Presidency should go to South-East in 2023 - Obasanjo, Falae – Newstrends
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Presidency should go to South-East in 2023 – Obasanjo, Falae

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3 years ago

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, have thrown their weight behind the agitation of many Igbo leaders that the South-East region should be given the chance to lead the country as president.

Obasanjo restated his position that the South-East should be allowed to produce Nigeria’s President in 2023, insisting that it would ensure peace, justice, fairness and sustainable national development in the country.

Obasanjo, who addressed members of Political Action Committee, PAC, of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who visited him at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, to solicit his support for the quest for a Nigerian President of South-East extraction, said the minimum Nigerians would accept is that the next president should come from the South.

Ime Obi Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at its meeting, last week, mandated its president general and the secretary to constitute a political committee to go around the country to solicit support for a president from the South-East.

The Ohanaeze team consists of Ambassador George Obiozor, the President General; Ambassador Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-General; former president generals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, and Gary Igariwey.

Others are Professor Anya Anya, former Chairman, Police Service Commission, Simon Okeke, and Dr. Chiedozie Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“The next president of Nigeria must come from the South East. The least acceptable minimum is a president from the Southern part of Nigeria”, Obasanjo was quoted by Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, as saying.

The former President, who commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo for demanding their rights, told the delegation that what he “owes Nigeria is sincerity, objectivity and guidance.”

He maintained the need for morality, equity and justice in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural country like Nigeria, warning that “it is inconceivable to have peace and progress in a country that is rooted in injustice.”

Obasanjo said, “Federal character, rotation of power and such other measures are meant to help our nation-building process and more sure-footedly, move Nigeria forward” and warned that “riding over these measures rudely, shoddily and roughly cannot augur well for our nation-building process and progress.”

Obiozor commended the former president for his unwavering commitment to peace and unity of Nigeria, saying that Obasanjo remains one of the strongest voices in Nigeria and one of the most respected Nigerians in the world because of his track records of accomplishments while his tenure lasted as the President of Nigeria.

He commended him for his courage, sincerity, steadfastness and passion for justice, especially as it affects the Igbo and the future of Nigeria.

Falae, in an interview, said the region had not produced a president in recent times.

The former Minister of Finance said, “I expect that the South-East will have a fair chance to ask for the president of Nigeria because in recent times the president has not come from the South-East. I said in recent times.

“For national unity and peace, yes, but the South East is not the only zone that has not produced the president in recent times. There are six zones now and in the recent past, the zones that have produced the president are the North-West, South-West and South-South.

“The North-Central, North-East and South-East have not produced president in the recent times, so there are three that have equal rights to ask for it if we want to be fair.”

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CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term

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21 hours ago

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January 5, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has sounded a warning over the fractured state of Nigeria’s opposition parties, cautioning that their lack of unity could allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the organization expressed fears that Nigeria may drift towards a one-party state if opposition parties fail to align their efforts.

“The opposition parties are currently working at cross-purposes, scheming to undo each other ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” Ezema said. “This lack of unity and focus is detrimental to the democratic process and the future of Nigeria.”

The CNPP also advocated for a rotational presidency, emphasizing the need for each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to have a constitutionally guaranteed turn at the presidency. The group believes such a system would promote fairness and ensure stability.

“The presidency must rotate between the northern and southern regions to ensure equitable representation,” Ezema stated. “This is crucial for the long-term stability of our nation.”

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The CNPP underscored the importance of unity among opposition parties if they hope to challenge the APC effectively. “The opposition that can win the 2027 presidential election must be united, strong, focused, purposeful, and daring,” Ezema stressed.

“They must demonstrate a commitment greater than what the APC displayed in 2014.” he noted.

Ezema further described the APC as “a very hard nut for the opposition to crack,” warning that a divided opposition would make the ruling party’s victory inevitable.

While acknowledging President Tinubu’s New Year message, the CNPP urged the President to go beyond rhetoric. “Words alone are not enough. The President must take concrete steps to address the pressing issues facing the nation,” Ezema said

The CNPP called on opposition parties to bury their differences and form a united front to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. “Unity is not just desirable; it is essential,” Ezema concluded.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the CNPP’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved and the urgent need for political cohesion among opposition parties.

 

CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term

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2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

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2 days ago

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January 4, 2025

By

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has again commented on the next presidential election, coming up in 2027.

The former Kano State Governor expressed his discontent with individuals which he said claimed to be Northern leaders, who interfere in the selection of candidates, especially for the presidency, under the guise of representing the region.

Kwakwanso made the remarks in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service. He stated that such actions cause division among the people, disrupt democracy, and, most importantly, lead to the election of unqualified leaders.

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He emphasized that the lessons from past elections should serve as a warning to these so-called leaders, urging them to steer clear of interfering in candidate selection and imposing their will on the people.

Kwankwaso also emphasized that Northern elders, particularly those from the Northwest, should refrain from displaying favouritism in the selection of candidates.

It will be recalled that some time ago, the former governor dismissed rumours of an agreement between himself and former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, suggesting that each would serve a specific term in office.

Kwakwanso came fourth behind the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu, Atiku and Obi, in the 2023 polls.

 

2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

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APC diaspora rejects group’s ranking Tinubu among most corrupt leaders

Published

2 days ago

on

January 4, 2025

By

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

APC diaspora rejects group’s ranking Tinubu among most corrupt leaders

The former Secretary of the Committee of APC Diaspora Chairmen, Mr Ayoola Lawal has condemned the inclusion of President Bola Tinubu in the recent global corruption ranking by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

Lawal, the immediate past Chairman of the APC in Scandinavian countries in a statement on Saturday.

Questioned the basis and fairness of the ranking, which placed Tinubu amongst the world’s most corrupt leaders of 2024.

He described the ranking as “unjustified” and “lacking in merit,” emphasising that many of their allegations against Tinubu, cited as reasons for his inclusion, were historical and remained unproven.

According to him, Tinubu’s inclusion somewhat seems to be a mistake influenced by bias.

“It is utterly perplexing that the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu is being ranked based on allegations that predate his presidency and are still to be substantiated in any court of law.

“The OCCRP’s decision to include him in such a ranking appears to be more about perception than proven factual evidence,” he said.

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Lawal argued that the ranking failed to consider Tinubu’s current leadership and policy initiatives, which he described as bold and focused on economic reforms.

While acknowledging that some of Tinubu’s policies have sparked public debate, Lawal maintained that these should not overshadow his efforts to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

“ One will expect the OCCRP to focus on leaders whose actions in office have been proven to undermine public trust through corruption.

“Targeting President Tinubu with historical and unresolved allegations not only undermines his leadership but also, casts Nigeria and Nigerians in a negative light on the global stage,” he said.

Lawal urged the OCCRP to provide clearer criteria for its rankings and to avoid what he described as “selective judgment” that could harm international perceptions of developing nations.

He urged Nigerians to remain focused on holding their leaders accountable through constructive dialogue and democratic processes, rather than relying on controversial rankings that could easily be seen via bias

.“True leadership accountability comes from within, through our institutions and collective voice as a people.

“We must not allow external assessments that lack convincing standards to define our narrative without critically examining their validity.

“I hope the OCCRP will respond to criticisms of its methodology and the inclusion of Tinubu in its 2024 rankings,” he added.

APC diaspora rejects group’s ranking Tinubu among most corrupt leaders

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