APC denies planning to kill Atiku

 

The Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has denied that the Federal Government is planning to assassinate former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Reacting to a statement by an aide of Atiku that the Government was plotting to kill the former VP and presidential Candidate of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), the APC campaign council said the claim was an effort by the opposition to heat up the polity.
It then called on security agencies to invite those behind the assassination allegation for questioning. Below is the full text of the statement:

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

THERE IS NO PLOT TO ASSASSINATE FORMER VICE PRESIDENT ATIKU ABUBAKAR

Our attention has been drawn to the statement by Timi Frank, a member of the African Democratic Congress, alleging that the Nigerian Government is plotting to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the ADC.

This is a grave allegation that Mr Frank must prove. We thus urge security agencies to invite him to substantiate the allegation, given its gravity and the urgent need to preserve life. We also urge Mr Frank not to hesitate to provide any information in his possession that will enable prompt investigation. Any credible threat to life must be treated seriously, irrespective of political affiliation.

We categorically reject the claim that the presidency of Nigeria or the APC Campaign Council is involved in any plot to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any opposition figure.

The narrative that the security personnel attached to former Vice President Atiku have been withdrawn is totally false. The former Vice President is well protected by the police and the Department of State Security. Contrary to the falsehood promoted by Timi Frank, President Tinubu recently directed security agencies to reinforce and increase protection for all presidential, vice-presidential, governorship, and Deputy Governorship candidates across the country.

The security around the ADC Presidential candidate has never been compromised. As a former Vice President of Nigeria, he enjoys two levels of state-funded security protection. President Tinubu has increased security protection for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as a Presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu, as a statesman and an avowed democrat, recognises opposition politics as an essential part of our 27-year-old democracy. For 16 years in Nigeria, President Tinubu was the face of opposition, and he galvanised the opposition movement to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party as a governing party in Nigeria in 2015.

Mr Frank’s claim is typical opposition rabble-rousing meant to heat the polity. Many opposition figures, including Timi Frank, have made it a habit to write open letters and tag foreign leaders and international organisations in social media posts to draw undeserved attention to themselves.

As we go deeper into the campaign season, politicians and supporters will continue to make outlandish statements and frivolous allegations to gain political advantage.

However, we urge candidates, political parties, and supporters to be factual and responsible in public statements and avoid utterances that can trigger avoidable tension in the polity. Let our political competition be peaceful, lawful, and focused on the big issues that matter to Nigerians, not character assassination or wild, baseless allegations.

 

Dele Alake
Spokesperson
APC Presidential Campaign Council

October 20, 2026

That Shettima’s “Diminished Obi” message to diminutive Igbo leaders

By Ike Abonyi

This discussion will focus on Vice President Kashim Shettima’s renewed efforts to denigrate the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, which I believe stem from his recognition that Obi is the leading contender to defeat. We also observe Shettima’s desperate efforts to secure a place in President Bola Tinubu’s heart despite understanding that, politically speaking, his public statements on Tinubu may differ from his private hopes.
But those are actually not our focus now. Instead, this discourse is to examine Shettima’s message to the Igbo, particularly those aligned with the schools of Minister Dave Umahi and Governor Charles Soludo.

When Shettima urged Northerners to treat Atiku Abubakar with respect while describing Obi as diminished, he was passing a strong message to certain Igbo leaders on how to treat their brothers regardless of political differences.
Shettima was also trying to treat the Igbo the way his brothers regard him or how disgracefully his brothers act. With the likes of Umahi and Soludo, genuflecting and bowing disgracefully where they should not, why shouldn’t Shettima, a Kanuri, describe an Igbo as diminished? These two men have rubbished the egalitarian, the foundational pillar of Ndigbo culture, their social structure, and historical governance.

For South-East politicians within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Vice President Shettima’s comments provide important lessons about regional representation and internal party dynamics:

The central question in this analysis is not whether Vice President Kashim Shettima is entitled to criticise Peter Obi. In a democracy, he is. The more consequential issue is whether the language of political respect is being applied uniformly and what this episode indicates about ethnic identity, political solidarity, and the treatment of Igbo politicians within Nigeria’s power structure.
Recent reports offer two significant points of context. On October 14, 2026, Shettima criticised Obi’s economic arguments, calling him a “master of bogus statistics and incoherent economic prescriptions.” Meanwhile, he couldn’t provide empirical evidence to dispute Obi’s statistics.
On October 17, he spoke of a “diminished Peter Obi” while urging northern APC supporters to defeat Atiku Abubakar respectfully.
The Vice President’s latest comments about Peter Obi provide an important insight into Nigerian politics, especially for Igbo political leaders in the ruling APC and for those who have routinely attacked Obi from within his own ethnic constituency.
Shettima has the right to hold and express his political views. He may reject Obi’s economic prescriptions, dispute his statistics, challenge his interpretation of the 2023 presidential election, and oppose his 2027 ambition. Such actions are legitimate aspects of democratic competition. Political disagreement, however, should not serve as a pretext for selective respect, dismissive descriptions, or a political culture in which one opponent appears to receive less dignity than another.

The distinction between “respect” and “diminish” is noteworthy. It raises a legitimate question: why should political opponents be addressed differently in the language of respect, especially when both are experienced politicians seeking national leadership?
The issue is not whether Atiku merits respect. He does, as a former vice president and political opponent. Rather, the question is whether Obi is entitled to the same basic courtesy, irrespective of disagreements about his political standing, economic ideas, or electoral claims.
Igbo leaders in the APC should give this episode particular consideration. Their membership in a national political party is protected by their constitutional and democratic rights. No one should expect them to leave their party or automatically support Obi simply because he is Igbo.
Political loyalty, however, should not demand silence when the dignity of a fellow Nigerian, particularly someone from their own ethnic constituency, is questioned or diminished in public political discourse.
They should be capable of distinguishing legitimate criticism of Obi’s policies from language that may be understood as dismissive of his political relevance. They should also consider whether the standards of respect extended to political figures from other regions are being applied consistently to Igbo politicians.
Their responsibility is not to defend every statement Obi makes. The issue is defending a political culture in which every Nigerian is evaluated by the same standards and treated with the same fundamental dignity.
This is not a call for ethnic loyalty to supersede the national interest. It is a demand for fairness and consistency. When an Igbo politician errs, he should face criticism. When a northern, Yoruba, or any other Nigerian politician errs, that same standard should be applied.
The Shettima episode offers an important message to Igbo individuals who regularly insult, mock, or dismiss Obi, at times with more enthusiasm than opponents from other parts of the country.
Political disagreement is legitimate. Some may reject his policies, challenge his strategy, oppose his party, or favour another candidate. They are fully entitled to do so.
However, when criticism turns into personal abuse, when political differences are conveyed through contempt, and when someone’s political value is rejected without serious consideration of his arguments, democratic culture is diminished.
The Shettima episode should prompt these critics to consider a fundamental question: does opposing a politician require abandoning fairness, self-respect, and the right to demand equal treatment?
If they consider Obi mistaken, they should explain why. If they regard his economic proposals as impractical, they should provide evidence. If they dispute his political strategy, they should advance a more compelling case that will be acceptable to the people. Personal abuse cannot replace serious political analysis.
Equally, being Igbo does not require anyone to support Obi. The freedom to oppose him deserves protection no less than the freedom to endorse him. What should be rejected is invoking ethnic identity to justify disrespect toward one politician while insisting that another receive courteous treatment.
Ultimately, this episode should prompt a broader assessment of Nigeria’s political practices. Do political leaders apply uniform standards of respect to those who oppose them? Are candidates judged primarily by their records, ideas, and conduct in public life, or do regional loyalties and political partnerships shape the language used about them?
These questions are significant because Nigeria requires a political culture in which disagreement neither denies a person’s humanity nor nullifies the legitimacy of his participation in the democratic process.
Political competition, however, should not devolve into a contest where respect is granted selectively.
For Igbo opponents of Obi, it is to express disagreement without descending into abuse. For Nigerian political leaders more broadly, the central lesson is that democracy is strengthened not by flattering allies or disparaging adversaries, but by holding everyone to the same standards.
The fundamental question is not whether one supports or opposes Peter Obi. It is whether one accepts that every Nigerian political leader should be evaluated fairly, irrespective of ethnicity, party affiliation, or political ambition.
Accordingly, for Igbo leaders across party lines, safeguarding regional dignity, securing equal political respect, and preventing self-inflicted political devaluation remain vital to maintaining long-term national relevance.

_Ike Abonyi is Editor @Large”_

EU to deliver €20m defence support to Nigerian Armed Forces

 

The European Union (EU) is set to deliver 20 million euros defence support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

This is contained in a statement on Saturday in Abuja by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Defence, Ms Leah Katung-Babatunde.

Katung-Babatunde said the discussion took place when the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, received the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, and his delegation at the Ship House, Abuja.

She said Mignot was on a working visit to discuss critical defence bilateral agreements, including review of security cooperation between Nigeria and the EU.

According to her, Mignot commended the minister for his efforts in changing the security dynamics in the country and invited him to a meeting of ministers of defence in Brussels later in the year.

She also said the engagement centred on modalities for the EU’s bilateral assistance of 20 million euros for the AFN under the European Peace Facility (EPF).

She ​‌‌‍⁠‌‍⁠⁠‍​⁠‌⁠⁠⁠⁠​‌​further said that ambassador revealed that an EU technical delegation would be visiting Nigeria in November to agree on delivery details.

She quoted Musa as expressing gratitude to the EU for consistency in supporting Nigeria and assured the ambassador of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians and development of the country.

The minister said that relative peace was gradually returning to troubled parts of the country due to the efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies.

He however noted that kidnapping along major highways and attacks on isolated communities persisted and were being tackled. Newspot.

NUJ FCT mourns death of journalist, Felix Onigbinde 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Felix Onigbinde, a Photojournalist with the Nigerian Tribune newspaper.
Onigbinde, who reportedly fell into a coma last week and was admitted to the Garki General Hospital, Abuja, before his death, was a dedicated and award winning photojournalist whose career reflected his commitment to the gathering and dissemination of information in the service of society.
He began his journalism career with Daily Trust newspaper before joining the Nigerian Tribune, where he worked until his demise. As a photojournalist, Onigbinde played a role in documenting events and telling stories through images, contributing to the work of the media in informing the public.
The NUJ FCT Council said his death was particularly heartbreaking, noting that his passing had created a painful void among colleagues and friends, as well as in the wider journalism community.
The Council in a statement issued on Saturday by the the Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle extended its heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune, Photojournalists Association of Nigeria ( PJAN )  his colleagues, friends and professional associates, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Council also commiserated with his immediate family, particularly his wife and two children, who are left to cope with the loss of their husband and father.
Onigbinde, who hailed from Ife Modakeke, in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State, will be remembered by those who knew him for his contribution to journalism and his service to the public through his profession.
The Council prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to comfort his wife, children, extended family, colleagues and all those mourning his passing. Authority.

EU provides €225,000 in humanitarian aid to conflict-displaced populations in Kebbi State

Following severe conflict-induced displacement across Kebbi State in north-western Nigeria, the European Union (EU) is releasing €225,000 (around 340 million Nigerian Naira) in humanitarian assistance to support affected communities.
This EU funding will enable the Nigerian Red Cross to provide timely, lifesaving assistance to conflict-displaced persons in Kebbi State over six months. The response will prioritise multipurpose cash assistance, enabling affected families to meet their most urgent needs, alongside protection services for the most vulnerable. The action will be supported by continuous monitoring of population movements and the engagement of local volunteers, and will contribute to laying the groundwork for longer-term recovery efforts by other actors.
Reaching approximately 7,700 conflict-displaced people across settlements and host communities in Kebbi State, the response prioritizes the most vulnerable groups—including female-headed households, persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, and those facing acute protection risks—to deliver targeted support where it is needed most.
This funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Security in Kebbi State has severely deteriorated following an escalation of armed attacks and communal violence across seven Local Government Areas. While displacement has been ongoing since mid-August, a sharp surge in violence around August 31, 2026, served as the operational trigger for this response, affecting over 16,600 people across the state, with 7,706 displaced and 108 injured. Facing a complex security landscape marked by organised banditry, armed group activity and communal violence, displaced families in temporary sites and host communities remain in urgent need of shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection.
The European Union and its Member States are amongst the world’s leading donors of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity towards people in need around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent, and alleviate human suffering and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.
Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflicts and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.
The European Commission has signed a €16 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to support the Federation’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).
The Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) was established in 1979 and is supported by contributions from donors. Each time a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society needs immediate financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds from the DREF. For small-scale disasters, the IFRC allocates grants from the Fund, which can be replenished by the donors. Authority.

Peter Obi Media rejects VP Shettima’s “Diminished Obi” comment as an affront to decency

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has strongly condemned Vice President Kashim Shettima’s disparaging comments about their principal and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a statement on Sunday, the Office said: “The VP discourteously referred to Obi as “diminished” while calling on Northerners to show respect to Atiku Abubakar.”
The office expressed disgust with the utterances of the VP and wondered why he would introduce section sentiments in praising one presidential candidate and disparaging another apparently because Atiku is a Northerner.
“Although Shettima has the right to oppose Obi, it is difficult to understand why he would demand respect for one opposition leader while casually dismissing another.
“As a man of great decency, our candidate has conducted his campaign professionally and decorously.
“He has consistently focused his remarks on issues and has neither discussed nor used abusive language against anyone. Shettima and Obi served as governors during the same period.

“However, Obi’s performance in Anambra State across key areas of governance surpassed Shettima’s record in Borno State, as demonstrated by performance statistics and the awards he received.
“During his tenure as governor of Anambra, Peter Obi earned recognition for his fiscal discipline and investments in education and healthcare.
“If Shettima contests any aspect of Obi’s record, he should present the facts rather than resort to political name-calling.”
Going forward, the Media Office also “calls on South-East political leaders who have shown disrespect toward Obi to take a lesson from the Vice President, who joined them in disparaging their brother while demanding respect for his northern counterpart in the opposition.
“We urge Igbo leaders in the APC and all Nigerians to draw the appropriate lesson from this episode and note that political loyalty must never justify tolerating disrespect toward a fellow Nigerian.
“Those who oppose Obi should scrutinise his ideas and record rather than resorting to personal abuse. Nigeria needs a contest based on records and ideas, not selective respect and political denigration. “The Nigerian people, rather than Shettima’s rhetoric, will determine Peter Obi’s political relevance,” the statement concluded.

 

World Singing Day: Peter Obi Media Office celebrates Obi-Kwankwaso singers in Nigeria, abroad

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has expressed greetings and felicitations with those who are promoting the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections through songs on the occasion of this year’s World Singing Day.
The Day is observed annually on the third Saturday of October.
In a statement on Saturday, the Office said: “Today, October 17, 2026, Peter Obi Media honours Nigerian singers at home and abroad whose voices, creativity, and musical gifts continue to enrich national life and inspire millions.

“We especially celebrate the gifted Nigerian musicians who have used their talents to communicate their hopes and aspirations for a better Nigeria through songs connected with the Peter Obi–Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso political project.”
Peter Obi and Engr Rabiu Kwankwaso are running for Nigeria’s Presidency in the forth coming election as President and Vice President respectively on the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Media Office listed some of those who are promoting the ticket with songs to include KASI, “the young Anambra girl whose song, “Peter Obi or Nothing,” captured the enthusiasm of her supporters.
“We also recognise Tijjani Gandu, associated with the Hausa-language song “Obi-Kwankwaso Clear,” and Mr DapBoy, whose song “Lokaci” conveys support for Peter Obi’s 2027 aspiration.

“We acknowledge every young and emerging artist who has embraced music as a vehicle for expressing political convictions, hopes for national renewal, and the desire for a Nigeria that works for everyone.

“From Igbo highlife and Hausa melodies to Yoruba rhythms, English, and Nigerian Pidgin, our musical diversity demonstrates the richness of our culture and the potential of our unity.
“To Nigeria’s singers and musicians, we affirm that your talent is valuable, your creativity merits recognition, and your voices form an essential part of the nation’s cultural heritage,” the statement added.
It went further to say: “We urge you to continue applying your gifts responsibly in support of peace, unity, hope, and meaningful national dialogue.

“On this World Singing Day, we honour you not only for the songs you perform but also for the creativity, courage, and passion you contribute to our national conversation.

“Happy World Singing Day to Nigerian singers everywhere. May our diverse voices continue to enrich our shared humanity and inspire the building of a better Nigeria,” the Office conclude.

 

Court hands UBA major victory in N156bn debt recovery against Vaswani Brothers, Stallion Group

 

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has secured a significant legal victory in its debt recovery proceedings against Stallion Group, following a court judgment which upheld the Bank’s position on all issues submitted for determination.

In a sweeping decision, delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor  of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday,  granted all the reliefs sought by UBA, affirming the validity of the appointment of a Receiver/Manager, the enforceability of the mortgage security and the liability of the guarantors.

The Court observed that the Defendants did not dispute the existence of their indebtedness to the Bank but challenged the amount claimed. It further held that the reconciliation of accounts between the parties did not extinguish or negate the underlying indebtedness.

In a major affirmation of UBA’s enforcement rights, the Court upheld the appointment of the Receiver/Manager and confirmed his entitlement to take possession of the mortgaged property and seek appropriate protective orders.

 

The Court also dismissed objections raised by the 12th Defendant, holding that it had failed to establish any proprietary rights over the mortgaged property. Consequently, its consent was not required for the creation of the mortgage, and its objections were rejected.

 

Significantly, the Court restrained the Defendants from diverting receivables due to them from government agencies, thereby reinforcing the Bank’s ability to protect its recovery interests.

 

The judgment also affirmed the liability of the guarantors, strengthening UBA’s legal position in pursuing recovery of the outstanding obligations.

 

The decision represents a comprehensive victory for UBA, with the Court resolving all issues in the Bank’s favour and granting all the reliefs sought.

 

The ruling is particularly significant for the enforcement of creditors’ rights in Nigeria, underscoring the legal validity of properly constituted security arrangements and the authority of duly appointed receivers to enforce creditors’ interests.

 

It also reinforces the principle that disputes over the precise amount of an outstanding debt do not, by themselves, invalidate the underlying indebtedness or prevent creditors from exercising their lawful recovery rights.

The judgment marks a major milestone in UBA’s efforts to recover its exposure to Stallion Group and safeguard the interests of the Bank and its stakeholders.

Why the Aminu Kano cap fits Peter Obi: Nigeria’s unfinished project of unity

 

Following a recent podcast portraying the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as an Aminu Kano reborn because of their shared philosophy towards the poor in society, there have been some remarks supporting this fact and even going further to adduce other reasons why the Aminu Kano cap squarely fits Peter Obi.

The Aminu Kano cap is more than a piece of traditional attire that represents a commitment to the poor, modest living, social justice, and a political philosophy that places ordinary people at the centre of governance. When Peter Obi wears it, the symbolism invites a wider conversation about the relationship between leadership, social inclusion, and national unity.

The comparison between Aminu Kano and Peter Obi rests on three themes: concern for the poor, modesty in public life, and the need to make every Nigerian ethnic group feel that the country belongs to them. This last segment of the commonality between Obi and Aminu Kano seeks to deepen the conversation, especially as Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is from Kano.

A further dimension emerges when the ethno-political histories of Nigeria are thoroughly X-rayed. Aminu Kano and Obi are of the Hausa and Igbo tribes, respectively. Ethnicity has been a significant factor in Nigerian politics as political power is examined alongside the distribution of Nigeria’s highest political offices along ethnic lines since 1999.

In terms of population, the six biggest ethnic groups in Nigeria, in this order, are the Hausas, the Yoruba, the Igbos, the Ijaw, the Kanuri, and the Fulani. From 1999 to date, all but the Hausas and Igbos have tested political power in this country at the level of President and Vice President. Yoruba—twelve years as President (Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu), eight years as Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo), Fulani—eleven years as President (Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari), eleven years as Vice President (Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo), Ijaw—five years as President and three years as Vice President (Goodluck Jonathan), Kanuri—four years as Vice President (Kashim Shettima).

These historical statistics raise a question worth discussing as the country searches for lasting political unity and stability. Can a political partnership between a prominent Hausa leader and a prominent Igbo leader help address longstanding feelings of exclusion and strengthen the idea of a common Nigerian identity?

Aminu Kano, a Hausa, was a northern political reformer associated with social justice and the interests of ordinary people.

Peter Obi is a contemporary politician whose public message emphasises prudent management, accountability, and poverty reduction.

Aminu Kano’s political legacy is closely associated with challenging entrenched privilege and advocating for disadvantaged people. Peter Obi has also built much of his public political message around frugality, accountability, and improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

Their historical contexts are different, and their records should be assessed on their own merits. Nevertheless, the comparison provides a useful framework for discussing a shared political ideal: government should serve the people, particularly those who have the least access to power and opportunity.

The cap, therefore, can be interpreted as a symbolic expression of solidarity rather than merely a fashion statement. Its significance lies in the values it evokes and the actions that those values demand.

 

The following table illustrates the ethnic backgrounds commonly attributed to presidents of the Fourth Republic:

 

Olusegun Obasanjo 1999–2007 Yoruba

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua 2007–2010 Fulani

Goodluck Jonathan 2010–2015 Ijaw

Muhammadu Buhari 2015–2023 Fulani

Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2023–present Yoruba

 

This history supports an important distinction in the argument: the Igbo have not held the executive presidency since the restoration of democracy in 1999. Ditto for the Hausa; even the dragging together of Hausa and Fulani challenges this assertion, but empirically it has been Fulani dominating.

Consequently, a credible political analysis should distinguish Hausa identity from the broader Hausa-Fulani political category, rather than treating them as interchangeable.

The key point remains whether Nigeria’s political arrangements adequately recognise the country’s many ethnic communities and whether access to the highest offices helps citizens feel that they belong to one nation.

 

The experiences of presidential representation since 1999 differ. The Yoruba, Fulani, and Ijaw have had people commonly identified with their respective communities occupy the presidency. The Igbo have not held the executive presidency, while the historical classification of Hausa and Fulani leaders requires care.

It is therefore more precise to frame the question around the uneven distribution of national political power and the enduring perception of exclusion, rather than claim that all six groups have equal political standing or that every group has been completely excluded from the number-one and number-two offices.

 

If, therefore, Aminu Kano and Peter Obi’s political philosophy prioritises poverty reduction, education, employment, public accountability, and access to essential services, their partnership could offer a common policy platform that crosses ethnic boundaries. The substance of their policies and their implementation records would matter more than symbolism alone.

In Obi and Aminu Kano’s philosophy, citizens who feel overlooked by the political system may attach importance to visible recognition of their communities. A cross-ethnic partnership could create an opportunity to address those concerns, provided it is inclusive of other ethnic groups, regions, and religious communities as well.

Nigeria’s minorities and many other communities also have legitimate concerns about representation.

In conclusion, the Aminu Kano cap on Peter Obi can serve as a reminder that the struggle for a more inclusive Nigeria is not the property of one ethnic group or political tradition. It invites reflection on the relationship between social justice, modest leadership, and national belonging.

The historical question of Igbo representation in the executive presidency is real. The broader question of Hausa representation, however, must be stated with greater precision because Hausa and Fulani identities are distinct even where political classifications overlap.

An Obi–Kwankwaso partnership would carry potentially significant symbolism, but its contribution to unity would depend on its policies, its treatment of all communities, and its ability to make citizens feel included in the national project.

The ultimate test of Nigerian unity is not whose cap a leader wears, but whether every Nigerian—Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, and the many other communities—can see a place for themselves in the country’s leadership, opportunities, and future. God help us.

 

Ike Abonyi is Editor @Large.

State Police Bill almost ready, for transmission to NASS in 2 weeks — Presidency

 

The National Policing Bill is 90 per cent ready for transmission to the National Assembly and is expected to be forwarded within two weeks, says Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Working Group on State Police, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking with journalists after the group’s steering committee meeting at the State House, Abuja.

He said the committee would hold one more meeting to address outstanding issues and incorporate observations from state governors before transmitting the bill to the National Assembly.

“The National Policing Bill is more or less ready for transmission to the National Assembly. We will probably have one more meeting after this to cross the t’s and dot the i’s and make sure every area is covered. So, we are 90 per cent ready.

“The governors have one or two observations, and we should be ready in about a week or so,” he said.

Gbajabiamila described the proposed legislation as “the most consequential Bill of the administration so far,” noting that it had undergone rigorous deliberations since the working group’s steering committee commenced discussions on August 3.

He also expressed confidence that the proposed constitutional amendments to establish state police would receive the necessary support, despite concerns over the pace of ratification by state Houses of Assembly.

Reacting to reports that only about six states had passed the Sixth Constitution Alteration Bill on state police, out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Gbajabiamila said there was broad national support for the reform.

“I see no reason why anyone will want to have a rethink on it,” he said.

The proposed state police framework is part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system and strengthen security arrangements across the country.

Those at Thursday’s meeting included the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba.

Other participants were the Chairman of the Policy Advisory Committee, retired Justice Abdullahi Liman; Head of the Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat, Professor Olu Ogunsakin; Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Lanre Smart; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research and secretary of the committee, Nnadubem Moghalu.

Representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Security Adviser, including AIG Abraham Nabhon Thomas, also attended the meeting. Authority.