Politics

Rivers won’t vote for president along party lines, says Wike

Published

4 years ago

November 17, 2022

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike

Party affiliation, ethnicity or religion will not determine the February 25, 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike said yesterday.

He also listed equity, justice and fairness as the conditions for truce between the leadership of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the aggrieved Group of Five (G5) governors.

Apart from Wike, other G5 members are: Samuel Ortom (Benue); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ngwuanyi (Enugu).

They are asking Dr. Iyorcha Ayu to quit as PDP national chairman to pave the way for a Southerner to step in, arguing that Ayu (from the North) cannot hold on to the position when Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (another northern) is the party’s presidential candidate.

Wike spoke yesterday when former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole inaugurated a flyover located in Rumueprikon, his country home in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt.

The flyover is the eighth implemented by the Wike administration in the state.

The governor said Nigeria was in dire need of unity, justice and equity, adding that the next election would not be based on party, ethnicity and religion.

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He said it was unacceptable for anybody to say people should not be voted for because they were not from a particular ethnic group or religion.

Wike said: “What we require in this country today is united, one Nigeria. This how all of us can see ourselves as one and how we can see ourselves as our brothers’ keepers.

“We need a Nigeria that all us can be proud of, that I will know that truly I am not a second class citizen, that the same right you have is the same right I have, the same opportunity you have is the same opportunity that I have. There is no need of saying if you are not from this place people will not vote for you. We don’t want that.

On the condition for truce, Wike clarified that the group of five governors fighting for inclusiveness in PDP will spurn any reconciliation not based on the principles of equity, justice and fairness.

He renewed their position that elective offices must be shared equally between the North and the South in the opposition party ahead of the 2023 general election.

Wike said: “People will praise you but the day you say no, they will oppose you. I am sure those of them in my party, before they cannot say anything without mentioning Wike. But now because I said let the right thing be done, I have now become an enemy. These are people who are praising me everything.

“And some people believe they won’t obey an agreement but we say it must be done. We stand for equity, fairness and justice. That is what the G5 will continue to preach. We have said we are not against reconciliation but it must be based on equity, fairness and justice”.

Rivers governor regrets supporting Obaseki, apologises to Oshiomhole

The governor expressed regret for supporting the re-election of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He apologised to Oshiomole for all his utterances in the run-up to the election of Obaseki for second term.

The Rivers governor, however, recalled that Oshiomhole, when he held sway as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vigorously opposed his relection in 2019, accusing the former Edo helmsman of deploying soldiers to frustrate him.

He said Oshiomhole’s ouster as the APC Chairman brought a lot of relief to opposition parties, describing the former chairman as tough and strong.

Wike said: “I use this opportunity to apologise to you. I came to Edo State to make sure your candidate didn’t win the election. I was virtually in charge of everything. And I said you wouldn’t win and you didn’t win. That assignment had been done and we now know who is who. I want to tell my people that I sincerely apologise to you. I want to sincerely apologise for all the things I said that time.

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“But you too, you peppered me here. During 2019 election, you sent all the soldiers, but the people stood firm and resisted it. So, you did me one and I did you one. So, we forgive ourselves. Now, we are friends. Let bygones be bygones. You did me, I retaliated.

“The Bible says when someone does you bad, you shouldn’t retaliate. But in politics, when someone does you bad, you retaliate because if you don’t retaliate, you don’t know whether you will survive the next one. Politics is not religion at all. If not that we were firm, your party needed this state badly.

“Your President has given us an award as the best in infrastructure. So, I don’t know again what you will use to campaign in the state again because I am carrying the certificate everywhere I am going to. So, you people should surrender. There is no need of campaigning in this state.

“People like you that had worked in your state are the people I invite to commission projects that impact on lives of the people. We know you, you always show strength and that is why when you were showing strength in your party, some people did not like it and they ganged up to remove you.

“Nigerians don’t like anything that is straight. They will find a way to circumvent it to make sure the person who is trying to do it is taken out. “But Gods time is the best. We were happy that you left because you were too strong. Anybody who watched you talk, sometimes the opposition did not know what to say again. So, the day you were removed, we thanked God because you gave us a lot of heat.”

The governor explained his choice of some key opposition leaders to inaugurate projects implemented by his administration.

He said no law stipulated otherwise, adding: “Party is like a conveyor belt. It is a vehicle to take you to your destination. You come down from that vehicle and focus on governance. Governance doesn’t know party. It doesn’t know ethnicity and it doesn’t know about religion. It is for everybody, those who supported you and those, who did not support you.

“Many people have been saying why am I inviting other people to come and inaugurate projects and I am not inviting people in my party. First, no law says I must only invite my party members to come and inaugurate my projects.

“When you invite other parties, they come and see really whether what they hear is correct. I am sure when Adams Oshiomhole goes back he will says all those things I heard, I went and saw and all are correct.

“In fact, tomorrow, Peter Obi is coming. He is not in my party. On Monday, Kwankwaso is coming.”

He said the eighth flyover and ninth flyover at Nkpolu-Oroworokwo that were awarded in July were all delivered at record time.”

He said: “This is the eighth flyover and the ninth flyovers will be commissioned tomorrow by Peter Obi. Last year June, July we flagged off the Nkpolu-Oroworokwo Flyover and the same period we flagged off this particular flyover. So within a year these two flyovers had been completed.

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“I want to say authoritatively that we are not owing a dime as far as this flyover is concerned. Before development there must be some discomfort. I have told the contractor to go and complete all other roads that had not been completed in my community before I leave office.

“This is my community, if I don’t do it now I don’t know who will do it. I don’t want to wait for my successor because he too has his community. Let me finish my community so that when he comes he will face his community. If everybody comes and work like that, the entire state will be developed.”

Inaugurating the project, Oshiomhole, distanced himself from any military invasion of Rivers during the 2019 election, saying he was never in charge of the armed forces.

He commended Wike for inviting him and some opposition leaders to inaugurate projects, saying that when he was the Edo governor, he invited Peter Obi to open some projects in his state.

Oshiomhole harped on the need for politicians to keep to their agreements and fulfill their promises.

Describing Wike as his Man of the Year for maintaining his steadfastness in demanding equity and justice in PDP, Oshiomhole said the governor merited the award conferred on him as best in infrastructures by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “In a democracy, yes, we need political parties and we need to contest elections, but in doing so; when we make promises and people give us the benefit of the doubts, when the election session is over we should move away from politics to projects.

“Our is not very generous in praising people. He does not flatter people and that is why it took him seven years to confer his first national honours. He told me you don’t throw honours away. You have to honour people who rally merit it. You can see you are one of the very few and I think yours was particularly celebrated.

“The President Buhari finds in your person, in spite of your statements about his government, worthy of that honour as Mr. Project. I think Rivers people should be proud. Governor Wike has truly transformed this city. Even the worst critic will admit that Governor Wike has made a difference.

“You made a difference, not just in projects. I join you in saying that a country should not be governed by people who cannot be trusted; when politicians make statements, promises and agreements and refuse to obey them. When they default, they will say it is politics.”

Politics

Atiku Accuses Obasanjo of Distorting History, Defends Role in Third-Term Battle

Published

1 day ago

August 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Atiku Accuses Obasanjo of Distorting History, Defends Role in Third-Term Battle

ABUJA – Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of attempting to rewrite history, insisting that he has no regrets for opposing the controversial third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Obasanjo’s recent public comments reflected “personal resentment” rather than historical facts.

According to the former vice president, his opposition to the third-term agenda was driven by his commitment to Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.

“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition,” Atiku said.

He maintained that no individual was greater than Nigeria, stressing that democracy ultimately triumphed over what he described as an unconstitutional bid to extend presidential tenure.

Atiku also claimed that the hostility between him and Obasanjo stemmed from his refusal to support the third-term project, saying he would wear any resentment arising from that decision “as a badge of honour.”

The former vice president further argued that history would remember the constitutional struggle as a victory for democracy rather than a personal feud between two political figures.

Atiku also referenced recent remarks by Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly praised the economic management team under the Obasanjo administration, saying the commendation underscored the contributions made during his tenure as vice president.

He alleged that despite such recognition, Obasanjo remained determined to downplay his role in what he described as one of Nigeria’s most successful periods of economic management.

The ADC presidential candidate also recalled supporting Obasanjo during his imprisonment under the late military regime, claiming he assisted his family, worked for his release, and later helped mobilise political structures that contributed to Obasanjo’s emergence as president in 1999.

While saying he did not regret those efforts, Atiku warned against what he described as attempts to replace gratitude with historical revisionism.

He expressed disappointment that, at a time when Nigeria faces economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, a former president was focusing on old political disagreements instead of offering solutions to national challenges.

“The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria, restoring security, reviving the economy and giving hope to the next generation—not reopening old political wounds,” he said.

Atiku added that although he had maintained silence over the years out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once occupied, he would no longer allow what he called repeated distortions of history to go unanswered.

He concluded by saying his focus remained on Nigeria’s future, declaring that “history is stubborn” and that both history and the Nigerian people would ultimately deliver their verdict.

Atiku Accuses Obasanjo of Distorting History, Defends Role in Third-Term Battle

Politics

INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election

Published

2 days ago

August 1, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima

INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the public display of the personal particulars, academic credentials and nomination documents submitted by candidates participating in the 2027 general election, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The exercise is part of the statutory nomination process and provides members of the public with an opportunity to inspect the information and supporting documents submitted by candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

INEC publishes Tinubu Shettima s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 polls INEC had fixed August 1 for the publication of the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates after political parties completed the submission of their nomination documents through the commission’s designated portal. (Punch Newspapers)

Documents contained in President Tinubu’s Form EC9 show that he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University in the United States.

His academic transcript indicates that the degree was awarded “with honours” on June 22, 1979.

The documents also include a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate showing that Tinubu completed his mandatory national service in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.

According to the employment history provided in the nomination form, Tinubu worked at Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992 before leaving for what was described as “advancement.”

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The form also records his service as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and indicates that he has served under the Federal Government since 2023.

While the form lists his university qualification, the sections relating to his primary and secondary school attendance contain the entry “0000,” with no specific years stated.

The documents list Tinubu’s date of birth as March 29, 1952, and describe his occupation as “politician.”

The nomination documents submitted by Vice President Kashim Shettima provide details of his educational background from the primary school level.

His Certificate of Primary Education, issued by the Ministry of Education of the former North-Eastern State, indicates that he attended Lamisula I Primary School between 1972 and 1978.

The certificate states that Shettima graduated second in a class of 22 pupils, with English, History and Religious Knowledge listed among his strongest subjects.

His West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, dated June 1983, records six credits and passes, including distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics.

Shettima later obtained a Second Class Upper Division degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in August 1989.

He subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.

His NYSC discharge certificate shows that he completed the national service programme between October 1989 and October 1990.

INEC said the publication of candidates’ personal particulars is intended to promote transparency and enable public scrutiny of the information submitted by political parties on behalf of their candidates.

The commission explained that Form EC9 contains candidates’ personal information, educational qualifications, supporting credentials and sworn declarations.

The documents have been displayed at designated INEC offices across the country, including state and local government offices linked to the relevant constituencies.

Members of the public may inspect the documents and, where necessary, seek certified true copies of candidates’ nomination forms and supporting records through the procedures provided by law.

The electoral framework also provides legal channels for eligible persons to challenge alleged false declarations, inaccurate information or forged credentials before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The public display does not amount to an independent verification or endorsement by INEC of every detail contained in the submitted documents. Rather, it forms part of the electoral nomination process and allows the public to review candidates’ particulars and pursue any concerns through established legal procedures.

The publication comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general election, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027. (INEC Nigeria)

The public display of the candidates’ records marks another major stage in the electoral process as political parties intensify preparations for the nationwide polls.

INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election

Politics

Naming Atiku as My Running Mate in 1999 My Biggest Political Error – Obasanjo

Published

2 days ago

August 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Atiku Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo

Naming Atiku as My Running Mate in 1999 My Biggest Political Error – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says picking Atiku Abubakar as his vice-presidential candidate remains the greatest mistake of his political career, though he harbours no bitterness over their fractured relationship.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his decision to select former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election as the greatest mistake of his political career. Obasanjo made the remark on Friday in Lagos during a fireside conversation with veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy. The event was held to unveil Charly Boy’s foundation and his memoir, 999: A Memoir in Tribute to Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. The public presentation took place at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre on Osborne Road, Ikoyi. Reflecting on his years in office, the former president said that while every leader makes mistakes, his choice of vice president remained the one decision he regretted most. “The man I picked as my running mate, my number two. If I had known him as I came to know him later, I would not have picked him,” Obasanjo said. When Charly Boy sought clarification on whether he was referring to Atiku, Obasanjo replied, “My vice president. I don’t know what name you want to give him, but my vice president, I mean that.”

Despite his scathing assessment, Obasanjo insisted he harbours no personal bitterness toward his former deputy. “There is no bitterness because he did things he believed he should do, and God did the things God had to do, which enabled me to achieve what I was able to achieve,” he added. Obasanjo expressed gratitude that Atiku’s actions did not derail his administration or harm Nigeria. “What I know about him later makes me… thank God because God did not allow his actions and reactions to overwhelm me, or to divert my own focus from Nigeria, or to harm Nigeria even,” he said.

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The former president also addressed recurring discussions about his ancestry, insisting that his family traces its roots to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. “I still know our family house there,” he said.

The event drew several distinguished guests, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; businessman Leo Stan Ekeh, who announced donations of N20 million each on behalf of Obasanjo and Chief Emeka Anyaoku; book reviewer Dr. Austin Tam-George; and veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, among other notable personalities.

Obasanjo and Atiku contested the 1999 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and jointly governed Nigeria from 1999 until 2007. Their relationship, however, deteriorated during their second term in office following a series of political disagreements. In his memoir, My Watch, published in 2014, Obasanjo accused Atiku of corruption, disloyalty, and placing personal ambition above national interest. Atiku dismissed the allegations, accusing Obasanjo of attempting to rewrite history. The verbal exchanges intensified recently after Obasanjo alleged that Atiku gave former Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba N5 million to begin impeachment proceedings against him during his first term. Atiku denied the allegation and accused the ex-president of fabricating claims.