only star in any Trump movie.

Whether he threatens more tariffs for de-dollarisation or uses divide and rule to weaken the world, especially developing countries, they must make it clear that, apart from Trump’s way and the highway, there is a third way for those willing and able to pay the price. That would sometimes mean not loving Trump less, but loving themselves more.

Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

Finally, Supreme Court Validates Gov Okpebholo Victory As Edo Gov

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and thrown out the appeal filed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

In a unanimous ruling delivered on Thursday, a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba held that the case presented by the PDP lacked convincing evidence and failed to meet the legal standard required to overturn an election result.

The court agreed with earlier decisions by both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which had also upheld Okpebholo’s win in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

The apex court held that the appellant was unable to provide substantial proof to back his allegations of irregularities, such as over-voting and violations of the Electoral Act.

The Justices pointed out that critical pieces of evidence were not adequately supported with live testimony and that some of the documents, including BVAS records, were simply submitted without properly linking them to the issues raised.

Justice Garba, reading the lead judgment, emphasized that the PDP failed to call essential witnesses, such as polling unit agents or election officials, to support its claims.

He noted that submitting documents without demonstrating their relevance in court amounted to dumping evidence, which is not enough under the law.

The panel concluded that Ighodalo and the PDP did not discharge the burden of proof imposed by law, and therefore, there was no justification to disturb the concurrent findings of the lower courts.

Ighodalo had asked the Supreme Court to nullify the Court of Appeal’s ruling delivered on May 29, which upheld the tribunal’s verdict confirming Okpebholo’s election.

He argued that the election was marred by widespread irregularities and lacked compliance with legal procedures.

While the PDP insisted that their candidate had won the highest number of lawful votes and should be declared the winner, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, and Governor Okpebholo all urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

“I Made Buhari President”

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Njiko Igbo Forum will not support Tinubu

By Bola Ahmed Tinubu

If not for me talking to you today, Buhari would not have been president. It is over 25 years that I have been serving them. This one sitting behind me, Dapo Abiodun, he could not become the governor without me.
“Since the time we started with the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and now, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I wanted to contest for president since those times.

This is me telling you between my life and God Almighty, Buhari called me to be his vice president. He said because the first time he contested, he picked Okadigbo, flamboyant, Catholic, but Nigerians didn’t vote for him.

The second time, he picked another Igbo, Ume Ezeoke, Nigerians didn’t vote for him; that if he goes to bring the Pope to run as his vice, Nigerians won’t vote for him, but you, Bola Tinubu, you have six governors, you have never lost an election before, come and be my vice.

He knew all the calculations then favoured us, that was why he wanted me as his vice, but I told him to let us build the party first. And when we finished building the party, after we brought in people from the PDP, Saraki now saw that those from the PDP will not get anything if Buhari, a Muslim, becomes the president and me, also a Muslim, becomes his vice, he won’t get the senate president and the senate president cannot also be a Muslim, that was how they started the campaign of calumny against me.

And I told them that I have a candidate that is a Christian that I can nominate so that the party will not break, that was how I nominated Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. I surrendered my right to him (Osinbajo).

I was asked to submit three names: Yemi Cardozo, Wale Edun, and Yemi Osinbajo, but I said that if I submitted three names, it is like opening your door for a thief. They may add the fourth name and choose that one. So, I insisted on only one name. You are hearing this thing from me for the first time.

It is my time. I’m educated, I’m experienced. I have been serving you for a long time, bring me the presidency, it is my turn. When Atiku was being flogged out of the PDP by Obasanjo, he ran to me for help, I got the ticket for him. Nuhu Ribadu came to me and I backed him.

It has been over 25 years now that I have been serving them.
This one sitting behind me, Dapo, can he say he can be the governor without me? We were together at the MKO Abiola Stadium, he was intimidated, they didn’t want to give him the party’s flag. I was the one that handed the flag to him. He knows that he cannot be the governor without the help of God and my support.

If not for me that stood behind Buhari, he wouldn’t have become the president. He tried the first time, he failed, the second time, he failed, the third time, he failed. He even wept on national television and vowed never to contest again but I went to meet him in Kaduna and told him he will run again; I will stand by you and you will win, but you must not joke with Yorubas and he agreed.

Since he became the president, I have never got ministerial slots, I didn’t collect any contract, I have never begged for anything from him, it is the turn of Yoruba; it is my turn.

Mustapha Stirs Hornets’ Nest With “Tinubu Did Not Make Buhari President” Remark

By
James Orji
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0
Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari

Laolu Akande, a former presidential spokesman has slammed Boss Mustapha, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation over his remark that  Muhammadu Buhari did not become president with the support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Akande, who was the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, spoke on Thursday on  Channels Television programme Morning Show, said the comment of Mustapha was simply “unnecessary”, adding that the there was no way Buhari could have become president without ” a hand shake across the Niger”.

“I don’t know what Boss Mustapha was trying to achieve” with such remark  Akande said.

The former presidential aide spoke after Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity accused the former SGF of trying to re-write history.

The magazine reports that Mustapha made the comment on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital during a book launch, titled “According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesperson’s Experience” written by Garba Shehu, a media aide to former President Buhari.

During the event attended by key officials of the Buhari administration and those of the incumbency, Mustapha in his keynote address on the contribution of former President Buhari to national development , said Tinubu did not condescendingly make Buhari president contrary to wide spread belief.

Mustapha claimed that Buhari’s integrity and popularity among Nigerians enabled him to win the election, saying the former president already had “12 million” votes in the kitty before the merger of the legacy political parties which formed the All Progressives Congress, APC, which defeated President Jonathan that year.

He said, “For us in the ACN, I do not intend to stir any controversy, but I will make bold to state this, that the merger in 2013 was midwifed to present a Buhari or create a Buhari Presidency because we looked at the statistics of the votes that were coming to the table.

“In the 2003 election, it was the Obasanjo/Buhari presidential contest where Buhari recorded 2.7 million votes. In the next election, he got 12.7 million votes. In 2007, it came to 6.6 million, it went back to 12.2 million in 2011.

“When we were conceptualizing the merger, what would give us a headstart and obviously, it was at the back of our consciousness that the merger with the CPC, though it had only one state, the ACN had six states, ANPP three states, and when you sum up the total votes that gave us the presidency in 2015, the aggregate of the total votes was 15.4 million.

“So, basically, what we brought to the table after the merger outside the Buhari’s 12.5 million votes was three million.”

Reacting on his social media account, Ajayi said the fact that Buhari lost the presidency on three different occasions was a pointer that he could have lost again without Tinu

Buhari  “lost the presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before 2015,” Ajayi said.

“There is no way he would have won the election to be president without first becoming the presidential candidate of his party APC.

Adding that “General Buhari would not have won the APC primary election at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, in 2014 without President Tinubu, who mobilised the APC governors and the South West delegates to move Buhari’s way.

“Former SGF Boss Mustapha did a disservice to our recent history with that unnecessary glib at the book launch today.

“Every effort and support that made it possible for President Buhari to win should never be diminished.

“Buhari had his 12 million captive Northern votes, yet he lost three presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011,,.” said

Recall that Tinubu had during one of his campaign trains in Abeokuta, Ogun state in 2023 publicly boasted that Buhari could not have become president without his help. He claimed that Buhari was able to ride on his shoulder to the Presidency having failed on three previous occasions.

“If not for me talking to you today, Buhari would not have been president,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu had made the remark then following suggestions that some officials in the Buhari administration were trying to scuttle his ambition to become the leader of the country.

He claimed that Buhari ran to him after failing on three different occasions to lead the country.

Buhari ran for president of Nigeria on the platform and support of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, in 2003 and 2007, and on the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC) platform in 2011 and lost on those occasions.

But in 2015, after his party , the CPC merged with defunct ACN, led by Tinubu, some elements in the PDP, APGA the former military leader swept to power in an unprecedented manner that shocked many people in the country, who said the victory was only possible with the support of Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos state.

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