Alake chasing shadows as his sector bleeds – tragic irony of a failed Minister -Obi Media Office

 

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake as a failed Minister who is chasing shadows while his sector boils.

In a statement on Monday, the Office said it “has been made aware of an absurd statement made against Peter Obi regarding the Anambra State issue by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, speaking as a spokesperson of the APC Presidential Campaign.

“According to Alake, Obi has nowhere to hide regarding his ‘poor record in Anambra State’.

“However, Nigeria is currently in a mourning mood over Alake’s glaringly poor record as a Minister, which caused the deaths of 37 Nigerian youths, but like Nero, who fiddled while Rome burned, the Minister is talking about a man who has become a model of good governance in Nigeria.

 

“For us in Peter Obi Media, there is a tragic irony in watching high-ranking public officials prioritise political posturing over executive accountability,” the statement lamented.

It went further to say that: “In a functional democracy where leadership is bound by empathy and responsibility, a disaster claiming the lives of dozens of citizens under a minister’s direct oversight would demand total focus, sober reflection, and immediate systemic reform.

“Yet, instead of fixing the catastrophic failures in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, providing answers to these questions: Who authorised the operation? What safeguards were in place? Who failed? And who will be held accountable?

“A minister overseeing a sector at the centre of such a tragic episode is busy trying to create a distraction.

Minister Dele Alake appears more eager to trade political barbs regarding Peter Obi and past state governance records.

 

“The numbers are not mere statistics—they represent real human lives lost in illegal, unsafe, and poorly regulated mining environments. When young citizens die in underground pits while the custodian of that very sector devotes energy to political distractions, it sends a troubling message about the administration’s true priorities.

“Before offering public lectures on state-level administrative histories or political credentials, federal custodians of failed essential sectors must first account for their primary responsibilities:

 

“Ending unchecked illegal operations and curbing informal and unregulated extraction that endangers vulnerable youth seeking a livelihood is the Minister’s responsibility.

 

“Nigerian youths deserve a solid minerals sector built on safety, regulation, and sustainable development—not an executive office that chases political shadows while tragedy unfolds on its watch.

“The APC administration has copiously proven in all sectors that it has failed the Nigerian people in all ramifications,” the statement concluded.

Troops rescue kidnap victims, arrest 12 suspects in Plateau

 

 

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested 12 suspected criminals and recovered weapons in separate security operations across Plateau State.
The operations, carried out by troops of Sectors 1, 3 and 8 of the Joint Task Force, followed credible intelligence on the activities of kidnapping and criminal syndicates operating in parts of the state, particularly within Jos North, Bassa and Mangu Local Government Areas.
The Media Information Officer of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the successful operations underscored the commitment of the task force to maintaining peace and security across Plateau State.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, deployed at Lamingo, conducted raids on suspected criminal hideouts at Shere, Gwafan and Maza Hills in Jos North Local Government Area in the early hours of September 19, leading to the arrest of 11 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate.
The operation was aided by intelligence obtained from two kidnapped victims who had been abducted from Gwafan Community on September 18. During preliminary investigations, the victims reportedly identified three of the arrested suspects as members of the gang responsible for their abduction.
In a related operation, troops of Sector 3 deployed in Bassa Local Government Area conducted a cordon-and-search mission based on credible intelligence. The operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated rifle and the arrest of one suspect. Security forces have since intensified patrols in the area to track down other members of the criminal network.
Similarly, troops of Sector 8 on confidence-building patrol along the Tul–Ntam–Angwan Mata–Deng-Deng axis in Mangu Local Government Area apprehended a suspect who allegedly attempted to conceal a weapon after sighting the troops.
A search of the suspect resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated automatic weapon, nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a mobile phone.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the syndicates.
Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response, urging them to sustain the operational momentum against criminal elements across the state.
Dangana also appreciated residents and stakeholders for their cooperation, stressing that the provision of timely and credible information remains vital to ongoing efforts to consolidate peace and security in Plateau State.
He reassured residents of the task force’s commitment to protecting lives and property while strengthening ongoing peace-building initiatives across the state. Authority.

The surrogate Presidency in 2027 and the Igbo votes

 

 

By Ike Abonyi

_“A proxy is not a replacement; they are a sacred custodian of your voice when you cannot speak.”_ — Unknown

 

It appears that the battle for the 2027 Presidential Election hinges on a controversial political stand-in. But the fact remains that Nigerian voters deserve direct access to the candidates themselves, not merely campaign operatives; to leaders, rather than their representatives. The reason is straightforward: democracy depends on dialogue between citizens and those seeking their mandate. Surrogates must not become barriers to that exchange, but regrettably, as political preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to take shape, a clear transformation is emerging at the highest level of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party’s flagbearer, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appears poorly positioned to present his disastrous first term to Nigerians as a basis for seeking a second term. Consequently, his wife, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has increasingly moved beyond the traditional, exclusively ceremonial boundaries of the unconstitutional Office of the First Lady and assumed a prominent, forceful campaigning role on her husband’s behalf.

The underlying philosophy of Nigeria’s operating Constitution is entirely different, and it expressly sets out the expectations concerning a President’s family. The Constitution contemplates that a President requires a peaceful and supportive home environment to remain in the proper frame of mind for the demanding task of governance. This may explain why it assigns the President’s wife no formal responsibility beyond that of wifery. Its framers also anticipated that some Presidents would have multiple wives and sought to avoid using the Constitution to generate disputes within families. However, despite this, the wives of successive Presidents have continued to assume powers for themselves, thereby creating an unconstitutional office of the First Lady.

Across important geopolitical centres lately — from high-stakes town hall meetings in the South-West to major women’s empowerment rallies in Owerri and Awka, Imo and Anambra States respectively — the First Lady’s message has shifted from measured social advocacy toward direct political persuasion. Last week, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, maintained a prominent presence in the two Igbo states of Anambra and Imo, making an aggressive effort to promote her husband. She accepted various traditional titles and, as a woman, even violated tradition by using her traditional fan to receive greetings from traditional rulers and titleholders—an act no woman should undertake: standing to receive greetings from chiefs as a woman. The traditional rulers who sycophantically violated their customs will have matters to answer for before the gods.

More troubling still is that these hired Igbo rulers compromised their traditions on behalf of someone who had previously displayed extensive hostility toward Ndigbo—a woman who has remained at the centre of public controversy because of specific comments concerning the Igbo ethnic group (Ndigbo). The two most prominent and widely condemned statements attributed to her about Ndigbo are: “We Don’t Trust You Igbos.” During the March 2019 governorship and state assembly elections in Lagos State, a video showed her engaging extensively with voters. In another highly controversial video in which she discussed Igbo political alignment and cultural integration in Lagos State, she made a further statement that was xenophobic and ethnically divisive. Her supporters argued that the remarks were delivered in a lighthearted, colloquial manner and had been taken out of context. However, it is widely understood that people often reveal their true feelings through so-called jokes: “We will appeal to all the deities of Lagos to drive Igbo people away. Those Igbo who did not marry Yoruba people will become our inheritance. Considering how much we love the Igbo, you now want to ruin everything. You are not the only tribe here… But the Igbo are proving difficult. We will inherit you.”

Because these so-called jokes were politically characterised as “harmless banter” or “innocent jokes,” Igbos, along with their businesses and assets in Lagos, have faced various forms of pressure. This is the same woman who now wants Igbos to reject their son, who is by far a better candidate and chose her husband, whose first tenure has turned Nigeria upside down in every respect. Yet, in pursuit of votes, she suddenly recalls that “Igbos are very nice people. My best friend in secondary school was an Igbo girl… In high school and at tertiary institutions, we were all identified as Igbo because they said I resembled an Igbo girl.”

The First Lady’s growing visibility in the political arena has further fueled debates across Nigeria’s media and political commentary circles about the President’s physical presence on the campaign trail, his stamina, and his broader capacity to govern. By taking a prominent role at public appearances and political events, the First Lady functions as an energetic surrogate, enabling the administration to sustain strong political visibility nationwide. From an editorial standpoint, the First Lady’s forceful leadership of the 2027 campaign provides a notable case study in the use of political surrogates. Her active involvement lends the campaign narrative substantial legislative credibility. In Nigerian politics, when a spouse or senior proxy assumes the central role at political rallies, critics quickly portray that arrangement as a shield for a presidential candidate whose vitality or stamina is waning. Opponents will continue to cite her prominent public role as evidence that the administration is relying extensively on surrogates to compensate for a visibility deficit.

Yet whether understood as a tactical proxy campaign or as a complementary political force, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s early appearance on the 2027 campaign trail indicates that the contest for the next presidential term will rely significantly on the First Lady’s network and personal political capital. It is worth recalling that she attended a church gathering in the United States at which President Donald Trump was present, seeking, both domestically and internationally, to counter efforts to undermine her husband’s reputation and to engage audiences he is unable to reach because of either physical or moral incapacity. Nigerians deserve the opportunity to see, hear, and question the man seeking their mandate. They deserve direct interaction, not stand-ins; personal explanations, not surrogates. If the President is pursuing another four-year mandate, the campaigners should allow him to appear before Nigerians, defend his record, if any, account for his failures, outline his plans, and persuade the people that he is prepared to serve another term.

The 2027 election must not become a referendum on who can campaign most energetically on the President’s behalf. It should instead be a referendum on the President himself—his record, his capacity, his vision, and his preparedness to lead Nigeria for another four years. Nigerians are not electing a campaign team. They are choosing a President. The very pertinent question, however, is whether a surrogate presidential candidate merits Igbo votes, even if he satisfies the other requirements, particularly given the evident deficiency in every respect.

Igbos are on record to always vote on merits, not on sentiments. Igbos are the least people to ever support someone in the name of “you are from my tribe.” If you don’t merit it, you get no support. They voted OBJ [Obasanjo] over Ojukwu in 1999 and 2003, voted Yar’Adua in 2007, and Jonathan in 2011 and 2015. If they are dying for Peter Obi today, it’s because he is the best in the circumstances. Igbos are not ethnic voters; they pay close attention to competence, achievement, and the track record of candidates. God help us.

Obi will meet and answer the people, not surrogates

 

 

The Peter Obi Media Office said that its attention has been drawn to “a laughable and shameless call” by President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson that Peter Obi should defend the document released by the Anambra State government.

The Office in a statement on Wednesday lamented that a “president with such a dirty cupboard that he has been unable to clean it even using hired surrogates is pointing at the man with undented records in all ramifications.

 

“Peter Obi is on the road, meeting Nigerians, listening to their concerns, and asking for their mandate directly” and that the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate would not be distracted by political surrogates deployed to speak for a president who should be speaking for himself.

“Our campaign is about the people—not political noise. While others hide behind surrogates, Peter Obi will continue to go directly to Nigerians: to hear them, engage them, and present his vision for a better Nigeria.

“The mandate belongs to the people, and it will be sought from the people—not negotiated through proxies.

Let the surrogates talk.

“Obi will keep walking, meeting, and listening to Nigerians. Obi will not be dragged into endless exchanges with political proxies. His focus is on Nigerians—their hardship, their hopes, their concerns, and the future they want.

“A New Nigeria is possible and will be OK,” the statement assured.

Scrutinize all Presidential Candidates -Obi Media Office tells Nigerians

 

The Peter Obi Media Office said it has observed the growing double standards in the scrutiny and evaluation of the Presidential Candidates for the 2027 election and is pleased “that our candidate has set high standards.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the Office however lamented that “there is something fundamentally wrong when the political establishment and sections of the media in a great and embattled nation like Nigeria seem more interested in searching for Peter Obi’s imperfections than confronting the corrupt records of those who have wielded and continue to wield power.

“The Media Office has noted that every word of Peter Obi is dissected. His past decisions are resurrected. Every allegation is amplified—even when disputed or needing context.           Meanwhile, records of failed promises, economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failures elsewhere are routinely softened, explained away, or forgotten.

“A President abandons a troubled country to Europe to cover up his filthy past, but the nation is not questioning that but looking for how Obi takes every step.

“Why demand perfection from a candidate while tolerating failure in those who have governed or are still governing?

“For emphasis, the Peter Obi Media Office encourages scrutiny of him, as is already happening with some, like Governor Charles Soludo, who is even manufacturing non-existent flaws after fruitless searches. But for God’s sake, scrutinise everyone,” the statement said.

It went further to admonish that: “Let us not use a microscope on Obi and a blindfold on others. Nigeria deserves equal standards—not selective outrage.

“For us at the Peter Obi Media, the political discourse surrounding our principal often reveals a stark double standard in candidate evaluation.

“Supporters and critics alike often hold Obi to a standard of absolute purity, while giving pragmatic grace to traditional political figures.

“We have noticed the leniency standard applied to some candidates. Traditional and corrupt candidates are judged according to a framework of political realism.

“Their past scandals, policy failures, systemic corruption allegations, or lack of transparency are often dismissed as “how politics works” or accepted as necessary compromises for political expediency.”

The Media Office also said that “Since Obi has built his campaign around reform, transparency, and breaking away from the status quo, voters naturally hold him to the high standard he set, which is fair.

“But legacy corrupt candidates, who have never promised moral purity, are not penalised for their lack of it. Why must Peter Obi, a human being, be perfect, while every flaw in other candidates—like corruption, drugs, or lack of certificates—is explained away?

“Obi is asking all his institutions to release his documents to the public, but others are asking courts to keep them from the public. If Obi errs, it is regarded as incompetence. When others err, it is “human.” When Obi changes his position, it is called inconsistency. When others do the same, it is “politics.”

“This is not objective scrutiny. It is selective outrage”, the statement insisted urging that Nigerians scrutinise Obi but apply the same rigorous standard to every candidate, the Office stated.

N1,470 fuel hike: Don’t push Nigerians to their limits, ADC warns Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the rising cost of petrol and other essential commodities is pushing Nigerians “dangerously close to the limits of human endurance.”
The party said the reported increase in petrol prices to as much as N1,470 per litre had worsened the cost of living, with transportation, food, education, electricity and other basic necessities becoming increasingly unaffordable.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of implementing economic policies that had imposed excessive hardship on households, workers and businesses.
“President Tinubu has turned the petrol pump into an instrument of punishment for everyday Nigerians. Food, transportation, electricity, education, and everything Nigerians need to survive responds directly to the price of fuel and combine together to make life difficult for the majority of Nigerians,” the party said.
The ADC also expressed concern over reported increases in private school fees, saying some schools had raised tuition by between 30 and 40 per cent despite the absence of corresponding increases in workers’ incomes.
It argued that the development was another indication of the pressure being placed on Nigerian families by the rising cost of living.
“Parents are not earning 40 per cent more. Their salaries have not risen with the prices of fuel, food, rent, transportation, and school fees. Yet, at every turn, this government demands that already exhausted families pay more,” the party said.
However, the opposition party said it did not blame school proprietors for the increases, arguing that private schools were themselves facing higher operating costs arising from taxes, electricity bills, fuel, rent and staff salaries.
“Parents, workers, and businesses are all casualties of Tinubu and the APC’s economy,” it said.
The ADC described the current petrol price as a “Tinubu Tax,” alleging that the removal of fuel subsidy had transmitted additional costs across virtually every sector of the economy.
“At N1,470 per litre, petrol is no longer simply a commodity. It is Tinubu Tax, which has made life unbearable for the majority,” the party said.
According to the ADC, many families were now being forced to make difficult choices, including reducing food consumption, withdrawing children from school and delaying medical treatment, while some businesses were struggling to remain operational.
The party argued that the Federal Government could not continue to demand sacrifices from ordinary Nigerians while public officials were allegedly maintaining extravagant lifestyles with public resources.
“A reform that continuously makes the people poorer is not working. An economic policy that produces impressive figures at government briefings but hunger in Nigerian homes is a failure,” the party said.
It added that when parents were forced to choose between feeding their children and paying school fees, the government had failed in its basic responsibility.
The ADC said the 2027 general election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to choose between continuing with what it described as the Tinubu administration’s economic hardship and the alternative economic programme proposed by its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The party reiterated Atiku’s commitment to reducing petrol prices by restoring a form of subsidy targeted at supporting domestic fuel production.
According to the ADC, such a policy would help reduce transportation, food and production costs and provide relief to households and businesses.
“Unlike Tinubu and APC, we recognise that economic reform must serve the people, not sacrifice them,” it said.
The party maintained that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, should not have citizens experiencing every visit to a filling station as an economic punishment.
The ADC also warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against interpreting Nigerians’ resilience in the face of economic hardship as acceptance of government policies.
It urged the President to take immediate measures to address the rising cost of living and ease the burden on households and businesses.
“Their resilience must not become an excuse for continued cruelty. Tinubu has had enough time and inflicted enough pain. The people are suffering, businesses are dying, and hope is becoming increasingly expensive.
“President Tinubu must act now. Don’t push Nigerians to their limits,” the party warned.
Authority.

2027: How ready are you? AU queries INEC as delegation visits Commission 

The African Union (AU) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide details of its level of preparedness for the 2027 general elections, particularly on voter registration, technology, logistics, funding, inclusivity and public confidence.
The AU made the enquiries when its Pre-Election and Needs Assessment Mission, led by former Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, paid a courtesy visit to the electoral commission in Abuja on Tuesday.
The mission, which is in Nigeria from September 13 to 19, 2026, said its objective was to assess the country’s electoral preparedness, identify potential gaps and recommend possible remedies ahead of the elections.
Mekonnen said INEC was one of the key stakeholders the delegation had prioritised because of its central role in the electoral process.
He said the mission was supportive rather than supervisory, adding that the AU delegation wanted to understand the commission’s preparations and identify areas where additional support might be required.
According to him, the minimum standards for an election should include credibility, transparency, fairness and inclusivity, with a level playing field for all political actors.
The former Ethiopian deputy prime minister said the delegation was particularly interested in INEC’s readiness across the pre-election, election and post-election phases.
He asked whether the voter register would be finalised in time and whether it would be credible and ready for scrutiny by stakeholders and the public.
Mekonnen also sought clarification on the commission’s preparedness to deploy technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), in light of lessons from previous elections.
He said the delegation was also interested in the logistical and operational challenges associated with conducting elections in a country as large and geographically diverse as Nigeria.
“From the election process, pre-election periods, the election periods, and the post-election cases are the important and sequential process of this. The pre-election period is the most important one,” he said.
The AU delegation also asked whether INEC had received adequate and timely funding for the 2027 elections, stressing that resources were essential to conducting credible, transparent and fair elections.
Mekonnen further sought information on measures being taken to promote inclusion, particularly the participation of youths, women and other groups in voter registration and the broader electoral process.
He said Nigeria’s growing youth population made their participation particularly important to the credibility of the democratic process.
The mission also raised concerns about transparency and public confidence, asking INEC what measures it was taking to strengthen accountability and trust among citizens and other stakeholders.
Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, represented by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, welcomed the AU delegation and described the mission as an important peer-assessment mechanism ahead of the 2027 elections.
Agbamuche-Mbu said the commission was preparing for an unprecedented operational deployment involving a voter population approaching 100 million, 176,846 polling units and an ad-hoc workforce exceeding 1.4 million personnel.
She said INEC had used recent off-cycle elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti and Osun as proving grounds for reforms under the Electoral Act 2026.
According to her, the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election provided a benchmark for administrative efficiency, with early-morning logistical opening rates exceeding 94 per cent.
She also cited the performance of the biometric voter accreditation system, results transmission through the IReV portal and inter-agency security coordination as areas where the commission recorded progress.
Agbamuche-Mbu said INEC was also collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to integrate national identification numbers into its Continuous Voter Registration process.
She explained that the initiative was designed to help audit, verify and clean the national voter register ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Nevertheless, conducting a national election across a country as vast and complex as Nigeria presents continuous technological, logistical, and political challenges,” she said.
The commission subsequently identified areas where it would welcome technical and institutional assistance from the AU.
These include digital training methodologies for more than 1.4 million election personnel, e-learning tools, digital simulation models and standardised ICT training protocols.
INEC also requested assistance on countering election disinformation, particularly the use of artificial intelligence to create deepfakes and coordinated fake-news campaigns.
Other areas highlighted included strengthening the Election Monitoring and Support Centre as an operational tracking, evaluation and early-warning mechanism, as well as capacity-building workshops.
The commission further sought assistance in strengthening electoral inclusion and gender-mainstreaming frameworks, including improved participation of persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and other underrepresented groups.
Agbamuche-Mbu assured the AU delegation of INEC’s full cooperation as it engages political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, media executives and development partners during its assessment.
She said the commission would provide the mission with relevant operational data to support its assessment report.
The INEC chairman, she added, remained committed to the independence, neutrality and professionalism of the commission, insisting that all administrative decisions would be guided by the law.
“Every technical deployment will serve transparency, and the final outcome of the 2027 general election will reflect nothing less than the sovereign will of the Nigerian electorate,” she said.
Authority.

2027: Wike hits back at APC Govs, says my support only for Tinubu

*Insists PDP will field candidates in other elections

 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that his support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained sacrosanct, saying he never promised that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not field candidates in governoship, National Assembly and States House of Assembly elections.

The Minister said the rainbow coalition does not have anything to do with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the coalition as a platform for other political parties that are pleased with the good works of the President and are supporting his reelection.

In a statement on Tuesday, by his Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who said he won’t be the one to help people to win elections in their States, noted that “politics is local and those having problems in their States should resolve them instead of using the reelection of the President to whip up sentiments.”

Wike pointed out that he never met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) before himself and other members of the G5 supported the President in 2023, and that for 2027, his support is for the president only.

The Minister said politics is no longer about coming from fourth position to be governor, it is about genuinely mobilising support and winning elections from the polling units.

He asked; “In Imo State under Governor Hope Uzodinma, how did APC win two senate seats in 2023, in an election held the same day with that of the President and APC had less than 15 percent in the presidential election? Was it rainbow coalition? Were the voters confused?

“Was it rainbow coalition that also made APC to win National Assembly elections in Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu States where the President did not have ten percent of the votes?

“If in 2023, the voters in Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi voted APC in the Senatorial election and voted another party in the presidential election, they won’t be confused in 2027 provided we all support the president genuinely this time?

The Minister urged all stakeholders to put the presidential election first, saying; “after the President must have been reelected, we can all go and face elections in our States.”

“What I said and stand for is that I will mobilise support for the reelection of the President. I never promised anyone that PDP will not field candidates to contest governorship, National Assembly and States House of Assembly elections.

“Most importantly, rainbow coalition has nothing to do with the APC. Rather, it is own way of mobilising support accross political parties for Mr President, who has done well to deserve a second term,” he said.

600 Varsity dons endorsing Tinubu puts credibility of 2027 election to doubt -Obi

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has expressed serious doubts on the credibility of the next general elections.
A statement on Tuesday from the Office said the endorsement of the President and candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu by some 600 academics from Tertiary institutions across the country has already exposed the elections to manipulation since the same lecturers would be engaged as electoral officials for the same elections.
The Office said that it “has become aware of reports that approximately 600 university academics have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This development is profoundly troubling and should be recognised for what it signifies: an early attempt to build and legitimise a network of partisan actors ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“These individuals are not just 600 private citizens expressing their political preferences; they belong to an institution that has frequently provided electoral officials, including returning officers,” the statement said.
Going further, the Office said: “Their public backing for the incumbent consequently raises a serious and unavoidable question: is the framework for manipulating the 2027 election already being established?
“We have seen this pattern before. Electoral rigging does not suddenly occur on election day; it begins months or even years earlier through the identification, cultivation, and placement of individuals capable of influencing the process when votes are finally cast.”

The Office then said: “That is why Nigerians must remain vigilant now. When academics who might be assigned sensitive electoral responsibilities openly organise to endorse the very candidate whose election they might later help oversee, the risk of conflict of interest is evident.
“This sets the stage for a compromised electoral process and undermines public trust in the impartiality of those who may be responsible for announcing the results.

“Let no one deceive Nigerians: preparations for electoral manipulation may start long before voting begins.”
Turning to election officials, the statement said: “We therefore urge INEC to release the names of all 600 + academics involved in this or any other political endorsement and to formally prohibit them from serving as Returning Officers, Collation Officers, or electoral staff during the 2027 general elections.

“INEC must also publish the complete list of all prospective Collation and Returning Officers well in advance of future elections, allowing civil society, political parties, and the public to evaluate their political neutrality.
“We further call on university governing councils and academic bodies nationwide to adopt strict conflict- of- interest rules that prevent staff from using their professional academic positions to facilitate partisan political mobilisation. Nigerians are watching.
“The machinery for rigging must not be allowed to take root before the election even begins. The people must choose their leaders, and the outcome must be decided by their votes—not by a pre- arranged electoral network,” the Media Office concluded.

 

Ned Nwoko emerges BusinessDay Top 10 Senators of the 10th National Assembly

The lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko has emerged as the BusinessDayTop 10 Senators of the 10th National Assembly for people-focused and performance-driven service

A statement on Tuesday from the media office the legislator said Senator Nwoko was nominated by the management of Business Day on account of his unprecedented legislative contributions and commitment to effective representation.

According to the statement, the lawmaker has vigorously championed initiatives focused on economic development, institutional reforms and improved opportunities for Nigerians, while advancing the interests of his constituents in Delta North.

The recognition further places his legislative performance among those considered notable in the 10th Senate.

Below are the
criteria used by Business Day to evaluate the performances of Senator Nwoko before he was recognised as one of the Top 10 Senators of the 10th National Assembly

Business Day reports that since his inauguration into the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Nwoko has brought intellect, intensity, and unmistakable presence to national discourse. Representing Delta North Senatorial District, his emergence in the red chambers was driven by the collective conviction of the Anioma people – a people who sought not just representation, but results. Two years on, that conviction has translated into visible leadership, bold advocacy, and deliberate action.
What distinguishes Senator Nwoko is not only the breadth of his interventions, but the clarity of his purpose. He arrived at the Senate with a defined agenda: to drive legislation that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians while ensuring that his constituency receives focused and strategic attention. In a short time, he has positioned himself as a serious-minded legislator – vocal, visionary, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.

His influence within the Senate is underscored by the confidence reposed in him through key appointments. From his role as Deputy Chairman of the Committees on Environment and Sports Development, to his current chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Senator Nwoko has proven himself a thoughtful operator – analytical, pragmatic, and deeply engaged. His motion on the need to investigate crude oil theft in the Niger Delta did not just provoke national reflection – it led to the establishment of an ad-hoc committee which he now chairs, reinforcing his reputation as a lawmaker who moves beyond rhetoric to results.

But beyond official titles and committee roles, Senator Nwoko’s approach to governance reflects a deeper philosophy: that public office must serve, and leadership must listen. Whether on the Senate floor or in the remotest parts of Delta North, he remains present – asking the hard questions, pursuing justice, and insisting on equity. His work across legislative and constituency fronts is driven by an unrelenting focus on the people, backed by a sense of duty that has not diminished with time.

As he marks years in office, this documentation provides insight into the depth of his engagement – his sponsored bills and motions, his interventions across sectors, and the values that continue to shape his service. It is a chronicle not of promises made, but of commitments honored.

LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTIONS

At the heart of legislative responsibility lies the duty to make laws that protect citizens, advance national development, and respond to emerging realities. Senator Nwoko has approached this duty with clarity and conviction, sponsoring and co-sponsoring over 30 bills – ranging from the establishment of new institutions to the amendment of existing laws – alongside more than 25 motions addressing critical national issues. His interventions are thoughtful, timely, and people-centered, reflecting a legislative agenda anchored on security, equity, institutional reform, and sustainable growth.

BILLS

Bills Listed and Their Current Legislative Stages
1) A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, for the creation of Aniocha State and for matters connected therewith. (Passed first and second readings, as well as a successful public hearing held at the zonal level)

2) A bill for an Act to establish the National Agency for Malaria Elimination and for related matters. (Passed first and second readings. Also public hearing completed by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Health)

3) A bill for an Act to alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, LFN, to mandate the establishment of physical offices within the territorial boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by social media platforms, and for related matters. (Passed first and second readings respectively)

4) A bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Agriculture, Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State, and for matters related thereto. (Passed third reading)

5) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, to Restrict the Daytime Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles and for Related Matters. (Passed first reading)

6) A bill for an Act to alter the Federal Colleges of Education Act No. 43, 2023, to establish a Federal College of Education, Akwukwu-Igbo, Delta State, and for related matters.

7) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Orthopedic Hospital Management Board Act, Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as Amended), to Provide for the Establishment of the Orthopedic Hospital, Onicha Ugbo, Delta State, to be Affiliated to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, and for Related Matters. (Passed first reading)

8) A Bill for An Act to Alter the Federal Universities of Technology Act, Cap.F23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba to the Federal University of Technology Asaba, and for Related Matters. (Passed third reading after a successful public hearing)

9) A Bill for an Act to Alter the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, to Provide for the Prohibition of Foreign Currency Payment for Remuneration. (Passed second reading)

10) A Bill For An Act To Establish The National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency, And For Related Matters, 2024. (Passed first reading)

11) A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Defence Academy Establishment Act for the Establishment of an Additional Nigerian Defence Academy in Kwale and Other Related Matters. (Passed first reading)

12) A bill for an Act to alter the 1999 Constitution (as altered) to provide for diaspora voting and for related matters. (First reading and successful zonal hearing)

13) A Bill for an Act to Alter the Firearms Act (As Altered) To Provide for Self Defense and Personal Firearm Ownership and for Related Matters. (First reading)

14) A bill for an Act to Repeal the Coroners Act CAP C17 laws of the Federal 2004 and Re-Enact the Coroners Systems Act and other Related Matters 2023. (first reading)

15) Bill to Amend Sections 7, 162, and Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, To Make Provisions for Full Local Government Autonomy and Other Related Matters. (Successful zonal hearing)

16) A Bill For An Act To Establish The National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency, And For Related Matters. (First reading, captured for second)

17) A Bill For an Act to establish an Institute for Leadership, Entrepreneurial, and Corporate Governance, and for matters related thereto, 2025. (Passed first reading) SB.921

18) African Descendants Citizenship Application Bill. (Passed first reading) SB.838

Bills Yet to Appear on the Order Paper
1) A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurship Grant Program with an Agency for Oversight
2) One-Month Rent Limitation and Landlord Registry Act

3) Electoral Courts Establishment and Jurisdiction Act

4) Compulsory Professional Indemnity Act

5) Cashless Asset Acquisition Act

6) A bill for an Act to Establish laws governing the election of Nigerians into the ECOWAS Parliament

7) The Act Establishing the Parliamentary Governance System

8) A Bill for an Act to make provision for the registration and grant of licence for the use of private security companies in Nigeria, to complement the activities of the military in the defence of the nation’s territory, and for other related purposes.

9) A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for mandatory first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training in homes, schools, institutions, and offices, and for the adoption of Good Samaritan laws and matters connected therewith, 2024.

10) A Bill for an Act to alter the Public Service Rules (2021), as altered, to provide for the extension of the retirement age of civil/public servants and for matters connected therewith.

11) A Bill for an Act to establish the National Centre for Substance Abuse Management (NCSAM) in Ndemili, Delta State, Nigeria; aimed at addressing the increasing challenges associated with substance abuse within Nigeria.

12) Mandatory Military Service for Youths (Establishment)

13) A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment, Development, and Management of Ranches in the 774 Local Government Areas and the Federal Capital Territory, to Promote Modern Livestock Farming, Curb Open Grazing, Enhance Food Security, and for Related Matters

14) A Bill for an Act to amend the Immigration Act, 2015 (Act No. 8 of 2015), to allow visa-free entry for African Union passport holders into Nigeria, and for related matters.

15) A Bill for an Act to amend the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, to prohibit foreign ownership of mining licences, promote indigenous participation, and provide for the regularisation of illegal mining sites, and for related matters.

MOTIONS

1) Need to Demand Reparations for Historical Injustices and Mitigation of Neocolonialism in Nigeria, African Nations
This motion calls for Nigeria and other African nations to pursue reparations for transatlantic slavery and address the lingering impacts of neocolonial structures.

In advancing this vision, Senator Nwoko called for a coordinated national response involving key institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Ministry of Science and Technology, aimed at redirecting such talents into lawful and productive sectors. His position emphasises the importance of reducing reliance on imports, strengthening indigenous capacity, and fostering homegrown technological development.

As part of his legislative agenda, Senator Nwoko has proposed the conceptual framework for a “National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Act,” a forward-thinking initiative designed to establish a structured system for identifying, supporting, and integrating skilled individuals from illicit backgrounds into the formal economy. The proposed policy seeks to transform potential security risks into national assets by providing legal pathways, training, and institutional support.

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS

In his first two years as Senator representing Delta North, Prince Ned Nwoko has demonstrated a clear commitment to the development and wellbeing of his constituents through carefully targeted constituency projects. These initiatives reflect his focus on equitable infrastructure, access to essential services, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. From rural electrification to school renovations, healthcare upgrades to water supply schemes, each intervention is tailored to address specific needs across communities in Anioma, ensuring no local government is left behind.

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS

1. Construction of blocks of classrooms at Ika Grammar School, Delta North Senatorial District (Ongoing)

2. Construction and renovation of classroom blocks in schools across selected communities in Delta North (Captured)

3. Construction of ICT centres in selected communities in Delta North (Captured)

4. Provision of computers and laptops for students in Delta North (Captured)

5. Renovation and equipping of Idumuje-Ugboko Medical Centre, Delta State (Captured)

6. Renovation and equipping of Ezi Primary Health Care Centre, Delta North (Captured)

7. Supply of drugs to selected primary health care centres in Delta North (Captured)

8. Medical outreach program across the 9 LGAs in Delta North – Phase 1 (Done)

9. Medical outreach program across the 9 LGAs in Delta North – Phase 2 (Completed)

10. Medical outreach program in selected communities in Delta North – Phase 3 (Captured)

11. Training and empowerment of market women in Delta North (Captured)

12. Training and empowerment of youths in Delta North – Phase 3 (Captured)

13. Capacity development training for women in Delta North (Captured)

14. Capacity development training and empowerment program for youths, women, and farmers in Delta North – Phase 3 (Captured)

15. Training and empowerment program for women, youths, and farmers in Delta North – Phase 1 (Done)

16. Training and empowerment program for women, youths, and farmers in Delta North – Phase 2 (Completed)

17. Training and empowerment program for youths and women on cassava farming across Delta North (Completed)

18. Livestock farming and training for youths in Delta North (Completed)

19. Training and empowerment of women on production of Akwa-Ocha inj Delta North (Captured)

20. Procurement of tractors and equipment for farmers across Delta North (Captured)

21. Establishment of fish farms and procurement of fertilizers across Delta North (Captured)

22. Provision of mechanization and extension service systems under the Renewed

23. Hope Agenda in Delta North (OngoingRESTORATION OF ANIOCHA NORTH II STATE CONSTITUENCY

In a significant legislative milestone, Senator Nwoko successfully championed the restoration of the Aniocha North II State Constituency, securing concurrence from both chambers of the National Assembly.
On March 11, 2025, Senator Nwoko sponsored and moved a motion on the floor of the Senate, calling for compliance with the Supreme Court judgment of November 29, 2019, which affirmed the restoration of the constituency and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections accordingly. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Senate and subsequently transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

Following this, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, presented the motion before the House of Representatives, which, on May 15, 2025, concurred with the Senate’s resolution—thereby aligning both chambers on the matter.

This development marks the culmination of a prolonged legal and legislative process that began in 2014, when nine communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area—Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo—sought judicial intervention for the restoration of their constituency. After an initial dismissal at the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, ruled in their favour in 2017. The Supreme Court, in 2019, upheld this decision, making it final and binding.

Despite earlier steps taken by INEC, including stakeholder consultations and submissions to the National Assembly, no legislative action had been concluded until Senator Nwoko’s intervention.

His motion further urged the National Assembly to approve INEC’s proposal, mandated relevant committees to engage with the Commission, and directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to transmit the resolution to INEC for the conduct of elections within 90 days.

With concurrence now secured from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the pathway has been cleared for implementation.

INTERVENTION IN THE DETENTION AND RELEASE OF KING CLEMENT IKOLO

Senator Ned Munir Nwoko demonstrated decisive leadership and commitment to peacebuilding through his timely intervention in the detention of His Royal Majesty, King Clement Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom, following the tragic Okuama incident involving the loss of Nigerian soldiers.
In response to widespread concern among traditional rulers and stakeholders within Delta State, Senator Nwoko formally engaged the Chief of Defence Staff, appealing for a measured and humane approach to the matter. In his communication, he acknowledged the gravity of the incident and extended condolences to the Armed Forces, while strongly advocating for the release of King Ikolo on the grounds of justice, health considerations, and the need to prevent further escalation of tensions within the region.

Senator Nwoko emphasized that the continued detention of the monarch, who had only recently ascended the throne under complex community circumstances, risked deepening unrest and undermining cooperation necessary for ongoing investigations. He further demonstrated personal commitment by offering to stand as surety, underscoring his confidence in the monarch’s respect for due process and dedication to peace.

Following sustained engagement and advocacy, King Clement Ikolo was released, a development widely acknowledged as a critical step toward restoring calm and stability in the affected communities.

INTERVENTION IN ONICHA-OLONA ILLEGAL ARMS FACTORY AND ADVOCACY FOR TALENT REHABILITATION POLICY

Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko demonstrated proactive leadership in addressing the security and socio-economic implications of the illegal arms factory discovered in Onicha-Olona, Delta State.
Following his engagement with the Headquarters of the 63 Brigade, Asaba, and strategic discussions with the Brigade Commander, Senator Nwoko facilitated a balanced approach that upheld justice while recognising the need for rehabilitation. Through his intervention, four individuals connected to the incident were successfully released, with continued advocacy for fair consideration and due process for others still under detention.

Beyond immediate intervention, Senator Nwoko reframed the incident as a broader policy opportunity—highlighting the need to identify, rehabilitate, and productively engage individuals with technical abilities who have operated outside the law. He specifically drew attention to the innovative capacity observed among those involved, including demonstrated skills in drone construction and mechanical modification.

2) Need for Redress, Healing and Reconciliation for the Grievous 1967 Asaba Massacre
It advocates for national acknowledgment and reconciliation over the Asaba massacre during the civil war, with emphasis on justice and memorialization.

3) Need to Investigate the Incessant and Nefarious Acts of Crude Oil Thefts in the Niger Delta and Its Actors
This motion seeks a deep probe into crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, identifying networks involved and proposing long-term countermeasures.

4) Urgent Need for African Nations to Attain Veto Power at the United Nations Security Council
It presses for reforms that grant African countries veto power at the UN Security Council to reflect global equity and inclusivity.

5) Need for the Establishment of Social Media Platform Offices in Nigeria for Economic Advancement and Efficient Dispute Resolution
The motion encourages global tech companies to set up offices in Nigeria to enhance job creation, tax revenue, and content governance.

6) Urgent Action Needed to Fortify Security, Tackle Surge of Kidnappings in FCT, Following the Tragic Abduction of 19 Individuals in Galadimawa
This addresses the rising insecurity in Abuja, calling for stronger protection strategies and community-based intelligence.

7) Urgent Need to Stop Gas Flaring and Enforce Anti-Gas Flaring Regulations in Ndokwa Land and the Niger Delta Region
It raises concern over environmental degradation and health risks from gas flaring, demanding strict enforcement of environmental laws.

8) Need to Upgrade All Federal Medical Centers in Nigeria to International Standards and for All Public Servants to Seek Medical Treatment Exclusively Within Nigerian Healthcare Facilities
The motion underscores the importance of strengthening public healthcare and reducing foreign medical trips by public officials.

9) Compelling Need to Ban Importation of All Non-essential Goods and Locally Producible Items in Nigeria
It recommends import restrictions on goods that can be produced locally, aimed at reviving domestic industries and conserving foreign exchange.

10) Urgent Need for a National Dialogue with Separatist Groups in Nigeria to Genuinely and Amicably Resolve all Issues
This motion promotes dialogue as a path to addressing separatist agitations and fostering unity through peaceful engagement.

11) Need To Address the Unexplained Delay of Electricity Supply in Ndokwa Land and Step-down of Okpai Independent Power Plant
Highlights concerns about ongoing electricity supply interruptions in Ndokwa Land and calls for urgent attention to the operational status of the Okpai IPP.

12) Urgent Need to Discourage any Military Intervention in Niger Republic by ECOWAS
This motion calls for diplomatic resolution over military actions in Niger Republic, urging ECOWAS to avoid armed intervention.

13) Urgent Need to End Compulsory Police Reports Before Emergency Medical Treatment
Advocates the removal of mandatory police clearance for emergency healthcare to save lives and streamline urgent medical responses.

14) Urgent Action Required to Address the Ongoing Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Calls for Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and humanitarian support to help resolve the conflict and mitigate suffering.

15) Compelling Need to Enforce Nationwide Ban on Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Daytime
Seeks enforcement of restrictions on heavy vehicle movements during the day to reduce road accidents and traffic congestion.

16) Need For Fintech Companies in Nigeria To Ensure Stricter Security Standards Amid Rapid Growth
Emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity measures by fintech firms to protect users and maintain trust.

17) Need for Emergency Action to Address Security Threats Posed by Fulani Herdsmen and Miscreants in Delta State
Raises urgent concerns over violent incidents linked to Fulani herdsmen, calling for stronger security responses.

18) Urgent Action Required to End Payment of Salaries in Foreign Currencies for Workers in Nigeria
Advocates the cessation of salary payments in foreign currencies to preserve Nigeria’s monetary sovereignty.

19) Compelling Need to Address the Recent Termination of Over 317 Staff by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Calls for a review of staff terminations to safeguard workers’ rights and institutional stability.

20) Urgent Call for Emergency Provisions for Victims of Flooding in Delta North Communities
Demands immediate relief efforts and long-term flood control measures for affected communities in Delta North.