Eid-el-Kabir: FG approves 50% fare discount for train services

 

 

THE Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent fare discount on all train services as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

 

This is contained in a statement issued by Gift Osima, Information and Public Relations Officer, Federal Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

Osima quoted the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Funsho Adebiyi, as saying that the discount would take effect from Tuesday, May 26, and run through Monday, June 1.

 

According to Adebiyi, ticket fares on all Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) passenger train services across the country have been reduced by 50 per cent of the existing approved rates within the stated period.

 

He said passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement would be entitled to a 50 per cent rebate, usable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1.

 

“Train schedules and timetables remain as previously advertised,” he added.

 

Adebiyi, therefore, appreciated the continued support of Nigerians and wished all passengers and Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration. (NAN)

Senator Igbeke greets Muslims on Eid-El-Kabir, says celebration reminds us of sacrifice, peace, brotherhood

 

 

Senator Alphonsus Ubanesse Igbeke has extended heartfelt Eid al-Adha greetings to Muslims in Nigeria calling upon the faithful to embrace the feast’s profound spiritual essence, moving beyond ceremonial observance to embody its eternal lessons of sacrifice, humility, and brotherhood as taught by Prophet Muhammad.

 

Senator Ubanesse Igbeke, a Development expert and Lead Consultant to the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), noted that Eid al-Adha commemorates the unwavering submission of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail to the will of Allah.

“It reminds believers that true faith is tested not in times of abundance, but in moments when one is called to surrender what is most beloved,” he said.

Igbeke who is the Chairman of the Technical Working Group, ALGON National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources-Gas, Senator Ubanesse Igbeke emphasized that this sacred season calls every citizen, especially those entrusted with public leadership, to place service, justice, and compassion above personal gain.

The Prophet, Igbeke stated, modeled a love that acted, a mercy that restrained, and a truth that uplifted without humiliation.

The ALGON Lead Consultant prays that this Eid will deepen hearts, soften dealings, and carry the spirit of sacrifice from the slaughtering slab into daily conduct—where tolerance replaces suspicion, and accountability replaces indifference.

Emeritus ALGON President, Alabi greets Muslims on Eid-al-Adha, says it’s call to sacrifice, unity, and service

 

A former National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Alabi Kolade David has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid al-Adha, reminding the faithful that it is call to sacrifice, unity, and service.

In his 2026 Sallah message, Alabi who is the standard bearer for Somolu Federal Constituency, Lagos State for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the upcoming general elections extended heartfelt greetings to the Muslim Ummah and to every household across Somolu and Lagos State.

Said he: “Eid al-Adha is not merely a feast—it is a covenant of faith, sacrifice, and service. It recalls the submission to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS), reminding us that true devotion is measured by what we are willing to surrender for the sake of Allah and for the good of our community.

“The Qurban is more than ritual; it is a mirror held to the soul, asking each of us to lay down pride, selfishness, and division, so that unity and compassion may rise in their place.

 

“Somolu, with its vibrant markets, resilient youth, and industrious families, is a living testament to what sacrifice and unity can achieve.

“This Eid, let us carry that spirit into our daily lives: reconciling differences, strengthening bonds, and ensuring that no neighbor is left behind.

“Our progress as a constituency is not built on individual triumphs, but on collective service—leaders listening, youth leading, and communities thriving together,” he stated.

Hon. Alabi Kolade David prayed that this Eid will be a turning point—where sacrifice is not confined to the altar, but expressed in our governance, our neighborhoods, and our everyday dealings.

“May tolerance replace suspicion, may justice silence indifference, and may service to one another be the true celebration of Eid,” he urged.

Obi commemorates Eid-el-Kabir with the Muslim community, emphasises faith, sacrifice, hope

 

By Okey Muogbo

Peter Obi, a leading candidate for the 2027 presidential election, has called upon Muslims in Nigeria to observe this year’s Sallah with prayers, while nurturing optimism for the emergence of a renewed Nigeria.

In a message posted on his X account, Obi expressed: “I extend heartfelt greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the globe as they commemorate Eid-el-Kabir, a significant occasion that represents enduring values of faith, sacrifice, obedience to God, compassion, and love for humanity.

Obi urged Nigerians to “concentrate our prayers on unity and hope during this year’s Sallah.

“As we contemplate the deep lessons inherent in this solemn celebration, we are reminded of the importance of selflessness, tolerance, and dedication to the common good. These principles are particularly vital as our nation navigates this pivotal phase in its history.

“Nigeria possesses immense potential, yet it is currently burdened by avoidable challenges. The essence of Eid-el-Kabir reinforces the belief that fulfilment follows sacrifice. We must maintain our hope in the realisation of a functional, just, and productive nation where every citizen is included.”

the former Governor of Anambra state also urged Nigerians to “remember to pray for our security personnel on the frontlines, invoke wisdom for our leaders, and seek meaningful economic relief for the populace enduring the weight of our collective hardships. Additionally, let us recommit to fostering peace, mutual respect, and unity among various faiths and regions.

“May this Eid al-Kabir bring joy to our families, peace to our communities, and renewed hope to our beloved nation. I extend my best wishes for a blessed and joyous Eid al-Kabir celebration to all our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Obi concluded. Sunrisereporters.

‘APC deceived me with automatic ticket to join their party’ – Ned Nwoko laments

 

 

Senator Ned Nwoko has launched a strong criticism of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of reneging on promises made to him before his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Nwoko, who currently represents Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, alleged that he was assured of an automatic senatorial ticket by the APC leadership as part of negotiations that led to his defection to the party in early 2025.

The lawmaker made the claims during an interview on Arise Television, where he expressed disappointment over what he described as betrayal and political manipulation within the APC.

Nwoko had left the PDP amid growing internal crises and factional disputes within the opposition party in Delta State. At the time of his defection, he cited unresolved divisions and the inability of the PDP leadership to maintain unity among members as reasons for abandoning the party.

 

Speaking during the interview, the senator revealed that before officially joining the APC, he held strategic discussions with key leaders of the ruling party, including the then National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje.

 

According to Nwoko, the meeting was aimed at convincing him to cross over to the APC, with assurances allegedly given regarding his political future within the party.

 

He claimed that Ganduje personally promised him an automatic ticket for the Delta North senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections as part of the agreement that facilitated his defection.

 

The senator explained that he relied on those assurances and decided to join the APC in what many political observers described at the time as a major political realignment in Delta State.

 

However, Nwoko said he was shocked by the turn of events that followed months later after former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, also defected from the PDP to the APC.

 

According to him, the political calculations within the party suddenly changed after Okowa’s arrival, leading to what he described as preferential treatment for the former governor.

 

Nwoko alleged that despite the earlier agreement reached with the APC leadership, the party eventually shifted support to Okowa, who later emerged victorious in the APC Delta North Senatorial Primary.

 

The senator claimed the process leading to the primary election was heavily manipulated in favour of the former governor.

 

During the APC Delta North primary election, Okowa secured a landslide victory after polling 113,309 votes, while Nwoko received only 2,612 votes.

 

The overwhelming margin of victory immediately sparked controversy within the party, with Nwoko and his supporters rejecting the outcome of the exercise.

 

The senator insisted that the results did not reflect the true wishes of party members and supporters across the senatorial district.

 

He alleged that the primary election was compromised and carefully orchestrated to ensure Okowa emerged as the party’s candidate regardless of opposition from other aspirants.

 

Nwoko further argued that the APC leadership failed to uphold the commitments made to him during negotiations preceding his defection.

 

According to him, the development raised serious concerns about internal democracy, transparency and fairness within the ruling party. NGORLADI.COM

Peter Obi refutes NDC Congress story, 45m votes ascribed to him as fake News

 

 

Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi has refuted stories making the round that he scored 45 million votes at a presidential primary congress of the Party.

Describing both the purported congress and the votes ascribed to him as fake and imaginary, Obi urged Nigerians to disregard the story as a fraud.

These reactions were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Peter Obi Media Office.

it said: “​The attention of the Peter Obi Media Office has been drawn to certain 45m primary vote figures currently circulating on social media and various news platforms, purporting to be the breakdown of official results from an imaginary primary by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC ascribed to Mr Peter Obi.

“​We wish to state categorically that these figures are entirely false, fabricated, as such, the primary never took place and no figure was generated from any process.

“We urge the general public, party supporters, and members of the press and the public to completely disregard these misleading statistics.

“​Official and accurate information regarding Mr Peter Obi’s engagements and political processes will always be communicated through our verified and authorised channels and appropriately signed.

“Those behind this fraudulent figure attribution to Peter Obi are looking for partners in their fraud but they should look elsewhere not with Peter Obi,” the statement added. Sunrisereporters.

 

Dangote faces price war as NNPC backs fuel imports

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has told the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos that petroleum products from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE are sold at “significantly high and fluctuating market prices”, warning that granting the refinery’s requests could hand it monopoly control of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

 

The national oil company stated this in a counter-affidavit in opposition to Dangote refinery’s originating summons in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/857/2026 before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

 

Similarly, marketers under the aegis of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria supported the NNPC, saying competition must be allowed in the petroleum sector to prevent what it called price exploitation, saying multiple sources privy would bring about a reduction in fuel prices.

 

In the counter-affidavit, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, the NNPC asked the court to dismiss or strike out the suit on grounds that it was incompetent, premature, disclosed no cause of action, and constituted an abuse of court process.

 

Dangote tackles importers

 

The PUNCH reports that the Dangote refinery had challenged the issuance of petrol import licences to marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

 

The PUNCH reports that the NMDPRA recently approved licences for the importation of over 700,000 metric tonnes of petrol despite claims that the Dangote refinery now supplies more than 90 per cent of the nation’s daily PMS consumption.

 

The Dangote refinery had dragged the Attorney-General and the NNPC before the court, asking it to void import permits granted by the NMDPRA to fuel importers, arguing that the licences violated existing regulations and an earlier court order to maintain the status quo.

 

Dangote had accused the NNPC and others of sabotaging the $20bn investment, especially by denying it crude supplies and resorting to fuel importation when it has the capacity to produce what the country needs in terms of petrol, diesel, and others.

 

NNPC responds

 

Responding, the NNPC said it would raise a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit and the refinery’s locus standi. “The plaintiff’s suit is premature; the plaintiff lacks locus standi,” the affidavit said.

 

The state oil company declared that Dangote refinery’s petroleum products were already expensive and subject to price swings dictated by commercial interests. “The plaintiff’s petroleum products are already sold at significantly high and fluctuating market prices, dictated by its commercial interests,” the company said.

 

NNPC accused the refinery of forum shopping, saying, ”The institution of multiple actions by the plaintiff in respect of substantially the same subject matter and reliefs constitutes an abuse of court process and amounts to forum shopping.”

 

The company argued that the Dangote refinery had earlier filed a similar action before the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024 against the NMDPRA and six others over import licences and levies before later withdrawing the case and instituting another action in Lagos.

 

NNPC maintained that there was no evidence showing the refinery could independently satisfy Nigeria’s petroleum product demand. “There is no credible, independent, or verifiable evidence before this honourable court establishing that the plaintiff presently satisfies the petroleum product demands of Nigeria,” NNPC argued.

 

The national oil company added that the refinery failed to provide independently verified evidence establishing the country’s actual daily consumption needs or proof of its ability to guarantee an uninterrupted nationwide supply.

 

“The plaintiff has failed to place before this Honourable Court any comprehensive or independently verified evidence establishing the actual daily national consumption rate of petroleum products in Nigeria or the plaintiff’s ability to guarantee uninterrupted nationwide petroleum supply independently,” it was said.

 

NNPC also argued that the refinery’s production claims were insufficient to justify restricting imports, stressing, “The plaintiff’s alleged production figures are selective, incomplete, and incapable of establishing nationwide product sufficiency.”

 

The company stressed that fuel supply obligations go beyond refining capacity alone, as they necessarily involve logistics, strategic storage, product evacuation, distribution, haulage, transportation, and strategic reserve management.

 

NNPC warned that depending on a single operator for national fuel supply would endanger Nigeria’s energy security. “Reliance on a single supplier within the petroleum industry poses grave risks to national energy security,” it was stated.

 

The company added that restricting imports in the manner sought by the refinery could trigger severe supply crises nationwide. “Restricting importation channels in the manner sought by the plaintiff would expose Nigeria to severe risks of petroleum shortages, supply disruptions, price instability, distribution failures, and national energy crises,” the affidavit read.

 

NNPC further told the court that any operational interruption, shutdown, or disruption affecting the Dangote refinery operations in Nigeria would result in severe petroleum shortages if alternative importation and supply channels are eliminated.

 

The company accused the refinery of attempting to edge out other participants in the downstream supply chain. It warned that granting the refinery’s requests could create monopoly control in the petroleum sector.

 

“The reliefs sought by the plaintiff are aimed at substantially restricting or eliminating other participants within the petroleum importation and supply chain. The grant of the plaintiff’s reliefs would effectively expose Nigeria’s petroleum sector to monopoly control and undermine competitive participation within the industry,” the affidavit stated.

 

NNPC warned the court that a monopoly in the sector would hurt consumers and destabilise the economy by distorting market competition, undermining pricing stability, reducing supply flexibility, and exposing the Nigerian economy to “substantial risks”.

 

The company defended the continued issuance of import licences by regulators, insisting they were lawful and necessary for energy security and market stability, saying this does not contravene Section 317(9) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

 

The oil company told the court that Section 317(8) of the PIA merely gave regulators discretionary powers regarding backward integration policy and did not impose a mandatory ban on imports.

 

“Section 317(9) of the Petroleum Industry Act expressly contemplates the issuance of import licences to companies with active local refining licences or proven track records in international crude oil and petroleum products trading.

 

“Section 317(8) of the Petroleum Industry Act merely provides that the Authority may apply a Backwards Integration Policy in the downstream petroleum sector, thereby conferring discretionary powers on the regulatory authorities rather than imposing a mandatory prohibition on petroleum importation,” it added.

 

NNPC specifically defended the roles of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the NMDPRA in the dispute, saying, “The 2nd Defendant, NMDPRA, NUPRC and other relevant agencies of government have not frustrated the plaintiff in the execution of its business objectives or refinery operations in any manner whatsoever.”

 

NNPC also denied allegations of sabotage and deliberate denial of crude oil supply to the refinery. “The government and the 2nd Defendant have not deliberately denied the plaintiff a crude oil supply,” the company stated.

 

It added, “Contrary to the plaintiff’s allegations, the 2nd Defendant has not sabotaged the plaintiff’s refinery operations.”

 

According to the affidavit, crude oil supply arrangements are influenced by “operational realities, commercial arrangements, security considerations, production levels, logistical constraints, and contractual obligations.”

 

The company insisted that all actions relating to importation, licensing, supply, and distribution were undertaken strictly in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, market realities, and national interest considerations.

 

NNPC further argued that the refinery was only one of several operators in the industry and could not override the rights of other participants, saying it is the supplier of last resort.

 

The latest court battle is the second significant legal confrontation yet between Dangote refinery and major government oil agencies since the commencement of operations at the multibillion-dollar Lekki-based refinery owned by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote.

 

The Dangote refinery withdrew the 2024 suit following the Federal Government’s intervention. The dispute is rooted in disagreements over petroleum importation, crude oil supply arrangements, market competition, and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act following the deregulation of Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.

 

Since the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023, fuel prices have been largely determined by market forces, forcing marketers, importers, refiners, and regulators into intense competition over supply control and pricing.

 

The Dangote refinery had once been attacked by some marketers over incessant petrol price reductions, which they said impacted their sales negatively. The refinery, which commenced petrol production in 2024 after years of delay and huge capital investment, has repeatedly pushed for stronger government support for local refining and restrictions on fuel imports, arguing that continued importation undermines domestic refining capacity.

 

The refinery had earlier accused regulatory authorities of issuing import licences despite local refining output being able to meet domestic demand.

 

However, NNPC, oil marketers, and regulators have consistently maintained that Nigeria still requires multiple supply channels because of distribution challenges, emergency supply considerations, strategic reserve obligations, and uncertainties surrounding nationwide consumption levels.

 

Marketers back NNPC

 

It was gathered that the NMDPRA and some marketers are planning to join the suit.

 

Speaking, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, stated that while every corporate organisation has the constitutional right to seek legal redress, the downstream petroleum sector must continue to encourage healthy competition, market stability, and energy security in the overall interest of Nigerians.

 

According to him, competition remains a critical pillar “for ensuring product availability, price moderation, efficiency, and sustainability within the petroleum distribution value chain”.

 

He emphasised that Nigeria’s energy market must not be allowed to tilt towards monopoly, regardless of the scale of investment or refining capacity of any single operator.

 

The PETROAN boss reiterated that Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector must remain open, competitive, and balanced in order to “prevent supply shocks and protect consumers from artificial scarcity or price exploitation”.

 

Gillis-Harry acknowledged the significant investment made by the Dangote refinery and commended its contribution to local refining capacity, job creation, and reduction in fuel import dependence.

 

However, he stressed that a liberalised downstream market remains essential, where multiple operators can function fairly under the regulatory supervision of the Federal Government. He said one of the benefits of healthy competition in the downstream petroleum sector is the “reduction in fuel prices through competitive pricing”.

 

He outlined the disadvantages of monopoly in the sector, including arbitrary and exploitative pricing, limited choices for consumers, and reduced efficiency due to a lack of competition.

 

Gillis-Harry, therefore, reaffirms that the issuance of import licences is not only lawful but also a regulatory necessity provided by law to prevent scarcity and ensure continuous fuel availability across Nigeria.

 

Refiners oppose imports

 

The Crude Oil Refineries Association of Nigeria had also challenged fuel importers and clashed with marketers over the continued importation of refined petroleum products.

 

The CORAN Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko, recently told our correspondent that commitment to the sector should be measured by capital invested and long-term risk exposure, not trading activity.

 

“Who has truly demonstrated faith in Nigeria’s downstream sector—local refinery companies or petroleum importers? The answer is not ideological. It is grounded in evidence, capital behaviour, and long-term commitment,” CORAN stated.

 

The association said local refinery companies had demonstrated belief in Nigeria by committing capital to fixed industrial assets located within the country. “Local refinery companies—spanning large-scale, mid-scale, and modular refineries—have demonstrated belief in Nigeria’s downstream sector by committing capital to fixed industrial assets located within the country,” it said.

 

CORAN described refining as one of the most capital-intensive and risk-exposed segments of the petroleum value chain, saying investors must contend with construction and commissioning risk, crude oil supply uncertainty, foreign exchange volatility, power, logistics, and evacuation constraints, and regulatory and policy inconsistency. Punch

 

Children’s Day: Invest in education for a secured and assured future – Atiku

As the nation celebrates yet another Children’s Day, which coincides with this year’s Eid-ul Adha celebration, it is important to understand that the boundless joy and impactful future of every child lies in the decision and sacrifices their parents and political leaders make today.
The former Vice President of Nigeria, and presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, made this assertion on Tuesday through his Media Office in Abuja.
The ADC presidential aspirant reiterated his famous quote: “Education is the bedrock of a nation”, reminding the nation that investing in the education of our younger generation especially, the children remains the viable path to a secured and an assured future of any nation.
“So, as we celebrate with our children today, let’s honour them by pledging to keep them in schools, keep them safe in schools, get them busy with books in their hands, and dreams in their hearts, by investing in their education.
“When we teach a child to read, we give them a voice. When we help them to learn, we give them power. Let’s build and uplift individuals, families, communities and the entire nation by giving them voice and power through investments in their education”, Atiku said.
The Waziri Adamawa, noted that education remains the most valuable investment we can make in the life of a child both as parents and leaders, urging continued commitment to upholding every child’s right to not just learn but a quality one at that for the progress of our society.
To the celebrants, the children, he charged them to keep learning, keep asking the important  questions, and keep believing, because the world needs their brilliance to strike the right notes.
“Let’s keep the children learning. Today’s vision is from that child that had books in their hands yesterday.”
As the nation celebrates yet another Children’s Day, which coincides with this year’s Eid-ul Adha celebration, it is important to understand that the boundless joy and impactful future of every child lies in the decision and sacrifices their parents and political leaders make today.
The former Vice President of Nigeria, and presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, made this assertion on Tuesday through his Media Office in Abuja.
The ADC presidential aspirant reiterated his famous quote: “Education is the bedrock of a nation”, reminding the nation that investing in the education of our younger generation especially, the children remains the viable path to a secured and an assured future of any nation.
“So, as we celebrate with our children today, let’s honour them by pledging to keep them in schools, keep them safe in schools, get them busy with books in their hands, and dreams in their hearts, by investing in their education.
“When we teach a child to read, we give them a voice. When we help them to learn, we give them power. Let’s build and uplift individuals, families, communities and the entire nation by giving them voice and power through investments in their education”, Atiku said.
The Waziri Adamawa, noted that education remains the most valuable investment we can make in the life of a child both as parents and leaders, urging continued commitment to upholding every child’s right to not just learn but a quality one at that for the progress of our society.
To the celebrants, the children, he charged them to keep learning, keep asking the important  questions, and keep believing, because the world needs their brilliance to strike the right notes.
“Let’s keep the children learning. Today’s vision is from that child that had books in their hands yesterday,” Atiku concluded

ADC presidential primary: Atiku wins in 8 states declared so far

 

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is leading other aspirants in the on-going presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as results from 8 states have shown.

The election is also being contested by a former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; and a renowned economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Osun, Taraba and Yobe States’ results have been published and Atiku is maintaining a commanding lead so far.

 

Gombe State’s Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, said that Atiku polled 139,334 votes. Amaechi came in a distant second with 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 464 votes.

 

 

In Abia State, Atiku scored 25,153 votes against Amaechi’s 18,339 votes and Hayatu-Deen’s 3,264 votes while in Ebonyi State, the ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, announced that  Atiku secured 15,300 votes, while Amaechi polled 2,200 votes and Hayatu-Deen managed 200 votes.

 

 

Atiku polled 68,823 votes in Sokoto State, leaving Amaechi with 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 319 votes while in Zamfara State, Atiku obtained 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen scored 436 votes, while Amaechi secured 191 votes.

 

Atiku won in Osun State with 12,321 votes, defeating Hayatu-Deen, who polled 4,000 votes, while Amaechi came third with 679 votes.

 

Also in Taraba State, the former VP polled 48,523 against Amaechi’s 25,150 votes, and Hayatu-Deen’s 8,369 votes and in  Yobe State, Atiku won with 44,841 votes, according to the Chairperson of the Electoral Committee, Hajiya Ma’am Kyari.

 

She said that Amaechi secured 300 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 365 votes.

 

Why Peter Obi’s political fame is not an online fad -Media Office

 

 

The Media Office of Peter Obi said it has again noted the deliberate attempt to tag the meteoric political rise of our principal an online movement—often characterised by the highly vocal, youth-driven “Obidient” digital phenomenon.

In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, the Office said “These bellyaching critics frequently dismissed it as a mere flash in the pan or an internet fad.

 

“But the Obi Media office is here to show them a deeper look at political and economic data on Obi revealing that this online trend is heavily anchored in tangible historic antecedents.

​“The digital enthusiasm is essentially a reaction to a proven track record in private corporate governance and public fiscal management which none of his opponents can display.

 

 

​In Corporate Governance and Financial Prudence

 

​Long before entering politics, Obi established a reputation in the private sector for asset management and corporate discipline.

  • ​The Fidelity Record: He remains notably recognised as the youngest individual to hold the position of Chairman at Fidelity Bank, Nigeria. His corporate career spanned executive roles across multiple financial and logistics firms.
  • ​The Transition to Public Policy: When his online supporters advocate for “cutting the cost of governance,” they are echoing his corporate philosophy. In office, he famously converted private-sector cost-minimisation strategies into state policy, dismantling bloated executive apparatuses.

 

 

In The Anambra State Metrics (2006–2014)

 

​The core data justifying the online momentum stems from his two tenures as Governor of Anambra State. His administration utilised the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), mapping state development directly to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

​The table below breaks down the key performance indicators from his administration that form the bedrock of his modern political profile:

 

 

*The Digital Alignment*.

 

​The alignment between Obi’s actual antecedents and the modern online trend boils down to three primary socio-economic pillars:

​The ” *Go and Verify”* Mandate: The internet movement adopted this catchphrase because Obi’s public policy claims—unlike typical political rhetoric—were easily cross-referenced with public records, central bank data, and independent peer reviews (such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum state assessments).

 

 

  • ​ *The Anti-Corruption Narrative:*

 

In a political landscape defined by systemic leakages, an antecedent of leaving measurable fiscal surpluses makes his digital platform highly attractive to a youth demographic desperate for structural transparency.

 

 

  • ​ *Human Capital Focus:*

 

His current online advocacy—criticising high borrowing thresholds, public office luxury spending, and declining per capita metrics—is deeply authentic because it mirrors the exact frugal, education-first policies he executed a decade prior.

​Ultimately, therefore, Peter Obi Media office is insisting based on empirical evidence adduced above and supported by the figures below that the online trend is not a synthetic social media fabrication but the digital amplification of a pre-existing blueprint of governance that stands out in Nigeria’s modern political history.

​ 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻_Here’s a paraphrased version of the text in a standard tone:_

 

 

“**Key Achievements of Obi’s Tenure by 2014**

 

**Fiscal Contributions:**

He left behind certified assets totaling #75 billion and around $500 million in cash and sovereign bonds for his successor.

 

**Education:**

Anambra faced challenges with low enrollment of male children and inadequate infrastructure. He restored schools to missionary management and provided direct funding, resulting in Anambra achieving the top position in WAEC/NECO performance rankings.

 

**Security and Infrastructure:**

The region of Onitsha and its surroundings experienced high crime rates and poorly developed road networks. He constructed over 658 kilometres of both urban and rural roads and systematically supported local vigilante groups to enhance economic stability.

 

**Public Integrity:**

The state often had confrontations with anti-corruption agencies. Throughout his tenure and afterwards, he maintained an unblemished record, with no post-office legal issues from the EFCC or security agencies related to fund misappropriation,” the statement concluded.