The South-East zone of the All Progressives Congress has set its sight on the positions of Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation if the presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, wins the 2023 general elections.
The development was disclosed by a top party chieftain in the South-East, who craved anonymity.
The source disclosed that a delegation was scheduled to meet with Tinubu with their demands when he returned to the country.
“If the South-West has the presidency while both the North-West and North-East are still negotiating for running mate, it is only fair to allow the South-East take the senate presidency and SGF,” he said.
When contacted, Deputy National Chairman (South) and former South-East chairman of the party, Emmanuel Enekwu, denied having knowledge of any agitation for senate presidency or SGF from his region.
He said, “I have no knowledge of such demands. The APC has not started allocating offices to any region or persons. Our interest is how to win elections because you can’t share offices without winning elections.
“We have a presidential candidate that demands that all hands must be on deck. Nobody enjoys any booty or loot before the war. That can only happen after the hostility ends.
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But when reminded that sources have confirmed that negotiations were ongoing by top APC chieftains from the South-East region, Enekwu said such a move could not be ruled out.
The South-East APC chairman, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, also said, “I cannot say I am unaware the zone desires some inclusiveness in the incoming administration. However, I have not been consulted on the exact position they are looking at. I believe that the incoming president will be fair enough to consider the zone for some arrangements but we have not asked for the specific positions.”
On whether Tinubu had met with South-East leaders and stakeholders lately, the South-East chairman said he met with the zonal caucus of the party.
He added, “That was shortly after the primary. He met with the South-East caucus, ably led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. He (Tinubu) consulted with us and pleaded for our support at the 2023 general elections.
“We assured him that he will receive our maximum support in our zone. We had a very robust conversation with him. But we didn’t go as far as asking for any specific positions. I believe he knows the right thing to do.”
When asked on APC chances of pulling votes from the South East, he said the party had a firm support base in the zone.
“We cannot also rule out the fact that (Peter) Obi (of the Labour Party) is making a lot of publicity. Our chances are bright and will further be enhanced once Obi split the PDP votes. It won’t diminish our votes,” he added.
The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Anambra State, Mr Okelo Madukaife, said the South-East caucus of the party had scheduled a meeting where a decision would be taken on what should come to the zone.
Madukaife did not state when the meeting would take place. He added, “The South-East caucus will decide on that. But the question should not be what position South East needs, not necessarily what position, but strategy.
“Regarding other positions, yes senate presidency is there and so is Speaker of the House of Representatives in the elective category. But first senators and members of House of Representatives have to emerge from the South-East and they should add to the majority.
“So, Ndigbo needs to vote for the APC to satisfy the first condition and join others in other zones to meet the second.”
‘Tinubu’ll accommodate Ndigbo’
The Imo State chapter of the APC has said Tinubu will accommodate the people of South-East if elected the president.
The Publicity Secretary of APC in Imo State, Cajetan Duke, told one of our correspondents in an interview, “There are many good and juicy positions Ndigbo and Imo State will get if by the grace of God APC wins the presidential election. But we must be fully integrated. We have to work to ensure that APC wins all the states in the South-East. We have to use what we have to get what we want.”
He said that the South East would not be demanding for any position until the party wins the presidential election and majority seats in the senate.
‘Can’t share positions’
The Zonal Secretary of the APC in the zone, Chief Augustine Onyedebelu, has said the party is not after sharing of office until the presidential election is won.
Onyedebelu said, “Until you win an election you have nothing to share. I want to believe that when the election is won, a very good position will be given to the people of the South-East to ensure that we are truly part of the system and part of the leadership.”
‘APC must bargain’
Also speaking, the spokesperson for the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, said it would be in the best interest of all major political parties to bargain with the South-East region.
He said, “Although it is not in the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to begin permutations at this time, it would be in the best interest of all political gladiators to begin to bargain for the best for the South-East region. All the gladiators from all major political parties have a duty to bargain for what will be best for the South-East region. At the proper time, we will have a meeting with the South-East elders and chieftains and decide on the most favourable equation for the region.”
PUNCH
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
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 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.
Naming Atiku as My Running Mate in 1999 My Biggest Political Error – Obasanjo
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.
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