Lecturer dismissed over alleged extortion, illegal fees, gross misconduct

 

 

The Governing Council of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has approved the dismissal of a lecturer in the Department of Radiography and Radiation Science over allegations of extortion, unauthorized collection of fees, impersonation and other acts of gross misconduct.

The affected lecturer, Dr. Thomas Adejoh, was dismissed following the resolution reached at the university’s 9th Regular Governing Council Meeting held on May 14, 2026.

In an official notice signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Vitalis O. Offor, the university stated that the dismissal was based on findings that Dr. Adejoh engaged in several acts considered detrimental to the institution’s integrity and academic standards.

According to the statement, the former lecturer was accused of extorting Radiography students and their parents through an unauthorized WhatsApp platform and collecting illegal conference fees from 61 students. He was also alleged to have attempted to transport the students to Lagos for a conference without obtaining the necessary approval from the university authorities.

The university further accused him of illegally selling his personal textbooks to students, engaging in impersonation and actions that allegedly sabotaged the accreditation process of the institution’s Radiography programme.

“By this approval, Dr. Adejoh Thomas ceases to be a staff member of this University with effect from May 14, 2026,” the statement read.

The management warned members of the public, organizations and groups against conducting any official business with the dismissed lecturer, stressing that he no longer represents the university in any capacity.

The institution also disclosed that it has commenced appropriate legal steps to recover all university property reportedly in his possession, as well as funds allegedly extorted from students and their parents. b

University authorities said the public notice became necessary to properly inform members of the university community and the general public about the development and to prevent any unauthorized dealings involving the former staff member.

The dismissal underscores the university’s commitment to maintaining discipline, transparency and ethical standards within its academic and administrative operations. Authority.

Zuru State Constituency bye-election concludes peacefully

 

 

By Okey Muogbo

The bye-election for Zuru State Constituency was conducted peacefully across all 200 polling units in the Zuru Local Government Area at the weekend.

The election was held to fill the vacancy left by the late Hon. Muhammadu Usman Ankwe, former Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, who passed on recently after a protracted illness.

Voters turned out in large numbers, including the Emir of Zuru Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo lll, who were observed queuing orderly at polling units visited by the observation team.

To ensure a hitch-free process, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Kana Zuru, constituted a committee comprising commissioners, members of the State House of Assembly, Special Advisers, and key stakeholders in Zuru LGA. The committee worked in close coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies throughout the exercise.

The contest featured Alhaji Rabiu of the All Progressives Congress and Alhaji Aliyu Galadima of the Labour Party. The Collation of results was ongoing at the time of this report by INEC officials alongside representatives of security agencies and agents of the participating political parties.

The peaceful conduct and enthusiasm displayed by the electorate underscore the commitment of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris to peace, unity, and democratic governance.

Oyebanji re-elected as Ekiti Governor, sweeps all 16 LGAs

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the poll in the early hours of Sunday after the collation of results from all 16 local government areas of the state.

 

Announcing the result at the State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the Returning Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said Oyebanji satisfied the constitutional requirements and was duly returned elected.

According to the final figures released by INEC, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 40,533 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, secured 12,872 votes.

The commission disclosed that 988,251 voters were registered for the election, while 384,940 were accredited. A total of 382,109 votes were cast, with 375,777 recognised as valid votes.

The APC candidate dominated the election across the state, winning in all 16 local government areas, including Efon Local Government Area, the home council of the PDP candidate.

In Efon LGA, Oyebanji polled 8,742 votes against Oluyede’s 2,051 votes, while the ADC candidate secured 201 votes.

Other strong performances for the governor came from Ado Local Government Area, where he recorded 38,026 votes, and Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, where he polled 29,278 votes.

The outcome cements the APC’s hold on Ekiti State and gives Oyebanji a fresh mandate to continue his administration for another four-year term.

The election was largely decided by the governor’s overwhelming lead across the state, leaving his opponents trailing by wide margins in virtually every local government area. Franktalknow.

FG releases N21.2m Ebola preparedness fund to each state

 

The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million to each state of the federation to boost preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.

 

The funding, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, represents 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund allocation and will be disbursed through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund framework.

 

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response systems amid concerns over potential public health threats.

 

The ministry noted that the initiative complements broader national preparedness measures, including the activities of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

 

Despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, the government said proactive measures were necessary to ensure the country remains prepared to prevent, detect and respond effectively to any outbreak.

 

The funds are expected to support state governments in strengthening surveillance systems, improving response mechanisms and enhancing public health emergency management capabilities.

 

The minister also directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously released outbreak response funds within six months and adhere strictly to financial accountability and reporting guidelines.

 

Pate said the approval reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health while ensuring transparency and prudent management of public resources.

 

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen national health security through sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response mechanisms across the country. Starnews.

 

Qua’an-Pan Council Boss bags, credits Gov Mutfwang, constituents

 

By Okey Muogbo

Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Plateau State, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship has once again been honored on the national stage as he received the second highest meritorious award today.

A statement from the Media Office of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Abuja said the Award took place Thursday 18th June 2026, at the LOGEXA 2026 Conferment Ceremony held at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado District, Abuja.

The award, presented by The Medals Magazine under the Nigerian Local Government Excellence Award platform (LOGEXA), recognizes doggedness, integrity, selfless service and excellence in grassroots administration.

“It marks his second national recognition, a validation that excellence, when rooted in service, repeats itself and resonates beyond borders.

“Standing shoulder to shoulder with a distinguished league of grassroots leaders, Hon. Manship was decorated alongside top award-winning chairmen drawn from Lagos, Enugu, Kwara, Kaduna, Oyo, Taraba, Imo and other states whose performance has redefined what local government can mean to the people.

“The Medals Magazine brought them together under one roof not just to hand out plagues, medals and laurels, but to document a movement — a movement of chairmen who chose results over rhetoric and impact over image.

“Each pin and plaque told a story of sleepless nights, community town halls and decisions made for the many rather than the few.

“For Qua’an-Pan, the milestones that earned this second honor speak with the clarity of lived experience. Since assuming office on 9th June 2023, Hon. Manship has completed and delivered over 18 projects that touch the daily life of his people.

“These include Science laboratories equipped so students can move from theory to experiment, scholarships paid, and JAMB tuition has been cleared for candidates scoring 250 and above because talent must never be trapped by tuition.

“Others include youth and women empowerment programs which have turned potential into productivity, staff welfare prioritized, and labour relations mended with respect and fairness.

“The most profound praise comes from the streets and villages where security once held families hostage as Qua’an-Pan, once marked by kidnapping and criminality, now carries a new testimony.”

According to the statement, “residents speak of sleeping with both eyes closed, a simple phrase that carries the weight of peace restored, fear displaced, and trust rebuilt. That shift did not happen by chance. It happened by choice — the choice to govern with a heart of service and the discipline to follow through.”

Accepting the honor, Hon. Manship dedicated the award to His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for the vision and support that made the reforms possible, and to the constituents of Qua’an-Pan whose patience, partnership and prayers carried the mandate forward.

He pledged that the medal is not a resting place but a reinforcement — a call to deepen the work, widen the impact, and keep building a Qua’an-Pan where every child, mother, farmer and trader can thrive with dignity. Sunrisereporters.

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup restriction

 

 

The Iranian Football Federation has announced plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that its national team is facing travel restrictions during the ongoing FIFA World Cup in North America.

 

The federation said it had requested permission for the team to travel from its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to Los Angeles two days before its Group Stage match against Belgium scheduled for Sunday, but the request was denied by tournament organisers. In the statement, a spokesperson for the federation said Iran had submitted its tournament preparation schedule well in advance but continued to face limitations affecting the team’s plans.

 

“Despite having submitted its preparation schedule for the tournament well in advance, Iran’s national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organisers, affecting the implementation of its technical staff’s plans,” the spokesperson said.

 

According to the federation, the request was aimed at allowing players sufficient time to acclimatise to local conditions, complete final training sessions and conclude preparations ahead of the match, which is scheduled to kick off at noon local time in Los Angeles. “Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied,” the statement added.

 

 

The federation said it would formally express its dissatisfaction and submit an official complaint to FIFA through the appropriate channels. Iranian officials were also reportedly unhappy after being required to leave Los Angeles immediately following their opening World Cup match, a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.

 

The United States administration has rejected suggestions that the restrictions were imposed without notice. Speaking earlier this week, Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said Iran had been informed in advance that its delegation would only be permitted to enter the United States one day before each match.

 

“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” Giuliani told CBS News. “They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.”

 

He added that the same arrangement would apply for Iran’s final group-stage fixture against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iran’s participation in the tournament has been affected by wider geopolitical tensions following the recent conflict in the Middle East. Shortly before the tournament began, the team moved its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, located on the US-Mexico border.

 

The federation has also claimed that up to 15 members of its delegation were denied visas to enter the United States, further complicating preparations for the tournament. Despite the challenges, Iran remains in contention in Group A and is preparing for its crucial encounter against Belgium as it seeks qualification for the knockout stages. Dailyblast.

Pregnant woman, man killed in fresh Plateau attack

 

 

Gunmen have killed two people, including a pregnant woman, in another deadly raid on Dyan community in Rim Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to reports, the attackers stormed the village around 10 p.m. on Friday, firing shots indiscriminately. Residents ran for safety, but two people were gunned down.

 

The victims were identified as Mrs Happiness Pam, 32, who was pregnant, and Daniel Luka, 24.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association condemned the attack in a statement on Saturday. BYM National Publicity Secretary, Mr Rwang Tengwong, called the killings “gruesome and unacceptable.”

“It is heartbreaking that a pregnant woman carrying the hope of a family and an innocent young man with a promising future became victims of yet another senseless act of violence. These killings represent not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the collective peace, security and humanity of our people,” Tengwong said.

The group sent condolences to the families of the deceased, the Dyan community, Rim Village, and the entire Riyom LGA.

BYM urged security agencies to track down those behind the attack and bring them to justice. It also called on the federal and Plateau State governments to act quickly to protect rural communities facing repeated violence.

Attacks in Riyom and other parts of Plateau have continued despite calls for stronger security presence in the area. GWG.

NSCDC rescues teenage girl from kidnappers, arrests suspects in Edo

 

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has rescued a 15-year-old girl, allegedly abducted in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo and arrested two suspects in connection with the incident.

 

The Edo Commandant of the corps, Mr Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Saturday at a news conference in Benin.

 

Akintayo said the victim, Glory Odigie, was rescued through an intelligence-driven operation carried out by operatives of the command.

He said the command received a report on June 19 from one Mr Odion Odigie that his younger sister had gone out the previous day to purchase a phone charging cord but failed to return home.

According to him, the family subsequently received calls from unidentified persons claiming that the teenager had been abducted and demanding a ransom of N800,000.

 

“The callers also warned the family against informing security agencies,” he said.

Akintayo said the command immediately activated intelligence and operational mechanisms to locate the victim and identify those responsible.

 

“During the operation, strategic communication and intelligence gathering were sustained while our officers explored available investigative leads.

 

“Through a combination of technical analysis, community intelligence and tactical deployment, useful information was generated which pointed operatives to persons of interest within the locality,” he said.

 

The commandant said investigations led to the arrest of Freedom Saturday, 16, who subsequently provided information that led to the arrest of Thankgod Oriabor, 21, at Oghu Community, Ewohimi.

 

“Our investigation led to the arrest of Freedom Saturday, aged 16 years, who subsequently assisted investigators with information that led to the arrest of Thankgod Oriabor, aged 21 years, at Oghu Community, Ewohimi, where the victim was successfully rescued,” he said.

 

Akintayo said the teenager was rescued safely and was receiving necessary attention.

 

He added that the suspects remained in custody while investigations continued.

 

“The suspects are presently in our custody and preliminary investigation has yielded useful information to support ongoing investigation.

 

“The matter will be transferred for further investigation and handled in accordance with the law,” he said.

 

The commandant commended officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and timely response.

 

He also lauded the Edo Government for supporting security agencies and strengthening security architecture across the state.

 

“I also sincerely appreciate the continued support and proactive security efforts of the Gov. Monday Okpebholo, whose administration has remained resolute in the fight against kidnapping, cult-related activities and other forms of criminality across the state,” he said.

 

Akintayo further commended sister security agencies for intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.

 

He warned criminal elements that Edo would remain “hostile to all forms of criminality” and reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at bringing offenders to justice.

 

He also urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility. Newspot.

FG launches ₦200bn share capital drive for proposed cooperative bank in Kaduna

The Federal Government has launched a ₦200 billion share capital mobilization campaign to establish the proposed Cooperative Bank of Nigeria as part of the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP).
The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and Supervising Minister of Cooperative Affairs, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during the North-West Zonal Engagement of the Ministerial Advocacy Tour at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna on Thursday.
According to the Minister, in a statement by the Head, Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the campaign aims to mobilize investments from 10,000 cooperative societies across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory through a structured contribution plan.
Under the arrangement, 1,000 societies are expected to contribute between ₦21 million and ₦50 million each, 3,000 societies between ₦16 million and ₦20 million, while 6,000 societies will contribute between ₦1 million and ₦15 million.
Abdullahi said the initiative is designed to create a strong, sustainable and nationally owned financial institution capable of supporting agricultural development, enterprise growth, financial inclusion, housing, transportation, value-chain development and wealth creation for millions of Nigerians.
“This programme is not a government project imposed from above. It is a movement-driven reform agenda that seeks to give life to aspirations that cooperative stakeholders have expressed for decades,” he stated.
To ensure continuity beyond the current administration, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry has established an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee for policy coordination and a National Steering Committee comprising Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), apex cooperative organizations and development partners. Dedicated desk officers have also been assigned to each of the seven strategic pillars of the RH-CRRP.
He explained that the ownership structure of the proposed Cooperative Bank would preserve cooperative control while attracting strategic investment.
Under the arrangement, 65 percent of the bank’s equity will be owned by cooperative societies through the Cooperative Trust and Investment Society of Nigeria (CoopTrust), 30 percent will be available to institutional investors, development finance institutions, impact investors and individual cooperators, while five percent will be reserved for employees under a Share Ownership Scheme.
The Minister also announced plans to deploy the National Cooperative Digital Architecture Platform (NCDAP) to address data management challenges within the cooperative sector. The platform will include the National Cooperative Smart Registry (NCSR), Cooperative Verification Number (CVN), CoopID and the CoopCHECK Credit Bureau powered by CreditRegistry.
“We cannot build a modern, globally competitive cooperative economy using outdated analog systems,” Abdullahi said.
Highlighting the historical significance of cooperatives in Nigeria’s economic development, the Minister recalled how cooperative societies contributed to the growth of the groundnut, cotton, hides and skins industries in Northern Nigeria, as well as cocoa and palm produce production in the western and eastern regions of the country.
He urged the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, state federations, unions, cooperative societies, development partners, traditional institutions and financial institutions to mobilize support for the programme.
The Kaduna engagement follows an earlier South-West Zonal Engagement held in Lagos and forms part of a nationwide advocacy tour aimed at promoting the RH-CRRP.
Abdullahi commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for sustaining the state’s reputation as a centre of commerce, agriculture, education and innovation, noting that ongoing efforts in security and social inclusion would provide a conducive environment for the programme’s success.
He also praised the Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, Dr. Mohammed Awwal, for organizing the Cooperative Education for Sustainable Development Summit 2026, scheduled to hold from June 18 to 19 in Kaduna.
Representing Governor Uba Sani at the event, Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Murtala Dabo, described cooperatives as vital instruments for socio-economic development, noting that they have historically facilitated savings mobilization, access to credit, enterprise development, agricultural production and community empowerment.
He added that as Kaduna State advances key initiatives such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), agricultural mechanization programmes and climate-smart agriculture projects, digitally enabled cooperatives will play a critical role in driving productivity, competitiveness and prosperity.
In his welcome address, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammad Awwal, said Kaduna’s selection as host of the engagement was both symbolic and strategic, given its longstanding role in cooperative education, research and institutional development in Northern Nigeria.
Also speaking, President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Mrs. Hannatu Mershak, emphasized the importance of digital transformation in the cooperative sector, noting that a digitized system would improve record-keeping, facilitate access to markets and finance, and enhance trust among government agencies and development partners.

Obi: ‘No Shishi’ yet the centre of Nigeria’s political gravity

 

 

By Ike Abonyi

 

“When you give ‘shishi’ to buy votes, you are not giving a gift—you are paying an advance fee to rob the treasury”-Peter Obi.

 

 

The profound influence of Peter Obi on Nigeria’s political landscape is undeniable, prompting questions about his central role. This observation stems from a social media activist’s inquiry into how Obi became the focal point of national political discourse when he gave ‘no shishi’. The activist’s frustration is understandable, given that Obi is a constant topic of conversation across all sectors of Nigerian society – government and opposition, private and public, and across all regions and demographics, both domestically and internationally. It is clear that, for compelling reasons, no other politician currently commands such a central position in the nation’s political sphere.

One can only speculate on how diminished Nigeria’s political discourse and social media would be without Peter Obi’s presence. He is the singular political figure at the heart of every discussion, resonating in cities, villages, places of worship, social gatherings, and community forums.

The entire political arena, encompassing the ruling party and various opposition groups, adjusts its strategies, forms alliances, and shifts its trajectory in response to Obi’s influence.

Peter Obi’s ascent as a pivotal figure in contemporary Nigerian politics is attributable to his capacity to redefine national conversations. By reframing the nation’s challenges not as ethnic or regional conflicts but as a fundamental dichotomy between effective governance and excessive spending, he has firmly established his ideology at the core of the political discourse.

Nigeria now has a politician who commands attention without ostentatious displays or significant financial expenditure, yet remains the subject of widespread discussion. He champions modesty as a way of life, and this resonates deeply with the populace, who are increasingly drawn to him over those who resort to distributing material inducements. The underlying reason for this phenomenon is straightforward: the populace has experienced the fleeting allure of transactional politics and recognised its enduring negative consequences.

Despite possessing extensive governmental structures – including the federal government, 36 state governors, 774 local government areas, a significant majority in the National Assembly, and control over key institutions like INEC, the police, judiciary, and military, as well as influence over informal sectors like transport unions and market women – President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are demonstrably anxious and preoccupied with Peter Obi.

Even with their command over these established structures, a palpable sense of unease pervades the seat of government and state houses nationwide, as the political gravity undeniably centres on Peter Obi. Although he is associated with a relatively new political party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), mandated by regulations, his support base transcends party affiliation, religious denomination, or ethnic origin.

 

Peter Obi has become the critical nexus where a majority of voters, influential figures, and policymakers converge, establishing him as the political centre of gravity. This position signifies the political mainstream, a central movement around which other politicians must orient their strategies to forge successful coalitions.

 

Historically, media narratives driven by political movements and grassroots activism have steered the political centre towards either the left or the right. However, understanding the current centre of gravity is paramount for effective governance, as policies deviating significantly from this recognised centre are likely to encounter public opposition.

Since his prominent entry into national politics in 2022, Peter Obi has, perhaps unintentionally, become the political centre of gravity. This position has been further solidified by his remarkable electoral performance in 2023 and the sustained momentum he has maintained, positioning him as the undisputed leading candidate for the next presidential election, even with six months remaining.

The assertion that Peter Obi occupies the absolute centre of contemporary Nigerian politics is not an exaggeration but a structural reality of the post-2023 democratic landscape. Whether through direct action, reaction to events, or systemic pressures, the nation’s political forces consistently gravitate towards him.

 

To comprehend how a third-party candidate maintains such a central position, one must analyse his role not merely as an individual politician but as a systemic disruptor, a profound challenge to the established order, and the primary catalyst for defensive strategic adjustments among the traditional political elite.

For over two decades, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with their precursor alliances, operated under an implicit, transactional agreement. Power was rotated among regional elites, and electoral contests were largely internal power struggles within the same class.

Obi’s departure from the PDP in 2022 and his subsequent alignment with the Labour Party (LP) disrupted this established duopoly. By effectively channelling popular discontent, he transformed what might have been a peripheral third-party candidacy into a potent populist movement. Today, every strategic decision by the ruling APC and the main opposition is evaluated against the ‘Obi factor.’ He has compelled traditional parties to confront an inconvenient truth: the old methods of securing delegates and relying solely on bloc voting along ethnic and regional lines are no longer infallible.

 

Nothing underscores Obi’s centrality more than the behavioural shifts of his political adversaries. In anticipation of upcoming electoral cycles, we witness unprecedented levels of anxiety and fluid political realignments. Traditional rivals within the APC and PDP frequently find common ground in their public pronouncements against Obi and his supporters, known as ‘Obidients.’

The political establishment perceives him as an existential threat to the patronage systems that underpin Nigerian governance. Consequently, judicial appointments, electoral reforms, and legislative debates are often influenced by an underlying objective: how to safeguard the current framework against further systemic shocks like the one experienced in 2023.

Since 2022, Peter Obi has, inadvertently, been setting the ideological and rhetorical agenda for the nation’s political discourse.

Before 2022, Nigerian political campaigns were seldom characterised by in-depth policy discussions; they were primarily exercises in public relations, financial power, and the negotiation of zoning arrangements. Obi fundamentally altered the nature of national political dialogue.

 

His characteristic slogans and key policy areas, such as the transition from consumption to production, the call to ‘Go and Verify,’ and the emphasis on the ‘Cost of Governance,’ have become benchmarks against which the current administration’s performance is assessed. The slogan ‘From Consumption to Production’ has compelled the government to justify its substantial infrastructure loans and fiscal policies. When significant funds are allocated to debt relief or non-essential administrative expenditures, Obi’s public tracking of macroeconomic indicators provides a readily available counter-narrative. Furthermore, the simple directive ‘Go and Verify’ has elevated data, transparency, and comparative governance – such as contrasting Nigeria’s declining GDP with the growth of peer economies like Indonesia – into central themes of mainstream civic engagement. Similarly, the focus on the ‘cost of governance,’ by consistently exposing the extravagant spending of the executive and legislative branches, positions him as the champion of institutional integrity, transforming every state budget into a forum for public accountability.

 

In a multi-ethnic Nigeria where power-sharing has long been a cornerstone of national security architecture, Obi’s prominence brings structural anxieties to the surface.

Supporters perceive him as a nationalist offering solutions through expertise, while critics often interpret his candidacy through a narrow regional lens, exploiting ethnic divisions to disrupt potential cross-regional cooperation. The concurrent intensity of these opposing viewpoints underscores his significance as the focal point of Nigeria’s current identity politics discourse.

Crucially, the established political order views Peter Obi as a fundamental threat to the entrenched patronage systems that underpin Nigerian governance. Consequently, efforts within judicial appointments, electoral reforms, and legislative proceedings are often subtly geared towards containment – safeguarding the existing structure from another disruptive shock like the one experienced in 2023.

 

However, given the long history of divisive politics in Nigeria, Peter Obi’s central position does not automatically ensure his ascension to executive power. It does, unequivocally, compel the establishment to acknowledge his presence. Any reforms undertaken by the traditional political elite are motivated by a desire to thwart his advancement. Similarly, any consolidation of their control over democratic institutions serves to shield them from his movement. Yet, in 2027, the plight of over 140 million citizens languishing in abject poverty, despite Nigeria’s abundant resources, a situation exacerbated by the elite’s avarice, cannot be disregarded. Every phenomenon has its conclusion, and 2027 appears poised to mark the end of this political misstep. Indeed, nations lacking democratic structures still manage to provide well-being for their citizens through effective governance. Should the populace’s chosen leader not prevail at this juncture the very foundation of a government deriving its authority from the people’s votes would be jeopardised. May divine intervention guide the project.