Politics
‘Go After More Sponsors Of Opposition’ – Coalition To Tinubu
A pressure group has urged President Bola Tinubu to go after all those who sponsored his opponents as a run up to the 2023 presidential election.
With the president having suspended and handed Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele over to the Department of State Services (DSS), tongues are wagging that Emefiele is facing the music for daring to stand between President Tinubu and his ambition.
Now, a call has gone from the Coalition of Northern Patriots (CNP) to the president to met out the same measures to the managing director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, and his counterpart at the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime.
The CNP alleged that the duo bankrolled the presidential ambition of the former governor of Rivers State and former minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi from proceeds of corruption.
The coalition made the call in a statement signed by its president, Samson Aaron.
The CNP is of the opinion that Bello-Koko and Jime are corrupt for which they want the president to probe their activities with a view to bringing them to justice.
According to Aaron, after the duo wasted millions on Amaechi’s presidential bid that failed, they went ahead to use taxpayers’ money to fund the campaign of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This, Aaron claimed was on Amaechi’s instructions.
He maintained that Bello-Kobo and Jime have turned their agencies into Amaechi’s cash cow, which has seen them operate with high-handedness, impunity, and disrespect for constituted authorities.
In his opinion, Amaechi wanted Hadiza Usman out of the way for his selfish purpose of entrenching criminality and fraud, especially in the maritime sector.
He is also of the position that at the NPA and NSC, fraud through kickbacks and money laundering have become the order of the day just to meet the demands of their boss.
The CNP averred that the duo of Bello-Koko and Jime are bad eggs in the current administration, who must be dismissed forthwith.
Aaron urged president Tinubu not to stop at the CBN only, as the president’s decisiveness has brought renewed hope to the masses.
In his words, “The suspension and arrest of Godwin Emefiele came as a relief to many Nigerians. It showed that the President is out to sanitise the mess he met on the ground.
“While this is the right step, we have pieces of evidence that there are even more unscrupulous individuals still in government. These bad eggs will soon contaminate the system if not fished out.
“The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, and Emmanuel Jime, his counterpart at the Nigerian Shippers Council, should be investigated. We have enough proof to back this claim.
“Bello-Koko and Jime funded the failed presidential bid of Rotimi Amaechi, whom they see as their boss. They carried this out with efficiency after the sack of Hadiza Usman.
“And when Amaechi lost the APC ticket, he ordered his loyalists to use taxpayers’ money to sponsor Atiku to defeat Tinubu. They failed again. These individuals have become so powerful that they carry out high-level fraud, bribery, and money laundering.
“We, therefore, call on the president to probe these two and prosecute them if found guilty. This administration started on a strong foot and it must sustain it by going all out for other corrupt officials.”
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.
Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.
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“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.
The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.
He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.
Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.
In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.
He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.
Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.
He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.
There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.
The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.
However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.
ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition
Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.
SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.
He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.
In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.
The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.
Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.
The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.
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