2027 : Why Peter Obi, Kwankwaso should not run for president – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu in the Office of the Vice President, has called on prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to forgo ambitions of contesting in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on the future of Nigeria’s political leadership, Baba-Ahmed advised that Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), should step aside along with President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He argued that the current generation of political heavyweights has exhausted its ideas and impact, adding that they “have played themselves” and should now give way for a new generation of leaders with fresh visions and energy to move the country forward.

In an interview with Trust TV, he said: “Peter Obi, Kwankwaso should also step aside for the younger generation, alongside President Tinubu and Atiku.

“This particular generation has played itself out, they really have nothing to offer this country.

“We are going through the same politics again where there is bitterness and the winner takes it all, it has to be me at all cost, and when you get to power, you don’t have the energy and the strength to tackle the country.

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“So long as it’s one of these guys, the rest will not step down, I don’t expect all of them to go into a room and say let’s all step down for Nigeria, I’m not sure their patriotism is that high for all of them to agree.

“The point I’m making is that the nation needs a new lease of life, I don’t see Nigeria with a bright future under these tired and elderly politicians who have spent the last 20 to 30 years just simply managing power,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also faulted the decision of presidents to spend eight years in power.

He added: “One of the distracting things is this nonsense that once you are president, you must serve for two terms. Who said that? When the NEF realized that Buhari was bad news for this country, he wasn’t performing and not willing to fix this country, we rallied other groups in the country.

“We met here in Abuja and told the nation that we don’t trust Buhari with another four years, and we were right. Ohanaeze, NEF, Afenifere, and I think about four or five groups met in Abuja and said Buhari should not be given a second term.

“But now you hear things like he must do his eight years, what about the South? We have taken to very crude politics and put it on the constitution where everyone is saying the South must have its eight years because Buhari did.

“Where is this thing coming from? These are some of the rubbish that is poisoning the politics. Even if you can’t perform, what if you have health or age issues, must you remain president for eight years simply because you come from one part of the country? This is the kind of thinking that keeps us declining permanently.”

2027 : Why Peter Obi, Kwankwaso should not run for president – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Peter Obi’s ally, Oseloka Obaze, dumps Labour Party

Oseloka Obaze, a prominent associate of Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has formally withdrawn his membership from the party.

Obaze announced his departure in a resignation letter addressed to the Labour Party Chairman in Ochuche Ward 406, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Awka, on Sunday.

A former United Nations diplomat, Obaze previously served as Secretary to the Anambra State Government during Obi’s tenure. He had played a key role as an adviser and leading figure within the party before his resignation.

He explained that his decision was in protest against the Labour Party’s conduct during the April 5 governorship primary election in Anambra.

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“By virtue of this letter, I hereby tender my resignation from the Labour Party (LP),” he stated.

“The processes, conduct and outcome of the Labour Party governorship primaries held on April 5, 2025 in Awka, were fraught with outright irregularities, bothering on fraud and criminality.

“It was not in tandem with either the party’s Constitution and espoused core values or true tenets of democracy.

“As such, I hereby disassociate myself henceforth from the Labour Party,” he declared.

Speaking with journalists, Obaze confirmed the authenticity of his letter, saying, “the letter was real and speaks for itself.”

He also pointed to the unresolved leadership tussle at the national level of the party, criticizing the failure to reconcile the factions led by Julius Abure and Senator Nenadi Usman.
Obaze did not reveal his future political plans.

He had previously left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022, just a week before Peter Obi also moved to the Labour Party. Obaze went on to become Obi’s campaign manager and a key strategist of the Obedient Movement.

Peter Obi’s ally, Oseloka Obaze, dumps Labour Party

2027: PDP governors, Wike reach agreement

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have reportedly struck an agreement aimed at restoring unity within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to a report by Punch , Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde represented his fellow PDP governors during a meeting with Wike last week in Lagos.

The source revealed that the discussions centred on resolving the political standoff in Rivers State involving Wike and suspended Governor Sim Fubara, alongside efforts to address disputes over the South-South zonal leadership, the National Secretary position, and other contentious issues affecting both camps.

The PDP has grappled with internal rifts since the 2023 elections, with tensions escalating over unresolved matters.

The crisis deepened following the fallout between Wike and Governor Fubara in Rivers, as well as disagreements over the South-South leadership and the vacant National Secretary post since December 2024.

Attempts by the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors Forum to broker peace have instead widened the cracks, leading to further fragmentation across state and zonal structures.

As the crisis persists, frustration has grown among party faithful, with some leaders decamping to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party’s inability to resolve internal disputes.

Notably, on April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other state officials formally defected to the APC—a development seen as a significant setback to the PDP’s prospects heading into 2027.

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A source close to Governor Makinde disclosed that after the Lagos meeting, Makinde planned to brief other PDP governors, while Wike would inform his supporters of the outcome.

He stated, “Makinde and Wike met in Lagos, where Makinde represented the PDP governors and Wike attended on behalf of his loyalists.

“During the meeting, Wike expressed concerns about the Governors Forum’s recommendations, claiming they were made without considering party laws. He stated that some of the positions taken by the governors were illegal. The minister also pointed out that despite the Forum’s numerous positions, it has only succeeded in complicating matters rather than resolving them.

“Wike informed Makinde and other PDP leaders that he was unhappy with the Forum’s decisions regarding the National Secretary, South-South Zonal leadership, and the ongoing issues in Rivers State.
“He promised to stay in the PDP but requested that the forum and party leadership reconsider their positions on these issues in accordance with the party’s considering, to ensure peace, unity, and help reposition the party.”

The source added that Makinde also voiced disappointment over the role some officials had played in worsening the crisis.
He said, “In his response, Makinde also mentioned that the attitude of some officials towards the PDP governors was disrespectful and was not helping the situation. He reassured Wike that no one was trying to embarrass anyone, but rather, everyone was doing their best to reposition the party.

“Makinde promised to brief the governors on or before the forum’s next meeting and assured Wike of his support. They both agreed that concerned members should withdraw the pending litigation and pursue political solutions.

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“Additionally, they agreed that the Governors Forum’s decision on issues such as the zonal congress, especially that of the South-South, the Rivers State crisis, the National Secretary position, and other matters should be revisited to accommodate all interests.”

A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the Makinde-Wike meeting aimed to iron out unresolved issues.

The source said, “Yes, Wike and Makinde met to resolve some issues, and their resolutions will go a long way in unifying and repositioning the PDP.”

Efforts to reach the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful as calls to him went unanswered.
Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor expressed optimism that the latest talks, along with earlier meetings, would strengthen the party.
In an exclusive interview,  Osadolor remarked that the party was taking proactive steps to rebuild.

He stated, “Our leaders are not sleeping; a lot of meetings have taken place and more will take place in the future. The PDP will not only bounce back, but it will also reclaim its rightful place. I am sure you can see the movement taking shape as we speak.

“It is already gaining momentum, and people are beginning to speak out and align themselves with the party. I believe that as the days unfold, we will see that this is truly the party to be a part of.

“At this moment, there is no other party to be in. The other party, APC is like a ship with limited capacity. As more people crowd and overload it, it will either sink or capsize. It’s just a matter of time; it’s not a question of if, but when. And that will happen.”

2027: PDP governors, Wike reach agreement