Politics
Jonathan urges Africa to strengthen democracy
- Buhari, others hail him at 63
President Muhammadu Buhari, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Ike Ekweremadu have hailed rejoiced with former President Goodluck Jonathan on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary on Friday.
This came as the former president made a case for the consolidation of democracy in Africa, describing it as a leverage that could ensure that the continent’s future would be better than its past.
Jonathan noted that democracy might have its flaws but pointed out that various academic studies had demonstrated that the system of government “yields better economies, better health for its citizens and better respect for human rights.”
Buhari, in his congratulatory message, said Jonathan’s life of service has brought honour and goodwill to the country.
This is coming as Jonathan has made a case for the consolidation of democracy in Africa, describing it as a leverage that could ensure that the continent’s future would be better than its past.
The president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari expressed appreciation to the former president for his dedication to service following his astronomical rise to the highest level of service and eventual emergence as ECOWAS envoy in recent times.
The president prayed God to grant Jonathan long life, wsdom and good health so that he can continue to serve humanity.
The statement read: “On behalf of the federal government and Nigerians in general, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 63rd birthday, November 20, 2020, congratulating him for a life of service that has brought honour and goodwill to the country.
“The President notes with appreciation the peculiar and remarkable climb of the former president on Nigeria’s political ladder, and dedication that has kept him working most recently as ECOWAS envoy to bring peace to the Republic of Mali.
“As the former Nigerian President turns 63, President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant Dr Jonathan longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the nation and humanity.”
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has also congratulated Jonathan, as he clocks 63 years today, saying his efforts at promoting democracy particularly in Africa are impactful and commendable.
The former president’s “unique statesmanship and graceful disposition to issues” has also endeared him to democrats globally, Okowa said through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika.
He said that Jonathan’s bourgeoning role in entrenching democracy across Africa through his observer-mission activities was impactful and laudable.
Okowa also noted that the former president’s role in the peace process in Mali, describing it as “truly statesmanlike”.
Ekweremadu has also hailed Jonathan, for his democratic temperament and selfless leadership.
Ekweremadu commended the former President for not only the electoral reforms recorded under his administration, but also for providing the right democratic atmosphere to ensure that the reforms were implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies and stakeholders.
Jonathan in his keynote speech at a virtual conference organised by the Kofi Annan Foundation which focused on ‘Democracy in East Africa in the age of COVID- 19: challenges and opportunities’.
Jonathan further affirmed that it was no coincidence that the countries with the best human development index scores are all democracies, while the worst performers are not.
He said, “We have made enormous strides in Africa in terms of democracy. According to Freedom House, there were only two democracies in Africa in 1980; now there are no fewer than forty.”
Stressing that not all of these democracies meet the required standards, the former President however emphasised that they are mostly big improvements on what came before.
Comparing democracies to dictatorships, Jonathan stated that dictatorships around the world tend to underperform “because they are subjected to little or no accountability, either from a free press, an independent judiciary or a vibrant opposition.”
Jonathan noted that democracy “is fundamentally a competitive system, and competition keeps people, even politicians, on their toes”, adding that they are meant to be in power to serve their people and their countries, not themselves.
He said although democracy has its challenges in many countries, the aspiration to democracy has taken root, especially among our youth.
“From Washington to Abuja to Nairobi, democracy is always a work in progress, everywhere: each generation has to address the challenges left by its elders.”
Politics
Youth minister backs Seyi Tinubu to lead Lagos as governor
Youth minister backs Seyi Tinubu to lead Lagos as governor
The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has expressed support for Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, stating that he is well-qualified to govern Lagos State.
In a recent appearance on the Mic On podcast, Olawande addressed the growing rumours surrounding Seyi’s potential run for governor in 2027, affirming that he is more than capable.
“He’s not too young to become a governor,” the minister stated.
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According to him, Seyi is a well-trained and committed individual with a proven track record of helping young people long before his father became president.
While rumours about Seyi’s candidacy began circulating in 2024, particularly after the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) and other groups endorsed him for the governorship, Olawande clarified that Seyi is not directly involved in the campaign.
“Seyi is not the one engineering the campaign to become the next governor of Lagos State,” he added.
Politics
2027: Anti-Tinubu coalition seeks backing of Obasanjo, Gowon, others
2027: Anti-Tinubu coalition seeks backing of Obasanjo, Gowon, others
A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, is spearheading efforts to rally support from southern political bigwigs in a bid to form a national coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources reveal that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, are among the influential figures backing the initiative.
Punch reports that Shekarau, the leader of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), has been in discussions with political leaders from the South-West, South-East, and South-South to build a broad-based coalition.
Dr Umar Ardo, the Convener of LND, announced the group’s intent to evolve into a political party, which would provide a credible alternative to Nigeria’s current political landscape.
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Obasanjo, who met with Shekarau and his delegation in October 2024, suggested that the LND should consider adopting a more inclusive name, the National League of Democrats, to reflect the group’s aspirations for a nationwide reach.
He expressed his willingness to serve as a patron for the group. Gowon also endorsed this vision, advising the group to make its platform more inclusive by incorporating southern politicians.
While the LND has not yet registered as a political party, discussions with southern leaders are ongoing. Notable politicians from the South-East, South-West, and South-South have reportedly shown interest in joining the movement if it becomes a national platform.
The LND’s efforts come at a time when opposition leaders are aligning to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
2027: Anti-Tinubu coalition seeks backing of Obasanjo, Gowon, others
Politics
APC: Ex-lawmakers want 2026 gov ticket zoned to Osun West
APC: Ex-lawmakers want 2026 gov ticket zoned to Osun West
Agitations for zoning of governorship ticket to Osun West Senatorial District is gaining momentum everyday as former members of the State House of Assembly from the zone, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the weekend, called for equity, justice, and fairness in the distribution of the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
In a communiqué issued after their meeting on January 9, 2025, in Osogbo, signed by Hon. Ajibola Akinloye (Ola Oluwa), who served as Secretary, along with other notable former legislators, including Hon. Debo Akanbi (Ede North), Hon. Yemi Taiwo (Ayedaade), Hon. Abiodun Awolola (Egbedore), and Hon. Bayo Olodo (Ayedaade), among others, and made available to our correspondent at the weekend, the forum demanded zoning of the ticket to their district.
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The forum expressed unwavering loyalty to the APC and its leader, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, maintaining that there is the need for equitable representation in the party’s decision-making processes.
They specifically urged the party to zone the 2026 governorship ticket to Osun West Senatorial District, noting that since 1999, the APC had not awarded the ticket to their district, unlike the other two senatorial zones.
“This imbalance raises issues of equity and justice. It is time for Osun West to feel a sense of belonging within the Progressive Party,” they said.
They noted that their request was subject to the decision of Oyetola, whom they acknowledged as having the ‘right of first refusal’ for the APC governorship ticket.
They also called for the immediate resumption of grassroots political activities to strengthen the party’s base and ensure a successful campaign against the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2026.
The former lawmakers expressed their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fiscal reforms, economic revival, and social welfare programs, describing these initiatives as critical to national development.
APC: Ex-lawmakers want 2026 gov ticket zoned to Osun West
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