Politics
Datti Baba-Ahmed: Atiku, Obi, others seeking to replace Tinubu are selfish
Datti Baba-Ahmed: Atiku, Obi, others seeking to replace Tinubu are selfish
Labour Party vice presidential candidate in 2023, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and others in the coalition to oust President Bola Tinubu out of office are after their selfish interests, warning it will be hard to defeat incumbent president with such approach.
In an interview with Daily Trust published on Thursday, Mr Baba-Ahmed said he could not see anyone in the coalition willing to make the kind of sacrifice Mr Tinubu made before eventually emerging president in 2023.
“I don’t yet see anyone in this coalition who can scheme and plan over 16 years. With all due respect to Atiku, he has contested consistently—this will be the seventh time. But tell me: is there anyone else in the coalition who will say, “Let it be the other person, and I will support them”? I’m yet to see that. Everyone seems only interested in their own candidacy,” Mr Baba-Ahmed said.
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Citing Mr Tinubu’s strategic political moves for many years to explain his stance, Mr Baba-Ahmed said “But what did Tinubu do? He invested in Buhari, unreliable as Buhari was. He backed him—and after Buhari, he took over. He stayed committed for 16 years and took it in 2023. Tinubu gave Atiku the ACN in 2007. Gave it to Ribadu in 2011. Backed Buhari in 2015. And waited until 2023 to take it himself.”
Asked if he was praising Mr Tinubu for his political strategies, Mr Baba-Ahmed said “No! I’m not praising him. I’m saying: to defeat this phenomenon called Tinubu, you must do the unthinkable.”
He added, “If this coalition—which I recognise—thinks it’s business as usual, it won’t work. It has to be less about individual ambition and more about Nigeria. More action, less talk. Because talk is cheap.”
Mr Baba-Ahmed’s stance followed the coalition’s adoption of African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the party to challenge Mr Tinubu in 2027.
Mr Obi, a former Anambra State governor, who ran alongside Mr Baba-Ahmed in 2023 but came third, said he was rooting for a coalition to dismantle Mr Tinubu’s structure that impoverished Nigerians, adding no single group could change the country.
The coalition, which includes Mr Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Mr Obi, and Mr David Mark, has new announced Mr Mark, a former Senate president, and Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, as its national chairman and national secretary, respectively.
Datti Baba-Ahmed: Atiku, Obi, others seeking to replace Tinubu are selfish
Politics
Atiku–Obi Ticket ‘Best Bet’ to Unseat APC in 2027 – Dele Momodu
Atiku–Obi Ticket ‘Best Bet’ to Unseat APC in 2027 – Dele Momodu
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has declared that a joint presidential ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi represents the strongest strategy for the opposition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Momodu said the emerging ADC coalition is gaining momentum as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he accused of promoting “one-man rule” and weakening democratic institutions.
Momodu argued that an Atiku–Obi ticket offers both experience and electoral appeal, noting that both politicians already command significant national followings from previous elections. He recalled their collaboration in 2019, adding that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election provides a ready base of supporters that can be consolidated.
According to him, the coalition is further strengthened by the involvement of political heavyweights such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, making it a formidable opposition alliance.
“The candidates who placed second, third, and even fourth are aligning. That naturally builds a strong challenge,” Momodu said, suggesting that this development could unsettle the APC ahead of 2027.
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He also accused the Tinubu administration of centralising power and undermining democratic processes, claiming that key institutions—including the legislature and electoral system—are increasingly influenced by the executive arm of government. He warned that such a trend poses risks to Nigeria’s democracy.
Momodu further alleged that opposition parties face systemic obstacles, including difficulties in accessing venues, legal pressures, and institutional interference. He argued that these challenges have made opposition unity not just strategic, but necessary.
Dismissing concerns about possible cracks within the ADC coalition, Momodu described such fears as speculative, insisting that current political realities have effectively forced major opposition figures to work together.
“Political survival has made unity inevitable. The enemy of your enemy is your friend,” he said.
Responding to claims that the ADC has become a platform for displaced politicians, Momodu maintained that the coalition is driven by a shared commitment to democracy, not personal ambition. He emphasized that his criticism of the current government is based on principle rather than personal differences.
He also raised concerns about internal party democracy, alleging that candidate imposition across states reflects excessive central control, which could weaken Nigeria’s political system if left unchecked.
Despite ongoing legal disputes within the party, Momodu insisted that the ADC remains law-abiding and committed to due process.
Looking ahead, he said the opposition’s message to Nigerians will focus on restoring democratic values, strengthening institutions, and ensuring inclusive governance.
Atiku–Obi Ticket ‘Best Bet’ to Unseat APC in 2027 – Dele Momodu
Politics
Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”
Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”
Former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a fierce political attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda as a “classic scam” and calling for his resignation over worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Aregbesola made the remarks during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention in Abuja, where he currently serves as National Secretary of the party. His speech was sharply critical of the ruling administration, the electoral system, and Nigeria’s economic direction.
He accused the government of failing to deliver on key promises made to Nigerians, insisting that the country is experiencing worsening hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening poverty under the current leadership.
According to him, the situation in the country reflects a “collapse of governance priorities,” arguing that the promises of economic recovery in Nigeria, energy stability, and improved living conditions have not been fulfilled.
Aregbesola also called for President Tinubu’s resignation, arguing that a leader who fails to meet campaign promises—especially on security and welfare—should step aside rather than seek re-election.
He said the ADC is positioning itself as a “rescue mission” aimed at restoring accountability and rebuilding public trust in governance, adding that Nigerians are tired of what he described as deception and mismanagement in leadership.
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During his address, he also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of normalising electoral misconduct and undermining democratic standards. He further alleged that the political environment has been weakened by what he called poor governance practices.
Aregbesola claimed that economic indicators have worsened under the current administration, pointing to sharp increases in the exchange rate and fuel prices. He argued that the naira has significantly depreciated compared to its value at the start of the Tinubu administration in 2023, while fuel prices have surged, increasing the cost of living.
He said these developments have placed severe pressure on households and businesses, especially in an import-dependent economy, worsening inflation and reducing purchasing power across the country.
On security, Aregbesola expressed concern over continued attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence across several regions, saying the government has not demonstrated enough capacity to address the crisis. He described the situation as evidence of “state failure in critical areas of governance.”
He also raised concerns about the education sector, claiming that the number of out-of-school children has increased significantly, and warned that Nigeria risks long-term socio-economic consequences if urgent reforms are not implemented.
Aregbesola further criticised the power sector, saying electricity supply remains unstable despite repeated government promises. He argued that many parts of the country still experience prolonged blackouts, undermining productivity and economic growth.
He maintained that the ADC is committed to political reform and national rebuilding, urging Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current system to support the party’s “rescue agenda.”
Aregbesola concluded his remarks by warning against what he described as continued national decline, insisting that urgent leadership change is necessary to prevent further deterioration of governance and living standards.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the ruling All Progressives Congress regarding the comments.
Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”
Politics
Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde
Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde
The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting he has no involvement in any arrangement aimed at removing the governor from office.
The lawmaker, who represents Atiba State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the clarification in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, amid rising political speculation within the state.
Oyekola said he was neither invited nor consulted on any meeting or discussion relating to impeachment, stressing that he completely dissociates himself from such claims.
“I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State,” he stated, adding that he remains committed to stability and unity within the Assembly.
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He further declared his loyalty to Governor Makinde, stating that he “cannot and will not be disloyal” to the governor, while reaffirming his support for the administration and its policies.
“I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State,” he added.
Oyekola also alleged that some individuals were attempting to create divisions within the Oyo State House of Assembly, warning that such actions could undermine legislative harmony and disrupt governance in the state.
He stressed that maintaining stability remains a priority for responsible lawmakers, noting that any attempt to destabilise the Assembly or state government could slow down ongoing development projects under the Makinde administration.
The clarification comes amid heightened political conversations and rumours of internal disagreements within some state legislatures across Nigeria, often fuelled by social media speculation.
However, no official confirmation of any impeachment move has been made by the Oyo State House of Assembly, and there has been no formal motion or public legislative action suggesting such a process is underway.
Political observers note that impeachment proceedings in Nigeria follow strict constitutional procedures and cannot proceed without formal legislative notice, investigation, and voting thresholds as provided under the law.
For now, the Assembly continues its legislative duties while stakeholders urge calm and caution against misinformation that could destabilise the state’s political environment.
Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde
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