Politics
PDP Official to Atiku – Prioritize Party Unity, Forget 2027 Presidency
By: Amaechi Okoro

The call for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step away from Nigeria’s political scene has resurfaced.
Comrade Richard Nwafor, the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has strongly urged Atiku to reconsider his presidential ambition for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, Nwafor argued that the PDP should zone its presidential ticket to the southern part of Nigeria to foster equity and inclusivity in the party’s leadership.
Nwafor, addressing the press, stated, “Since the dinner in Yola, Adamawa State, I decided to keep mute and watch as it unfolds.
However, let it be very clear to those concerned that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a man I respect so much, should bury the idea of a 2027 presidential ambition and support a southerner instead of romancing Obi when the two of them couldn’t reach an agreement on or before the 2023 election.”
He further clarified that his stance was personal and did not reflect the collective position of his office. “Those close to His Excellency should relate my message to him because the 2027 presidential ticket needs to be zoned to the southern part of Nigeria despite all odds. We need fresh people to mount the podium of leadership in our great party (PDP),” he added.
Atiku Abubakar is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, known for his multiple bids to clinch the presidency. Born on November 25, 1946, in Jada, Adamawa State, Atiku began his political career in the early 1990s after a successful stint in the Nigerian Customs Service.
He first gained national prominence as the running mate to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during their two-term administration from 1999 to 2007.
As Vice President, Atiku was instrumental in spearheading several privatization policies and economic reforms.
However, his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and strained relations with President Obasanjo, which culminated in his defection from the PDP to other political platforms multiple times.
Over the years, Atiku has become synonymous with party-switching, having contested presidential elections on the platforms of the PDP, the Action Congress (AC), and the All Progressives Congress (APC) before returning to the PDP.
Atiku’s long-standing presence in Nigeria’s political landscape has been both influential and controversial.
While he is often praised for his resilience and ability to build political alliances, critics argue that his frequent party defections have contributed to the erosion of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics.
This tendency for political actors to prioritize personal ambition over party loyalty undermines the foundation of a strong democratic system.
Moreover, Atiku’s repeated bids for the presidency have been criticized for perpetuating a cycle of elite dominance, where the same individuals continuously vie for leadership positions, leaving little room for younger or more progressive candidates to emerge.
His dominance within the PDP and the resources at his disposal often overshadow the aspirations of other members, creating an uneven playing field.
During the 2023 presidential elections, Atiku’s loss to President Bola Tinubu highlighted the limitations of his political strategy, including his inability to forge a cohesive opposition against the ruling APC.
His rivalry with other prominent figures, such as Peter Obi, further fractured the opposition and weakened the PDP’s chances of reclaiming power at the federal level.
Critics also point to Atiku’s inability to connect effectively with the grassroots. His campaigns are often seen as elitist, focusing more on high-profile endorsements than addressing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
This disconnect has alienated a significant portion of the electorate, particularly the youth, who increasingly demand leaders that resonate with their aspirations.
Additionally, Atiku’s tenure as Vice President continues to be scrutinized for its impact on public trust in government institutions.
The privatization policies he championed were controversial, with allegations of lack of transparency and favoritism.
These policies, while aimed at promoting efficiency, often led to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, exacerbating inequality and fueling public discontent.
The renewed call for Atiku to step aside in 2027 reflects a broader sentiment within the PDP and Nigerian politics at large.
Many stakeholders believe it is time for a generational shift in leadership, with an emphasis on inclusivity and regional equity.
By zoning the presidential ticket to the South, the PDP could demonstrate its commitment to balancing power dynamics and addressing longstanding grievances within the party.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the debate over Atiku’s political future underscores the need for a more participatory and transparent democratic process.
Whether or not he heeds these calls remains to be seen, but the growing demand for fresh leadership is a clear indication that the electorate desires meaningful change.
News
VIRAL VIDEO: Moment Yahaya Bello Orders Kogi State House Members to Sit on Floor, Gives Strict Directives

A viral video circulating on social media has captured former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello making newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.
The meeting took place at Bello’s residence on Monday, where he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss party unity and responsibilities.
Shado, who won the Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election on August 16, was formally presented to the former governor.
INEC declared Shado the winner after he polled 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who garnered 1,038 votes.
During the session, Bello emphasized that Shado must strictly obey the directives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all legislative matters.
He drew his ear to stress the importance of cooperation, warning the lawmaker to align with Assembly decisions even when he did not fully understand them.
Bello said, “Go and cooperate with the Speaker and other members of the House of Assembly. Support Governor Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly, even if you don’t understand it.”
Bello also reminded Shado that political victories are collective achievements.
He stated, “No candidate wins an election alone. Your people worked tirelessly from nomination to election day. Do not let them down.”
He urged inclusivity, consultation, and collective leadership, emphasizing that unity remains the key to APC’s continued success in Kogi State.
The former governor praised the people of Kogi East for demonstrating unity, which he said had been lacking in the past.
He further expressed confidence that APC would retain all major political positions in upcoming elections, declaring, “Our President, Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected.
Governor Ododo will be re-elected. All our candidates will continue to win on our great party’s platform.”
Bello’s post-governorship period has been marked by controversy.
The EFCC accused him of diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State coffers during his tenure.
He evaded multiple court summons and even a failed arrest in Abuja that led to a shootout. Ultimately, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 26, 2024, after months of avoiding legal proceedings.
Despite his legal troubles, Bello maintains influence over APC lawmakers in Kogi and continues to assert political authority, as shown in the recent video with Shado.
Watch the video below.
News
2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
News
Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
Africa
‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.
Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”
According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.
He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.
Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.
The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.
But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.
The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.
This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”
He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.
Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.
Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.
He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.
News
JUST IN: Benue Assembly Suspends Four Lawmakers

The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four lawmakers for six months after they allegedly attempted to impeach Speaker Aondona Dajoh on Thursday night.
The affected members are Alfred Berger of Makurdi North, Terna Shimawua of Kian constituency, Cyril Ekong of Obi constituency, and James Umoru of Apa constituency.
Their suspension was announced during Friday’s sitting.
Majority Leader Saater Tiseer raised a motion of urgent importance, accusing the four lawmakers of plotting to destabilize the assembly with what he described as an unnecessary crisis.
The House adopted the motion, and the Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended lawmakers out of the chambers.
The suspension also triggered changes in leadership positions. Berger, who previously served as the Assembly’s spokesperson, was replaced by Audu Elias on the directive of Speaker Dajoh.
Tension had been brewing in the Benue Assembly in recent weeks, with divisions among members deepening over political alignments and governance issues.
Thursday night’s failed impeachment move reportedly escalated the crisis, leading to Friday’s disciplinary action.
The suspension marks another turbulent chapter in the state’s politics.
In recent months, the Benue Assembly has clashed over commissioner nominations, governance direction, and security concerns across the state.
Observers fear the latest crisis could distract the House from tackling pressing issues, including widespread insecurity and economic hardship facing residents.
Political analysts also warn that the suspension may further polarize members and deepen divisions in the ruling structure of the Assembly.
The development adds to Benue’s growing list of political confrontations, highlighting the fragile relationship between lawmakers and leadership in the state.
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