Politics
2023: We pressured Obi to dump PDP — Igbo elders
•Back his presidential bid, say he’s true unifier
•Urge FG to withdraw appeal against Nnamdi Kanu’s release from custody
IGBO Elders Consultative Forum (IECF), also known as Ime-obi Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Friday pledged their allegiance to the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who they described as a “true unifier.”
They also reiterated their call on President Muhammadu Bubari to release the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in the interest of peace in the country, especially the South East region.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the Forum’s chairman and former Anambra governor, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, stated that an Obi presidency in 2023 will put an end to separatist agitations by different groups in the country.
Ezeife said: “We, before now agreed in the Southern and Middle Belt Forum to call all the candidates from the south east, interview them and adopt one person. But that has been overtaken by events. If you look at the candidates from A to Z, you find out that there is one from the south east who is everybody’s candidate.
“He is the true unifier in Nigeria because he is someone who will banish poverty, insecurity, and all the negatives associated with Nigeria. That person is Peter Obi and he is the person whom all of us will support.”
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According to him, the South east elders were the ones who prevailed on the Labour Party Presidential candidate to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in May.
“If you look at the records, you’ll find out that the elders in Abuja really worked hard to get him out as a candidate. We forced him to get out of the PDP so that he can be a candidate for president. So the question of even adopting him doesn’t arise as he is our trusted, God anointed candidate to remake and recreate Nigeria. He will make everybody happy.
“Obi will make Fulani belong to Nigeria and have a say. He will ensure Yoruba don’t want to go and will also make Igbo and all groups stay in Nigeria and have the country restructured to work,” he stated.
Ezeife warned that the planned 2023 general elections will have far reaching consequences on the peace, unity, stability and corporate existence of Nigeria.
“Hence, we appeal to all candidates, other political gladiators and their supporters to observe the rule of the game in their electioneering campaigns.
The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, should rise up to the challenge of providing level playing ground for all political parties and candidates as contained in the 2022 Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“INEC should resist the alleged pressure by inordinate and unscrupulous politicians to compromise the provisions of the extant electoral laws and conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2023 for the stability and corporate existence of Nigeria.”
On Kanu, the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum expressed disappointment over the decision of the Federal government to appeal against the court of appeal judgement which acquitted the IPOB leader.
The Igbo elders warned that the move by the government would have far reaching consequences on peace and security of the country.
They added: “The Federal Government appeal against the Court of Appeal three-man unanimous judgement, which discharged Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is capable of aggravating the security challenges and peace process initiatives in the South East, preventing the conduct of 2023 general elections in the zone, as well as its ripple effects on the peace, unity, stability and continued corporate existence of Nigeria.
Vanguard
Politics
2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party
2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party
A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) in Oyo State, Chief Saheed Oladele, has resigned from the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as limited opportunities for youth participation in decision-making.
Oladele, who hails from Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, announced his resignation on Saturday in Ibadan, the state capital, confirming that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Ibadan North LGA.
In his resignation letter, Oladele said his decision followed deep reflection on his political journey within the party, noting that he had remained committed since its formation and had actively contributed to its growth at various levels.
He stated that his aspiration to contest the governorship election under the APC platform was driven not only by personal ambition but also by a desire to promote unity and strengthen internal structures within the party.
Oladele, however, lamented that recent developments within the Oyo APC suggest that young politicians are not being adequately included in key decision-making processes. He argued that the party, at the state level, appears more inclined to use young people for mobilisation without granting them meaningful influence in leadership decisions.
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“My journey within the party has been one of commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication,” he wrote, adding that he had worked to build bridges among stakeholders and promote cohesion within the party.
He further stated that “recent developments and party positions” made it clear that the APC in Oyo State was “not yet prepared to give young people a seat at the decision-making table,” describing the situation as inconsistent with his political values and vision for the state.
Oladele also said he intends to reposition himself as a bridge between older and younger generations in politics, suggesting that his future political engagement would focus on inclusivity and youth empowerment.
His resignation comes just days after another APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Kunle Olatunji of Ona Ara Local Government Area, also left the party to join the Action Democratic Congress (Action Democratic Congress), further highlighting growing internal tensions within the party ahead of 2027.
Party officials of the APC in Oyo State have yet to issue an official response to Oladele’s resignation as of the time of filing this report.
The development adds to increasing political realignments in the state as aspirants and stakeholders position themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 governorship race.
2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party
Politics
Did Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin
Did Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, has openly declared support for Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as a potential successor in the 2027 governorship race.
Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency, described Hamzat as the most suitable candidate to lead Lagos State after the current administration, calling on party members to rally behind him ahead of upcoming primaries.
The lawmaker made his position known in a message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he urged APC stakeholders across Lagos to unite in support of Hamzat as political activities begin to intensify within the ruling party.
His endorsement comes as internal consultations and early alignments gain momentum within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, with key figures increasingly signaling preferred candidates.
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In his post, Faleke wrote:
“Good evening all. As we prepare for party primaries next month, I urge all our supporters in Ikeja Federal Constituency and Lagos State to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State from 2027–2035, IJN.”
Political observers say the endorsement is significant, given Faleke’s long-standing influence within the APC and his close ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the political leader of Lagos politics.
Hamzat, who currently serves as deputy governor, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced figures in Lagos governance, having worked across different administrative structures over the years.
His growing political visibility has fueled speculation about succession planning within Lagos APC, where continuity and internal consensus often play key roles in determining gubernatorial candidates.
Analysts note that early endorsements such as Faleke’s may shape internal party dynamics ahead of primaries, especially in a politically strategic state like Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
As of now, neither the Lagos State Government nor the APC leadership has issued an official response to Faleke’s endorsement.
Did Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin
Politics
Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano
Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has alleged that his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, attempted to remove him from office and take over the leadership of the state government.
Governor Yusuf made the claim during a meeting with a group of praise singers known as “Mawallafan Abba Gida Gida” at the Government House in Kano, where he spoke extensively on internal political developments within his administration and party structure.
He said the alleged move was part of an attempt to destabilise his government, insisting that he was not responsible for any actions that led to the deputy governor’s exit from office.
“Today, the deputy governor who came with us on the same ticket is no longer with us. Nobody offended him. In fact, I have not even seen his resignation letter,” he said.
The governor further alleged that the former deputy’s actions were aimed at replacing him, stating that the attempt did not succeed.
“Whatever made him act that way was an attempt to remove me and take the position, but God did not allow it,” Yusuf added.
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Governor Yusuf also questioned internal political decisions within the Kwankwasiyya political structure, suggesting that the former deputy governor was sidelined despite his contributions and aspirations within the movement.
He raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies in political appointments and succession planning, arguing that some individuals were being favoured over long-standing members of the group.
“The deputy governor who left, hoping to secure that ticket, what did he do wrong? Why not give him the ticket? Is that not a betrayal of him?” he queried.
The governor, however, maintained that his administration remains stable and focused on governance, adding that political distractions would not derail development efforts in Kano State.
He also dismissed suggestions that recent political developments within his camp amounted to betrayal on his part, insisting that his decisions were taken in the interest of the people of Kano.
According to him, critics who accuse him of disloyalty are ignoring the internal challenges that led to recent political realignments.
He argued that key decisions within the political movement were taken without proper consultation, raising questions about internal democracy and inclusion.
Yusuf further maintained that his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was necessary to prevent political uncertainty and protect the interests of millions of Kano residents.
He said efforts to resolve internal disagreements within the party were unsuccessful, forcing his administration to take a different political direction.
“We saw the direction the party was heading and offered advice, but it was ignored. God showed us the way, and we left because we did not want to put millions of Kano residents in uncertainty,” he said.
The governor also accused unnamed political actors of promoting individuals he described as former opponents of the Kwankwasiyya movement, questioning what he called “political betrayal” within the system.
He maintained that his administration remains open to credible individuals interested in serving as deputy governor, following the exit of his former deputy.
Political observers say the remarks highlight deepening tensions within Kano’s political landscape, where internal disagreements and shifting alliances continue to shape governance and party structures ahead of future elections.
The former deputy governor has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano
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