By David Hundeyin

In the countdown to Nigeria’s 2027 general election, one figure looms larger than most: Peter Gregory Obi. As the country grapples with economic uncertainty and a restless electorate, Obi’s next political move could determine the success or failure of any meaningful opposition effort.

But today, millions of Nigerians are asking the same question:

Where exactly does Peter Obi stand?

Despite being arguably the most popular opposition figure after the 2023 elections, Obi has not publicly declared what he intends to do. And this lack of clarity is fast becoming the biggest obstacle to building a credible challenge against the current administration.

Does Peter Obi plan to run independently, as he did in 2023?

Or does he want to work with the proposed coalition of opposition parties to unseat President Bola Tinubu?

Right now, nobody knows. Not the coalition partners. Not his closest associates. And quite possibly, not even Obi himself.

The worst possible scenario is all too familiar:

He remains indecisive, continues to send mixed signals to different stakeholders, and waits until barely a year before the elections to finally announce he will go solo—splitting the opposition vote all over again.

If this happens, the outcome is predictable: another fractured opposition, another underwhelming result at the polls, and four more years of policies many Nigerians are desperate to change.

It’s Bigger Than One Man

The stakes could not be higher. Nigeria’s future—its economy, democracy, and social stability—cannot hinge on one man’s indecision or political gamesmanship.

Millions of Nigerians have hopes and dreams that are more important than the ambitions of any single politician. If Peter Obi wants to contest independently, he should declare it openly, now. If he intends to be part of a coalition, he should come out and say so without further delay.

Either way, clarity is essential. The entire country deserves to know where he stands, so everyone can chart a path forward together.

History does not reward hesitation. In moments of national importance, leadership demands decisiveness.

If Peter Obi is serious about offering an alternative to the current government, he owes it to Nigerians to stop playing politics behind closed doors and start leading in public.

And if he is unwilling to step up with the resolve this moment requires, then he should graciously step aside and allow someone else to take the wheel.

Because this is not a game—and Nigeria cannot afford to waste another four years waiting for clarity that should have come yesterday.

Hundeyin is an international investigative Journalist

By Col Abubakar D. Umar (Retd)

When the President called to inform me of his decision to magnanimously confer on me the National Award of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on account of my much advertised role in the struggle for the validation of the June 12th election and affirmation of Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate, my first reaction was why only me and not all those unsung heroes. Those officers and men who actively participated in that struggle, risking their careers and even lives.

Although I was one of the leaders of that movement within the military, my contribution was by no means bigger than theirs. While I have been recognised and celebrated, including this National Honour by the President, they have remained anonymous.

It is therefore incumbent upon me to reveal the identity of these patriots if only to acknowledge and commend their contributions to the emergence of the current democratic dispensation.

The fact that Chief Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12th election won over 80% of the Armed Forces votes, clearly demonstrated the contribution of the other members of the military. I should add that this list is by no means exhaustive.

There are a lot more participants who have remained unknown to me since they served under others. I apologise to all those whose names I must have missed.

May God recognise and reward your sacrifice.

Top on my list is my deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Col MA Garba, whose commitment was so strong that he continued with the execution of our plans after some of us were arrested, detained and mercifully retired in October, 1993. He went on, as he should, to attain the enviable rank of a Major General in the army.

Others are:

-Lt col Lawal Jaafaru Isa.

-Lt col UF Ahmed.

-Lt col MS Dasuki.

-Lt col ML Gwadabe.

-Lt col J. Temlong.

-Lt col Musa Shehu.

-Lt col Chris Eze.

-Lt col HM Dzarma.

-Lt col Isa Jibrin.

-Lt col JOS Oshanupin.

-Lt Col A Oloruntoba(kabiesi Olugbede of Gbede kingdom).

-Lt col Moke.

-Lt col Happy Bulus.

-Lt col Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

-Col J Okai.

-Col E. Ndubueze.

-Lt col Yakubu Muazu.

-Lt col Yahaya Abubakar ( current Etsu Nupe).

-Major Saad Abubakar (current Sultan of Sokoto).

-Maj Abba Maimalari.

-Maj Jamil Tahir.

-Maj Buzugbe.

-Maj LP Aprezi.

-Maj MK Yake.

-Maj J Dawah.

-Maj Suleiman Wali.

-Maj Dauda Komo.

-Maj Lucky Torrie.

-Maj JS Zaruwa.

-Maj M Sumaye.

-Maj Sani Bawa.

-Maj Ndaliman.

Maj Ahmed.

-Maj M Bawa.

-Lt col JB Ahmadu.

-Capt Junaid Bindawa.

-Capt Lar.

I therefore accept this award with all sense of humility on behalf of all these officers and men. Obviously, it goes without saying that this award will be doubly more meaningful if the democracy we all fought for delivers the real dividends.

This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy. It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy.

To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self aggrandizement.

The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other.

One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.

Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self seeking sycophants.

Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a President or State Governor while in office.

The other day, the Senate President was reported to have predicted that President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 election with 99.9% of the votes! Even allowing for the fact that this Senate President is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles.

God bless Nigeria.

Abubakar Dangiwa Umar,
Colonel (Retd) was a former Military Governor of Kaduna State