Amid growing political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 presidential election, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been urged to lead efforts to unify opposition parties to challenge the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The call was made by Salihu Lukman, a former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), in an open letter titled ‘Satanic Leadership and Nigeria’s Boiling Point’, released yesterday in Abuja.
Lukman warned that disunity within opposition parties would make it easier for President Tinubu to secure a second term. He called on Obasanjo and former leaders such as General Yakubu Gowon, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari to lead efforts to rally opposition parties.
He emphasised the moral obligation of these statesmen to guide opposition figures towards forming a functional political party capable of fostering credible leadership in Nigeria.
Highlighting defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Lukman expressed concern over a repeat of the 2023 election, where divisions within the opposition reportedly helped the APC secure victory.
The former APC National Vice Chairman stressed the need to put Nigeria on the path of sustainable development by ensuring the emergence of what he termed “Godly leaders.”
“It is not enough to lament about the fact of satanic leadership in the country,” Lukman said. “Unless past leaders assert their moral authority to lead the emergence of Godly leaders, it is as good as enabling President Tinubu’s second term and perpetuating failed leadership at all levels.”
He appealed to Obasanjo to declare support for unity among opposition parties and to correct mistakes that, he argued, have facilitated the emergence of substandard leaders.
Recalling the formation of the PDP in 1998, Lukman commended the collaborative efforts of patriotic Nigerians that resulted in Obasanjo’s presidency in 1999. However, he criticised Obasanjo for what he described as his role in institutionalising candidate imposition and electoral malpractices during his tenure.
He noted: “Ahead of the 2007 elections under your leadership, the practice of candidate imposition became a political norm in the PDP. This weakened democratic structures and paved the way for undemocratic practices.”
Lukman also referenced alleged electoral irregularities during Obasanjo’s administration, particularly under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by Professor Maurice Iwu. He claimed that results for the 2007 presidential election were announced before collation was concluded.
“I am not bringing this up to indict you,” Lukman clarified. “Rather, I hope these examples help you reflect on your own mistakes. Addressing the twin challenges of candidate imposition and electoral rigging is crucial if you are to play a meaningful role in producing credible leaders for Nigeria.”
Lukman concluded by urging Obasanjo and other former leaders to unite the opposition and prioritise the creation of a robust political platform for the 2027 elections.
Also, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the naira, describing them as detrimental to Nigerians.
In a statement signed by his Executive Assistant on New Media, Felix Ofou, Oborevwori argued that the purported benefits of these policies had been eroded by naira devaluation and spiralling inflation. He alleged that Tinubu’s economic measures had triggered unprecedented hunger, poverty, and unemployment, turning Nigeria into the “poverty capital of the world.”
The governor was responding to remarks by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, at a recent All Progressives Congress (APC) event. Omo-Agege had praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, attributing them to increased federal allocations, rising economic growth rates, declining imports, higher exports, and better incomes for farmers.
Omo-Agege also accused the Delta State government of failing to deliver meaningful development projects despite receiving over N900 billion in federal allocations over the past 18 months. He alleged that the funds had been mismanaged, with debts consuming the bulk of the revenue.
Oborevwori dismissed these claims, questioning the relevance of increased federal allocations amidst inflation and widespread economic hardship. He challenged Omo-Agege’s assertions, saying, “Can we really talk of increased money in any state in Nigeria? What is the worth of such money in the face of galloping inflation, gross devaluation of the naira, unparalleled hunger, mass poverty, mass unemployment, and the daily closure of major factories and multinationals in the country?”
The governor also cited reports by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), which, he claimed, confirmed the failure of Tinubu’s economic policies. “Both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have rightly stated that Tinubu’s economic policies are not working. These policies have transformed Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world, with over 130 million people living below the poverty line,” he said.
Oborevwori further rejected Omo-Agege’s suggestion that Delta State emulate the APC’s economic model, describing it as one that worsens poverty and hardship.
“Is this the model that Omo-Agege is recommending for Delta to copy? A model that has unleashed economic hardship on the people? Why would anyone recommend APC’s T-pain as a remedy to our woes? Obviously, this is not a path desirable for Deltans,” the statement added.
The governor called for caution against adopting policies that exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians.
HOWEVER, the North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum threw its weight behind President Tinubu for a second term, declaring its support for his re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued yesterday following a meeting in Abuja, the Forum, chaired by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, stated that the North-Central region has benefited significantly from Tinubu’s administration since he assumed office in 2023.
The Forum praised the President for prioritising infrastructure, appointments, and security in the region, noting that his policies have brought unprecedented development to the North-Central.
The endorsement comes amid mounting opposition to Tinubu’s re-election bid by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and its youth wing, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF).
The ACF, in a communiqué signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, recently announced plans to back northern candidates for the 2027 elections. Similarly, AYCF President Alhaji Shettima Yerima said the North regrets supporting Tinubu in the 2023 polls, warning that a lack of improvements in socio-economic conditions could jeopardise Tinubu’s re-election prospects.
But the North-Central APC Forum dismissed these concerns, maintaining that Tinubu has demonstrated bold leadership and delivered tangible benefits to the region.
In its statement, the Forum highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to address insecurity in the region, which it described as a marked improvement over previous administrations.
“The current level of insecurity in the North-Central is significantly lower than what was experienced in the past. Farmers who previously could not go to their farms due to insecurity can now cultivate and harvest their crops, thanks to the President’s directives to security agencies,” the Forum noted.
It also commended Tinubu’s economic reforms, pointing to the recent strengthening of the naira, increased oil production, and improved foreign reserves as indicators of progress. The Forum expressed optimism that these policies would lead to lower petroleum prices and reduced inflation in the near future.
“No administration since the return to democracy in 1999 has given the North-Central as many opportunities as President Tinubu’s. His infrastructural projects and appointments have had a profound impact on the region, and we believe he deserves a second term to consolidate these gains,” the Forum said.
The Forum urged Tinubu to further extend developmental projects to the North-Central and expressed confidence that he would assent to the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) when the National Assembly passes the bill.
The Forum also welcomed recent defections of Labour Party lawmakers to the APC in Plateau State, describing them as signs of growing acceptance for Tinubu’s leadership in the region.
“We anticipate more defections of lawmakers and political officeholders from other parties to the APC in the coming days,” the statement added.
While calling for the continued support of all Nigerians, the Forum emphasised that Tinubu’s leadership was vital for Nigeria’s economic recovery and stability.
“We urge Nigerians to rally behind the President to deepen the gains of his reform policies. With his bold initiatives and track record, Tinubu is the right person to continue leading Nigeria towards greater prosperity,” it concluded.
The Forum assured Tinubu of the unwavering support of the North-Central region, pledging to work tirelessly for his re-election in 2027.
This came as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) declared its intention to no longer serve as a platform for politicians seeking to achieve personal ambitions before defecting to other parties.
The party made this known during its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting yesterday, where its National Chairman, Dr Ralph Okey Nwosu, highlighted efforts to rebuild and strengthen the party.
Nwosu disclosed that through the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, the ADC has resolved internal differences and unified its members under a single political platform.
Reflecting on the party’s journey since its founding in 2006, Nwosu noted that the ADC has participated in Nigeria’s electoral process for nearly two decades, adding, “By 2027, we must get it right. If I offended you, this is the time to forgive so we can make progress.”
He revealed plans to forge alliances with parties such as the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) to expand their political influence, expressing optimism about ADC becoming Nigeria’s leading political party by 2025.
While lamenting the lack of political ideology among Nigerian politicians, Nwosu said the party is undergoing a rebuilding process, which includes lifting sanctions on some members. He described the NEC meeting as a new beginning, emphasising the importance of institutional development in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The ADC, which has fielded presidential candidates in every election since 2007, has faced challenges with candidates defecting after elections. Despite the polarisation caused by its 2023 presidential candidate, Nwosu affirmed that the party is committed to fostering love and unity, especially during the festive season.
He urged members to aspire for electoral success, stating, “Some of us will end up working in the villa, and some of you will be elected into offices. When we achieve this, the sky will be our limit.”
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has dismissed rumours circulating on social media suggesting he has defected to the APC.
In a statement issued yesterday, Mutfwang described the claims as the work of mischief makers seeking to mislead the public and cast doubt on his loyalty to the PDP.
The governor specifically condemned doctored content showing him alongside APC governors, allegedly preparing to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Edo State. He denounced the fabrication as a deliberate attempt to create confusion and undermine his allegiance to the PDP.
Reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, under which he secured the mandate to lead Plateau State, Mutfwang stated that he had never considered leaving the party.
He reassured party members in Plateau State and the North Central Zone that consultations with stakeholders are ongoing to address unresolved issues within the party. The governor also highlighted the success of the recent PDP governors’ meeting hosted in Plateau State, which he said reflected the principles of equity, justice, and fairness upheld by the party’s founders.
Source: Guardian
