Politics
I can’t wait to call you my president, Chimamanda pens glowing tribute to Obi at 61
By Paul Eso
Renowned novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, has penned a glowing tribute to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, as he celebrated his 61 years birthday on Tuesday.
Adiche in a goodwill message via her verified Facebook handle, said she could not wait to call the former governor of Anambra State her president.
The award-winning author of Purple Hibiscus, disclosed that she was inspired by Obi’s intellectual curiosity, eagerness to learn, and his genuine love of education.
“I have always admired your humane pragmatism, how you are willing to talk to almost anyone if it will bring about a good outcome, and how you believe in certain ideals without being an ideologue.
“And how you see people as people, knowing that human value is not measured in material terms. And how you have always been consistent in the core of who you are.
“I cannot wait to call you ‘My President.’ I cannot wait for February 25, 2023, when I, with personal pride in you and with hope for what Nigeria can become, will cast my vote for you and your running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed”, she started.
The message further read: “I will never forget your kindness to my beloved parents. Thank you for the respect you showed them, for your many visits to Abba, where you gave to Daddy and Mummy the most precious gifts: your time and your attention.
“Thank you for walking this still-unbearable journey of grief with my siblings and me. I remember how you regaled Daddy and Mummy with your stories until we started joking about your obsession with the ‘GDP of Malaysia.’
“But your obsession spoke of hope: your hope for Nigeria, your belief in what Nigeria could be. A belief that has always been practical, grounded in numbers and in reality.
“I remember when you came to support me as I was being honored by the United Nations Foundation in New York, and I teased you about the inexpensive hotel you were staying in, and you shrugged and said, ‘it’s just a place to sleep, why do I need to be in an expensive place?’
READ ALSO: MENP’s Ezekwueme Lauds Obi at 61
“And then only days later, you once again exhibited your incredible generosity to the causes you believe in, and it reminded me of all the hospitals and schools and churches you have supported over the years, and often without fanfare. You have always been clear about what your priorities are, what matters to you, what you believe should matter, and that is deeply admirable.
“Thank you for your compassion and your circumspection. For your honesty and your humour. For your willingness to acknowledge flaws, yours and others’, knowing that nobody is perfect. For your fuss-free kindness and your humility that is never performative.
“I am inspired by your intellectual curiosity, your eagerness to learn, your genuine love of education (which is why you sought out, and honored, Daddy all those years ago when you learned that he was Nigeria’s first professor of statistics.)
“Sometimes it is the simplest of language that captures the most complex of things, and so I will end with simplicity: You are a good man. You are loved. You are appreciated.
“May your eyes continue to light up when you talk about the lovely confident Margaret (Thank God she agreed for you!) and your lovely children, A and E. May joy follow you and yours always. Mummy called you her ‘first son,’ my siblings and I call you our ‘big bro.’ Chukwu dube gi. God Keep you. With love, Chimamanda.”
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.
ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back
“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.
NNPC Refineries will Never Work Again – Obasanjo
Ojulari Drives Nigeria’s Crude Oil Output to 5-Year High
Airlines Threaten Shutdown over Skyrocketing Fuel Price
Dangote Leads East Africa’s Industrial Revolution
NNPC Ltd Denies Selling Refinery Scrap
Why Osun is Tapping into $2 Trillion Global Creative Industry Economy
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
