Politics
Ohanaeze says no going back on Igbo president, rejects PDP no-zoning formula
- Zoning will not favour PDP in 2023, says Bauchi gov
- It’s fair for South to produce next president – Masari
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected the Bala Mohammed-led committee report of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which recommended that the 2023 presidential ticket of the party should be thrown open to all sections of the country.
Governor Mohammed had said zoning the presidential ticket of the party might cause some regions to feel excluded during the 2023 general election.
He spoke during a Channels TV programme on Thursday, stressing that the party would provide a level-playing field for all candidates, and encourage a merit-based process.
“In 2015, we lost because we were so over-confident and there was too much internal wrangling. We lost in the north, even in the states where we had comparative advantage, because of the wrangling that particularly came out of our lack of internal democracy.
“And that is why today, we are saying that we have seen some zones that have not had a shot at the presidency for a long time — the South-East and the North-East. But we’re not yet going to say that the choice of the presidential flag bearer should be left exclusively to those zones. We’ll give a level-playing field because good things are from every part of the country, and we have good hands.
“We are just saying that if we zone completely to those places, there may be some feelings of exclusion. There will be some feelings of even shortchanging Nigerians in terms of presenting the best. The merit-based leadership recruitment that we want to do, is even at the same time, looking at history.”
But Ohanaeze said that the Mohammed-led committee report was capable of impugning the unity of the country and asked for the withdrawal of the report that it described as unconscionable.
The Igbo parent body noted that it was committed to Nigeria producing a President of Igbo extraction in 2023, adding that it would willingly identify with any group that is ready for the bargain.
In a statement, National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonnia said, “Ohanaeze views the report by the Bala Mohammed led committee as most despicable, un-reflective and unconscionable. It is very worrisome that some highly placed Nigerians who have benefited so much from the unity of the country would be inclined to decisions and actions that will further inflame the passions of the patient but aggrieved part of the country.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Nigerians agreed on the rotation of the presidency between the North and the South; in which case it is the turn of the South after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari. For clarity purposes, both the South West and the South-South had both taken their turns in the persons of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan respectively. It is rather very unpatriotic and a trifle on the sensibilities of the Igbo for the committee to even suggest the rotation of the presidency to the North East in the first instance and open to every part of Nigeria as a major slight.
“It is disturbing that all the indignities, perceived and real, that the South-East suffers in the current dispensation are the outcome of the Igbo support to the PDP since 1999. It is on record that in 1999, the Igbo were in hock with the PDP through which Chief Olusegun Obasanjo emerged the President of Nigeria; same in 2003 and the subsequent elections in Nigeria.
“On the other hand, the Igbo had invested much political capital in the PDP only to be betrayed by its apparent lack of principles. The leadership of the PDP is advised to retract the comment made by Alh Bala Mohammed and countermand the content of the obnoxious committee report in the interest of the party.
“Let it be known that Ndigbo does not wax so eloquent on political parties. The Igbo is bound to advertise the party that caters to the interest of our people. It is instructive that Senator Ali Ndume, a chieftain of the All Peoples Congress (APC) is among the prominent Northerners that canvass for zoning the Nigerian presidency to the South East for the 2023 presidential election. Other prominent APC chieftains are highly committed to the realisation of this project and we will be very delighted to work with them in the overall interest of Ndigbo.
Also speaking on the issue, Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, says it will be in the interest of fairness for a candidate from the southern region to emerge president in the 2023 general election.
Masari stated this during an interview on Channels Television, which was aired on Thursday.
With barely two years to the 2023 elections, there have been speculations on which zone will get the presidential ticket of the two major political parties — All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking on what he thinks would happen after the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, the Katsina governor said the APC has a “bright future” in the country when compared to other parties.
“With regards to zoning, fair is fair. If you ask me, I would, as a person — Aminu — think we should move the presidency to the southern part of the country,” he said.
When asked which part of the south he prefers, he said “south is south”.
Masari also claimed that no political party has impacted the lives of “ordinary Nigerians” positively through social intervention programmes as the APC has done.
Politics
Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat
Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat
Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has officially declared his candidacy for the House of Representatives, aiming to represent the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua federal constituency in Katsina State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
The announcement, shared publicly via X by Bashir Ahmad, comes after extensive consultations with local party leaders, elders, and influential stakeholders across the three local government areas in the constituency. Yusuf emphasized that his decision was driven by a commitment to community development, effective representation, and empowerment of local youth.
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In a letter titled “Expression of Interest to Contest for the House of Representatives Seat,” Yusuf Buhari highlighted his intention to focus on infrastructure, education, and human capital development if elected. He also called for the support of residents and party members, urging a collaborative approach to addressing local challenges.
Political analysts note that the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua constituency is a traditional APC stronghold, making the party primary the most critical stage of the election. Yusuf’s entry marks his first major move into active politics, having maintained a low profile during his father’s presidency.
While the announcement has drawn strong attention, some local party stakeholders have stressed the importance of transparent primary elections, warning against endorsing any candidate prematurely. Nonetheless, early meetings reportedly indicate significant grassroots support for Yusuf ahead of the APC primaries.
Yusuf Buhari’s declaration signals the start of a politically active phase for the former president’s son, with observers watching closely how his campaign develops as the 2027 general elections approach.
Yusuf Buhari, Son of Late President, Declares for House of Reps Seat
Politics
Onanuga Denies Tinubu’s Role in ADC Crisis, Criticises Peter Obi
Onanuga Denies Tinubu’s Role in ADC Crisis, Criticises Peter Obi
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has dismissed claims linking Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
In a strongly worded statement, Onanuga accused Peter Obi and his supporters of turning the President into a “whipping boy” for internal problems within opposition parties. He insisted that Tinubu has no involvement in the ADC crisis, stressing that the challenges facing the party are self-inflicted.
Onanuga linked the turmoil within the ADC to Obi’s recent political moves, particularly his exit from the Labour Party Nigeria after the 2023 presidential election. He described the move as a “use-and-dump” strategy, arguing that Obi failed to build a lasting political structure within the party.
The presidential aide also criticised Obi’s reliance on the Obidient movement, describing it as largely online-driven rather than a fully developed political organisation. According to him, Obi’s decision to align with the ADC reflects a need for an existing political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Onanuga further alleged that the ADC crisis stems from internal disputes following claims that the party was “hijacked” by political interests linked to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from party founder Ralph Nwosu. He suggested that lack of due diligence by new stakeholders contributed to the current leadership crisis.
Reiterating his stance, Onanuga said there is “absolutely no connection” between President Tinubu and the ADC’s internal struggles. He urged Obi and other party stakeholders to focus on resolving disputes within their ranks, including reconciling with aggrieved members such as Nafiu Gombe.
The presidential spokesman also downplayed Obi’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that he remains politically irrelevant without securing a party ticket. He noted that Obi’s third-place finish in the 2023 election does not guarantee future success.
The exchange highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition space, as parties grapple with leadership crises, shifting alliances, and preparations for 2027. Analysts say the ADC situation reflects broader challenges facing opposition politics, including internal divisions and struggles to build cohesive structures.
Onanuga concluded by defending the Tinubu administration, saying the President, as an incumbent, has achievements to present to Nigerians, and accused critics of attempting to undermine his record with unfounded claims.
Onanuga Denies Tinubu’s Role in ADC Crisis, Criticises Peter Obi
Politics
2027: Atiku Signs $1.2m US Lobbying Deal to Engage Trump
2027: Atiku Signs $1.2m US Lobbying Deal to Engage Trump
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sealed a $1.2 million US lobbying deal as part of efforts to boost his international image and counter narratives linked to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Documents filed under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act show that Atiku engaged Washington-based firm Von Batten-Montague-York in an agreement signed in early March 2026. The contract was executed by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, alongside Fabiyi Oladimeji, who represented Atiku.
The Atiku US lobbying deal is aimed at strengthening his standing within American political and policy circles while projecting his leadership vision to key stakeholders. A major component of the engagement is to counter Nigerian government lobbying narratives in Washington and reshape perceptions about Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Under the agreement, the lobbying firm will facilitate high-level meetings between Atiku and influential U.S. figures, including members of Congress, congressional aides, and officials within the executive branch. The outreach is also expected to include engagement with Donald Trump and other senior policymakers, underscoring the strategic importance of U.S. political influence.
The contract states that lobbying activities will focus on democratic governance, economic growth, regional stability, and US-Nigeria relations, positioning Atiku as a key voice on issues affecting West Africa. In addition to political access, the firm will provide strategic communication services, including message development, narrative positioning, and reputation management targeted at elite audiences in the United States.
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Valued at $1.2 million, the agreement will run for 12 months, with payments structured in six instalments over the duration. Analysts say the US lobbying strategy by Atiku Abubakar reflects early preparations for the 2027 presidential race, where he is expected to remain a central opposition figure.
The development also comes amid internal challenges within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a platform recently adopted by Atiku and other opposition leaders. The party is currently facing a leadership dispute following actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which reportedly withdrew recognition from factions linked to David Mark and Nafiu Bala.
The lobbying firm has indicated it will raise concerns with U.S. authorities over the ADC crisis, warning that INEC’s decision could hinder the opposition’s ability to organise effectively ahead of the next general election. It described the situation as one that could affect political participation and democratic competitiveness in Nigeria.
The firm also called on President Tinubu to ensure that future elections remain credible and reflect the will of the people, highlighting increasing international attention on Nigeria’s democratic process.
Political analysts believe the Atiku lobbying effort in the United States signals a broader trend where Nigerian political actors seek to influence global opinion, attract diplomatic support, and strengthen their positioning ahead of major elections.
2027: Atiku Signs $1.2m US Lobbying Deal to Engage Trump
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