Politics
2023: Osinbajo, Loyalists Visits Olubadan
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in company of notable loyalists, paid a visit on the Olubadàn of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, at his Alarere residence, in Ibadan.
The visit, on Friday, it was gathered was to seek the traditional ruler’s blessings on his presidential ambition.
This was contained in a statement issued by Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande.
Recall that the VP has been touring some states soliciting support, ahead of the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), slated for May.
The statement has it that Osinbajo was there to pay homage and seek the royal father’s blessings on his desire to take over from his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, come May 2023.
Read Also >> 2023: APC Presidential Candidate To Emerge Through Indirect Primary
The VP averred that his decision to run for the presidency was based on the conviction that he needed to put into use all the experiences he gained in the last seven years under the tutelage of President Buhari.
He used the opportunity to pay his respect and to formally inform the Olubadan of his intention to run for President.
In his words, “As you know, on April 11, 2022, I declared my intention to run for the presidency of our great land under the flag of our party, the great party, the All Progressives Congress.
“I did so while taking into account the fact that our country needs all of those who are willing to serve it to the best of their capacity and knowledge.
“With great humility and sincerity, I come to your majesty, that after serving about seven years as Vice President, and also as acting, under our President, President Muhammadu Buhari, who truly gave me every opportunity; he opened up doors in a way that most deputies may not have experienced, and entrusting a lot to my care, including very sensitive positions.
“After all of that, I felt that it would be the right thing to do, to make that experience available to the people of our country.
“By the grace of God and the will of the people, if I am voted in as the President come 2023, I believe that there is so much to do. The desire of our hearts is that our country will be much greater and will be able to attain all of the great potentials of our people.
“During these years, our president truly gave me every opportunity to know all that the government was doing, including very sensitive issues, and I, felt it would be the right thing to do, to deploy all those experiences under me to the service of the country.
“Nigeria needs those who are willing to serve, to attain her potential.
“Kabiyesi, I know that you are no more a politician. Though it is said that we are all political animals, your position as the father of all, precludes ‘Your Imperial Majesty’ from being active.
“So, I covet your prayers and want to assure Your Majesty, that wherever I may be, your highly respected position is guaranteed.”
In his response, Oba Balogun wished the vice president good luck in his desire to contest the presidential race.
“We are proud of you and share your aspiration. Just let me hand you over to the Almighty Allah, to take total control and be with you and your entourage,” Oba Balogun added.
It was gathered that the royal father also prayed for the vice president and his entourage.
Some of the dignitaries who accompanied Osinbajo were Sen. Teslim Folarin, APC, representing Oyo Central, Sen. Adamu Bulkachuwa, and APC representing Bauchi North, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), and other chieftains of the party.
Politics
2027 Election: Wike Sets Resignation Date If Tinubu Loses Rivers, FCT
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will resign from office if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to win the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made the declaration during an engagement with the leadership and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja.
The FCT Minister said his continued stay in office would depend on his ability to deliver electoral support for President Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State.
SEE ALSO: ‘You Can’t Support APC And Other Parties At The Same Time’ – Gov Lawal To Wike
According to Wike, the 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, and if Tinubu loses in the FCT and Rivers, he would announce his resignation the following day.
“If I lose FCT, I’m not supposed to be FCT Minister. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT Minister should the President lose in Rivers State and the FCT,” Wike said.
He added: “If I cannot deliver where I work, then I’m not worthy to be here.”
Wike also outlined his political strategy for the FCT, saying a multi-party coalition was being put together to secure victory for Tinubu and other supported candidates in the territory.
He declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying: “For the Presidency, it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu!”
The minister also endorsed Philip Aduda for the Senate and disclosed support for two House of Representatives candidates who, according to him, are former Area Council chairmen.
“In the FCT, we are running a unified coalition across parties to deliver results,” Wike said.
The declaration comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, with Wike positioning himself as a key figure in efforts to mobilise support for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State.
The engagement also touched on the ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to address the relocation and land allocation issues involving traders and mechanics operating around the Apo Mechanic Village corridor.
Politics
2027: ‘They’ve Shown Peter Obi More Than One Kobo, Yet He Hasn’t Backed Down’ — Afegbua
Former Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, has challenged Labour Party presidential hopeful Peter Obi over his previous “one kobo” statement on alleged indebtedness.
Afegbua made the remarks while discussing inherited liabilities and the efforts of governments to settle outstanding obligations.
According to him, the fact that an administration inherits funds alongside existing liabilities does not eliminate the responsibility to settle debts owed to individuals or institutions.
SEE MORE: ‘Obi Did Not Loot A Kobo’ — Obiaraeri Compares Peter Obi, Akpabio’s Records
Drawing a comparison with Obi, Afegbua said the former Anambra State governor had previously challenged anyone to produce evidence that he owed even one kobo, promising to back down from the presidential race if such evidence was provided.
“We are not like Peter Obi that says he’s not owing one kobo. And even if anybody—he challenges anybody that if they show him one kobo, that he should… he will back down from the race.
“They have shown him more than one kobo, he has not backed down from the race,” Afegbua said.
He illustrated his argument with a hypothetical example of a person inheriting ₦20 million from a parent who had outstanding debts of ₦18.5 million.
Afegbua said the fact that the inherited money exceeded the debt would not remove the obligation to pay those owed.
“The crux of the matter is that your dad was owing people, even though the money he gave to you was more than what he was owing people. He didn’t pay them at that time. That point must be established,” he said.
The former commissioner also criticised what he described as attempts by politicians to present themselves as moral authorities despite controversies surrounding their records.
“You see, it is very difficult for people to wear the—I said it the last time I came here—for people to wear the moralist’s garb and begin to preach morality when the evidences before them do not portray that moralist badge that they try to wear,” he said.
Afegbua further pointed to Obi’s long history in public life, noting that the former Anambra governor had been a prominent public figure for years, including his time in the banking sector.
“So, Peter Obi has not been living in isolation. He has been a public figure for quite a long time when he got into Fidelity Bank, became its chairman, and all of that,” Afegbua said.
He added that Obi should not, in his view, present scenarios that do not reflect reality.
“And he should not be bamboozling us with all kinds of scenarios that don’t exist,” he added.
Afegbua’s comments come amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Recalls that Obi has previously made public challenges over claims concerning his record. In a recent interview, he also said he would withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if anyone established that any of the academic credentials he presented were false.
“If they find anyone wrong, I will drop from the race,” Obi said.
Politics
2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
The Ogun State Police Command has commenced early preparations for the 2027 General Elections, urging political actors and other stakeholders to work together to prevent violence and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The Command began a two-day stakeholders’ workshop on Tuesday at Event Towers, Ibara, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Elections, Security, The Law, Stakeholders & The Media.”
SEE ALSO: Ogun Deep Seaport: Abiodun Thanks Tinubu, Says 30-Year Dream Becoming Reality
The workshop, organised in collaboration with the Development Communication Research Centre Ltd. (DCRC), brought together representatives of security agencies, electoral institutions, political parties, the media, legal and human rights bodies, professional associations and community organisations.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Rtd. AIG Sola Subair, said security agencies, electoral institutions, political parties, the media and other stakeholders had a collective responsibility to preserve electoral peace and protect the democratic process.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, stressed that election security should not begin on election day.
He called for early preparation, professionalism, political neutrality, intelligence sharing, respect for fundamental rights and stronger coordination among stakeholders throughout the electoral cycle.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to deploy its personnel and resources professionally to maintain a safe and peaceful environment before, during and after the elections.
The Commissioner also warned against allowing criminal elements and political violence to undermine the electoral process, stressing the need for stakeholders to operate within the law.
The workshop features participation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Amotekun Corps, So-Safe Corps, vigilante groups, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association, Police Community Relations Committee, political parties, media organisations and civil society groups.
Professor Bolu John Folayan, Executive Consultant to the workshop, said stakeholders needed a clearer understanding of their respective responsibilities under the 1999 Constitution, Electoral Act and Police Act.
According to him, improved knowledge of these responsibilities would strengthen coordination and reduce avoidable friction during elections.
The technical sessions include a keynote presentation by Professor Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf on the relationship between elections, security, the law, professional conduct and responsible communication.
The workshop will continue on Wednesday, September 30, with sessions focusing on election security, stakeholder responsibilities, community engagement, media relations and contemporary social media management.
The Ogun Police Command said the initiative forms part of its proactive approach to election security and its commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral environment across the state.





