Nothing Will Happen if You Die, Afenifere Director Tells Peter Obi

The Director of Research of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Akin Fapohunda, has warned 2027 presidential aspirant Peter Obi to take personal security seriously, stating that “nothing would happen” if anything unfortunate occurs to him.

Fapohunda made the remark while commenting on Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, urging the former Anambra State governor to prioritise his safety amid increasing political tensions.

According to him, Nigerian politics has historically shown that the death of a political figure rarely leads to lasting institutional consequences, hence the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own security.

He said Obi should be cautious about his movements and public engagements, stressing that political competition in the country can sometimes create hostile environments for prominent figures.

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The Afenifere research director noted that while Obi has a large following across the country, the responsibility for safeguarding his life ultimately rests with him.

Fapohunda’s comment has sparked reactions in political circles and on social media, with supporters of the Labour Party figure expressing concern over the tone of the warning.

Peter Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics and is widely speculated to be preparing for another presidential bid in 2027.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Obi nor his media team had publicly responded to the statement.

Nothing Will Happen if You Die, Afenifere Director Tells Peter Obi

Viral Video Shows Children Armed With Guns in Borno, Sparking National Outrage

A disturbing video circulating widely on social media has sparked national outrage after it showed dozens of young boys, some as young as nine, dressed in military-style camouflage uniforms and handling firearms in a forested area of Borno State. The footage appears to depict a paramilitary-style training session, highlighting the ongoing forced recruitment of children by terrorist groups in Nigeria’s northeast.

In the video, the children stand in rows, performing drills and chanting while under the supervision of unidentified adults. Several of the uniforms appear oversized, suggesting they may have been looted from military formations or acquired during attacks on security posts, a tactic reportedly used by insurgents in the region.

Security analysts and local observers believe the footage is linked to Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have a long history of child abductions, recruitment, and use of minors in combat and propaganda. Many of the children in the video are suspected to be from communities around the Ngoshe axis in Gwoza Local Government Area, a hotspot for recent insurgent activity, including raids, killings, and mass abductions.

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Experts warn that such exposure to weapons, military drills, and extremist indoctrination is aimed at grooming children as future combatants and indoctrinating them at a young age. One analyst described the use of children in uniform and armed drills as a form of psychological warfare, designed to demonstrate that terrorist groups still maintain a steady flow of recruits despite military pressure.

Human rights advocates have condemned the development as a grave violation of international humanitarian law, calling for urgent interventions to protect minors. The recruitment of children in armed conflict violates both national law and international child protection conventions, making the practice a serious human rights abuse.

Officials from the Borno State government emphasised that many children in such circumstances are victims rather than willing participants, with militants abducting minors from schools, homes, and streets to train them in camps controlled by extremist factions.

Despite ongoing military operations by the Nigerian Armed Forces, including the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, analysts warn that insurgent groups continue to exploit vulnerable populations due to poverty, displacement, and limited access to education, making comprehensive child protection programs essential. Recent military efforts have successfully rescued abducted children, but challenges remain in addressing the root causes of forced recruitment.

Viral Video Shows Children Armed With Guns in Borno, Sparking National Outrage

OYOSUBEB Chairman Adeniran Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race

The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued on Monday, Adeniran said his decision to join the 2027 governorship race followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders, supporters and community leaders across the state, as well as deep reflection and prayers.

According to him, his ambition is driven by a commitment to consolidate the achievements of the administration of Seyi Makinde and ensure the continued development of Oyo State.

Adeniran noted that he had earlier hinted at his governorship ambition during a radio appearance months ago, where he publicly disclosed his interest in leading the state.

“I am offering myself to serve as Governor of Oyo State, not out of ambition but out of conviction; not for power, but for purpose; not to be celebrated, but to empower,” he said.

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The OYOSUBEB chairman highlighted his extensive experience in public administration, noting that he has served as a Local Government Chairman, Commissioner and a member of several state and federal boards. According to him, these roles provided him with administrative exposure and grassroots engagement, helping him understand the diverse challenges facing communities across Oyo State.

Adeniran also praised Governor Makinde, describing him as a visionary leader whose administration has brought significant transformation to the state through its development programme popularly known as the Omituntun agenda. He pledged that if elected governor, he would sustain and strengthen the policies and reforms introduced by the current administration.

“Continuity is the foundation of sustainable progress, and Oyo State deserves nothing less,” he said.

Outlining his vision for the state, Adeniran said his administration would focus on improving access to quality education, promoting youth empowerment and job creation, strengthening security across communities, expanding infrastructure development, and encouraging innovation and inclusive governance.

“My vision is simple: a state where every child has access to quality education, where our youths do not have to leave home to find opportunity, and where security is guaranteed for every citizen,” he said.

Adeniran further emphasized the importance of strengthening the civil service, promising improved welfare, regular training and merit-based opportunities for government workers.

He added that his administration would focus on creating jobs for young people by supporting entrepreneurship, attracting investments and expanding sectors such as education, agriculture, technology and small-scale industries.

The governorship aspirant therefore called on residents of Oyo State to support his ambition, expressing optimism that collective efforts would help build a stronger and more prosperous state.

OYOSUBEB Chairman Adeniran Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race