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Tag: Obi

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    Even if Atiku Abubakar decides to step down and mobilize northern support for a joint ticket between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the assumption that such a coalition would automatically translate into nationwide victory is overly simplistic.

    Nigeria’s electoral map is not a tap you turn on with endorsements. It is a complex web of ethnic loyalties, political structures, grassroots mobilization, and, most importantly, voter trust.

    The phrase “it won’t fly beyond Onitsha Head Bridge” is symbolic. Onitsha Head Bridge represents the cultural and political boundary many believe limits Obi’s core strength to the Southeast. While Obi enjoys passionate support, especially among young voters and urban populations, translating that energy into widespread national acceptance remains a major hurdle.

    On the other hand, Kwankwaso commands influence in parts of the North, particularly among his loyal “Kwankwasiyya” base. But even that influence is not absolute across the entire northern region. Northern politics itself is fragmented—religion, ethnicity, and local interests all play heavy roles.

    Even if Atiku throws his weight behind them, it doesn’t mean the North will vote as one bloc. Nigerian voters are becoming more independent, more skeptical of political “arrangements,” and less willing to follow elite directives blindly.

    Beyond regional dynamics, there’s also the issue of political structure. Elections are not won on social media enthusiasm or elite endorsements alone—they are won at polling units, ward by ward, with strong party machinery. That is where many alliances collapse.

    So the real question is not whether a coalition can be formed—but whether it can build trust across regions, penetrate local political structures, and convince Nigerians that it represents more than just a strategic merger of ambitions.

    Until then, any ticket—no matter how attractive on paper—risks remaining exactly that: attractive on paper.

    #NigeriaPolitics #2027Elections #Atiku #PeterObi #Kwankwaso #PowerPlay #PoliticalReality #NigeriaDecides #CoalitionPolitics #NaijaVotes

  • Tinubu vindicated as opposition coalition collapsed under the weight of Atiku, Obi’s lust for power-Group

    Tinubu vindicated as opposition coalition collapsed under the weight of Atiku, Obi’s lust for power-Group

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    The Democratic Front (TDF) has said that the collapse of the opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu has vindicated its position on wrongful accusation about the Presidency’s hand in the internal crisis that bedevilled the African Democratic Congress (ADC).h

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary Chief Wale Adedayo TDF said the collapse reflected the inability of the key players to keep their ambition in check.

    It said: “In our previous press statements, we kicked against the deceptive rhetoric being pushed around by the ADC and its hordes of disgruntled and discredited political agents that were heaping blame on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the internal wrangling for the control of ADC among its leadership.

    “TDF was never under any illusion to doubt the fact that excessive greed for power between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi, was responsible for the factionalization and destabilisation of the opposition camp in the country, as against allegations of an imaginary plan to foist a one-party state on Nigeria.

    “With the collapse of the ill-conceived coalition, Atiku and Obi’s heretical falsehood against President Tinubu has been exposed and neutralised in the public space. It is now crystal clear to all and sundry that the duo of desperate politicians represented no clear-cut political ideology or economic policy direction.

    “We are convinced that Atiku and Obi are only out to manipulate the media and public sentiments as a means to grab power for personal aggrandisement.”

    The group also dismissed the proposed visit by former Vice President Abubakar to the United States.

    “It is instructive to also note that the collapse and fragmentation of the convergence of opposition politicians under the headship of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, happened at a time the former Vice President perfected the mischief to externalise Nigeria’s internal crisis, in active collaboration with his political and business associates in the United States of America.

    “We consider it hypocritical and unpatriotic for Atiku Abubakar, a traditional number 2 citizen of the Adamawa Emirate, to pretentiously champion an international advocacy on Nigeria’s internal crisis, when in fact, the former Vice President was not able to mobilise his nomadic Fulani ethnic group against banditry and kidnapping, which would not have been rampant in Nigeria without their active participation.

    “We therefore urge Nigerians to reject Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and every other member of the cancerous political coalition in Nigeria. The opposition politicians have conclusively shown that they lack the needed pedigree, selflessness and political maturity that are required to move Nigeria forward.

    “As a matter of fact, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the best choice for Nigerians in our unstoppable march to national prosperity.

    “Former Vice President Abubakar’s inability to successfully manage the ADC and the conflicting interests in the opposition coalition, speaks volumes of his inherent disposition for dictatorship and political ineptitude. He should no longer be trusted with any democratic office, let alone, the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it added.

     


    About Flowerbudnews
    Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.

    We are drawn from both public and private  sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism..

    Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

    Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

    The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

    He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

  • Peter Obi quits ADC, blames toxic political environment, internal crisis

    Peter Obi quits ADC, blames toxic political environment, internal crisis

     

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Abuja:   Former Anambra Governor, Mr Peter Obi has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing worsening internal crises, external interference and growing hostility within party structures.

    He made the disclosure in a statement issued on his behalf by his media aide, Valentine Obienyem, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Obi described Nigeria’s political environment as increasingly toxic, marked by intimidation, insecurity and persistent scrutiny against individuals committed to sincere public service.

    He lamented that institutions established to protect citizens now often work against them, while those pursuing genuine leadership faced pressure publicly and privately.

    Clarifying his decision, Obi said his departure was not driven by personal grievances with party leaders, including David Mark and Atiku Abubakar.

    “Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because of our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    “It is not as well that any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” he said.

    He maintained that he has respect for both leaders, but cited internal division, legal disputes and the infiltration of destabilising forces within ADC.

    According to Obi, the challenges mirror similar crises he previously encountered in the Labour Party, making meaningful political engagement increasingly difficult.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Obi, the presidential candidate of LP in 2023 dumped the party on February 14 this year and thereafter, joined ADC.

    He also decried a societal culture where integrity, humility and due process were frequently mistaken for weakness rather than strength.

    Obi expressed concern that sincere efforts toward nation-building were being undermined by suspicion, exclusion and political manoeuvres driven more by control.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s progress, stressing that citizens’ welfare remained his overriding priority.

    He highlighted insecurity, poverty and displacement as pressing national concerns, insisting that his ambition was not to hold political office, but a just society.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi

    The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has disclosed the reason for its refusal to approve a venue for a lecture by former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    Naija News reports that Obi earlier announced that he was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at the university by 9 am before proceeding to Ibadan for an opposition party’s summit, but was informed that the event had been called off.

    The former Anambra State governor added that the incident was not isolated, noting that similar cancellations had occurred more than 10 times.

    However, speaking in a statement on Sunday, OAU stated that it declined approval for the proposed venue due to the organisers’ short notice.

    The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said organisers failed to provide adequate details about the event and the invited guests until Friday, a day before the programme.

    According to the statement, the short notice made it impossible for the university to make the necessary security and logistical arrangements required for hosting high-profile personalities.

    “It is important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of such standing require adequate prior notification to the university authorities because it will enable the institution to make necessary logistical and security arrangements, including proper liaison with relevant security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), in order to ensure the safety of the guests, members of the university community and the general public.

    “Consequently, given the short notice and the attendant inability to complete these critical arrangements, the university authorities could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event as requested by the organisers,” the statement read in part.

    It stressed that the decision was taken in the interest of safety and adherence to established protocols, noting that it was not a reflection of disregard for Obi’s person or status.

  • TMSG: Obi’s reproof of Aso Villa’s solar plan shows flawed grasp of power sector dynamics -TMSG

    TMSG: Obi’s reproof of Aso Villa’s solar plan shows flawed grasp of power sector dynamics -TMSG

     

    *TMSG to Obi: “Aso Rock’s solar plan will ease press

     

     

    By Bassey Asuquo
    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has said that former Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi lacks the capacity to comprehend issues behind the Presidency’s decision to power the Presidential villa with solar energy.

    According to the group, Obi’s suggestion that the move amounts to a neglect of the national electricity grid showed that he lacked basic knowledge of the energy mix and ongoing efforts by the federal government to decentralise the national grid.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG noted that only a politician with a background like Obi would not understand how the Presidency’s decision to exit the grid would free up available power for the populace while it continues to build on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) with Siemens, now in the second phase.

    It said: “We were really not surprised to read the simplistic comments of the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, on the decision of the Presidency to opt for Solar energy to power the Presidential villa.

    “While betraying his poor knowledge of issues surrounding the power sector, the former Anambra state governor claimed that exiting the national grid amounted to abandoning the Nigerian people at a time the grid had been performing poorly. It beggars belief that Obi does not know that the move will free up more power for the Nigerian populace in the midst of ongoing efforts to ramp up power supply in the country.

    “Mr Obi’s penchant for jumping into any trending public issues he knows nothing about is legendary and would certainly be responsible for his failure to realise that the solar energy solution for the Presidential villa complex is a cost-saving measure at a time many Nigerians want a reduction in the cost of governance.

    “For instance, how could someone who prides himself as prudent not know that the solar power system would save the country the billions of naira spent on electricity bills and diesel annually in the Presidential complex?”

    TMSG also wondered why Obi would claim that the President Tinubu administration has not shown commitment to improving electricity supply nationwide at a time the German authorities have publicly affirmed the readiness of the Nigerian government to ensure a more robust and reliable electricity supply.

    “It is shameful that a Presidential hopeful would pretend not to know that, only a few days ago, Germany’s Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria, Johannes Lehne, disclosed at a function that the $2.3 billion Siemens power agreement between Nigeria and Germany was revived by the Tinubu administration after it went dormant towards the tail end of the preceding Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    “That, more than anything, is a confirmation that the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) aimed at modernising and expanding the national grid as well as boosting power generation and supply in the country is an ongoing project.

    “So there is no way that the decision to disconnect the Presidential villa from the grid would amount to neglecting the people. The move would reduce pressure on the national grid pending the installation of power transformers and mobile substations from Siemens Energy, which has been completed and connected to key grid locations nationwide under the first phase of the PPI.

    “We are aware that the first phase is about 80% completed leading to the commencement of the second phase, aimed at raising transmission capacity in stages to achieve the long-term target of 12,000MW agreed under the bilateral pact

    “Under the government-to-government agreement with Germany, Phase 2 of the Siemens projects will deliver seven upgraded existing power lines and ten new ones, covering 544 kilometres and capable of carrying 7,140 megawatts of power.

    “We are equally aware that there is an ongoing solarisation of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as several educational and health institutions to further reduce pressure from the national grid, clearly the issue is beyond Peter Obi’s depth,” it added.

    TMSG urged Nigerians to be wary of more outlandish claims and mischievous comments from opposition elements on the policies and programmes of the President Tinubu administration in the run-up to next year’s elections.

     

    End

  • Obi heralds ADC in Abuja, energises residents

    Obi heralds ADC in Abuja, energises residents

     

     

    Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential frontrunner for the 2027 polls, made a decisive impact on January 21, 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja with his strong presence and energising the residents.

    The rallying cry of: “Obi Kerereke,” echoed throughout the nation’s capital as he visited several key locations in the city.

    His presence significantly boosted the campaigns of Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC chairmanship candidate for the February 21, 2026 local council elections in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), and Hon. Josiah Musa Kuche of Bwari Local Council.

    Demonstrating genuine compassion, Obi’s first stop was the Kugbo Furniture Market, where traders faced immense losses from a recent fire.

    Writing on his X handle, he stated: “My visit to Abuja began with a strong show of solidarity at the Kugbo Furniture Market in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where traders experienced devastating losses due to this catastrophic event.

    “In a time when many Nigerians are grappling with severe hardship, this loss is particularly distressing.

    “The traders I met expressed profound gratitude for my choice to stand with them.

    “I assured them that they would not only recover but thrive once more.

    “Their resilience is crucial, and such incidents must be preventable through credible political leadership grounded in character, competence, capacity, and compassion.

    “At the palace of the District Head, Chief Philip Jezhi, I received a warm welcome, with the royal father acknowledging the significance of my visit.

    “I have consistently advocated for robust reforms in our emergency services to mandate timely responses to incidents of this nature.

    “Accompanied by the ADC AMAC Chairmanship candidate, we prepared to energize support for the upcoming council elections on February 21, 2026.

    “I made it clear that in Nigeria, we expect to prevent such catastrophic incidents.”

    A poignant moment came at the Kugbo market when a nursing mother pushed through the crowd for Obi to touch her child, a wish fulfilled as Obi joyfully lifted the child, much to the delight of the gathering.

    From Kugbo, the train moved to Bwari, where Hon. Josiah Musa Kuche officially launched his campaign in the local market square of Kubwa.

    The rally was a vibrant display of community support.

    Together with Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC AMAC local government candidate, Obi engaged directly with traders while the party faithful celebrated with exuberant dance and song.

    In his discussions, he pointed out the vital reasons to support the ADC, emphasising its commitment to genuine candidates and sincere change that will reset the nation.

    The community’s solidarity was palpable, their enthusiasm evident in their joyous expressions.

    One man, Hon. Abdullahi Musa, a former PDP member now with the ADC, stated: “This man is a true leader who comes to the people.

    “I will follow him wherever he goes.”

    The third stop was Gui, a remote village along the Airport Road in the AMAC local council area, where Obi was met by an eager crowd radiating hope and unity, reinforcing ADC’s solidarity messages.

    During a courtesy call to the District Head, Alhaji Alhassan Yusuf, he listened to their stories and requests, which included an invitation to their village.

    The former Anambra State governor expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to connect with rural communities, which he described as “a priority for me—gaining firsthand insight into their concerns”.

    He assured them that their steadfast support for the ADC AMAC chairmanship candidate would lead to improved infrastructure, including healthcare, water supply, and roads that have long been neglected in their community.

    Obi said: “I emphasised the importance of their participation in shaping a new Nigeria, achievable through harnessing their voting power in the local council elections on February 21, 2026.

    “Together, we will forge the change they undeniably deserve.”

  • Peter Obi Manipulating Media to Undermine New Tax Law – Group

    Peter Obi Manipulating Media to Undermine New Tax Law – Group

     

    By Iyiola Olalere

    The Democratic Front (TDF) has accused the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, of desperation in a bid to undermine the new tax laws.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group accused the former Anambra governor of ignorantly jumping on issues raised by a notable audit firm on the tax reforms, KPMG.

    It said: “We are, however, not surprised that a politician who thrives on soundbites like Peter Obi, whose political value has been grossly reduced to media headlines, will hastily assume that a KPMG advisory implies imperfections in the tax law that should warrant the suspension of the law.

    “It is indeed irresponsible and unethical that Peter Obi did not even wait to know the outcome of KMPG’s meeting with the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) over the observations raised in the newsletter, before he rushed into the public space with his uninformed opinion.

    “TDF is, however, ecstatic that the meeting of seasoned tax administrators between the NRS and the KMPG delegation has helped the accounting firm to better understand the new tax laws before releasing the statement, which Obi hastily weaponised to create public doubt and distrust around the new tax law.

    “We believe that KMPG’s appreciation and commendation for the new tax law and its implementation by the government was a bitter pill for Peter Obi and his gang of spin doctors, who have perfected the art of undermining the truth to promote negative narratives about Nigeria.

    “It is to the credit of the Tinubu administration and Nigeria, that the KMPG team concluded by saying the initial apprehension over the tax laws has been significantly allayed by clarifications from the NRS. And that the ongoing economic reforms and tax laws are both necessary and timely.

    “Obi and his band of revisionists would no doubt be disappointed further to know that KMPG formally expressed regrets over its initial misunderstanding of some provisions of the tax law and pledged its continuous professional engagement in support of an effective tax administration in Nigeria.”

    The group accused the former governor of hypocrisy especially as he presided over a tax policy that impoverished his people.

    “For historical reference, we want to recall that, as governor, Peter Obi implemented a harsh tax policy that was devoid of human face, without consideration for the unemployed and the underage, in Anambra State.

    “This particular maladministration by his government triggered an increase in the poverty rate in the state from 41.4% in 2003 to 53.7% in 2009.

    “And, this he did at a time he moved his personal funds to tax havens abroad, a development that was later exposed in the Pandora Papers published by an international consortium of Journalists.

    “The public reaction that greeted Obi’s harsh tax policy in Anambra State was spontaneous. We recall that Eke Awka market traders closed the entire market and staged a massive demonstration on the 11th of June 2013.

    “Subsequently, over one thousand traders stormed the Anambra State House of Assembly complex to demand a reversal of his harsh levies, and the impeachment of Peter Obi as governor.

    “Therefore, if Obi is impulsively encouraged by his selective amnesia and innate hypocrisy to think that Nigerians would oppose a policy that graciously exempts the poor and low-income earners from paying tax, he’s committing a grave mistake.

    “Because the new tax law was subjected to public scrutiny and broad stakeholder- consultations across the national spectrum before it was legislated into law through a transparent and democratic process. No tax law or policy in Nigeria’s history was exposed to public inquest and robust engagement like the new tax law, ” it added.

    TDF insisted that no tax law in the country’s history had been subjected to the sort of scrutiny it was subjected to.

    End

  • Peter Obi’s heartfelt Visit to grieving GOCOP ex-president after sister’s brutal murder

    Peter Obi’s heartfelt Visit to grieving GOCOP ex-president after sister’s brutal murder

     

     

    IN a moving show of solidarity, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, visited Dr. Maureen Chigbo, ex-President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), to offer condolences over the tragic killing of her sister, Barrister Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo.

    The lawyer lost her life to ruthless “one-chance” armed robbers on January 6, 2026, while heading home after work and evening mass.

    Obi shared details of the Saturday visit on his X handle, confirming he had stopped by Dr. Chigbo’s earlier that day to console her amid the profound loss.

    Obi wrote: “Earlier today in Abuja, I paid a condolence visit to my dear sister, Maureen Chigbo, the Publisher of Realnews Online Magazine and the immediate past President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

    “She tragically lost her elder sister, Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, on Monday, January 6, 2026.

    “It deeply pains me to write this due to the circumstances surrounding Princess Nwamaka’s death. As a practicing lawyer and a patriotic Nigerian dedicated to creating a better society, she had traveled home for the Christmas holidays but had to return to Abuja for a court case. After attending evening Mass, she was abducted on her way home and brutally murdered.

    “Princess Nwamaka’s abduction and murder highlight the alarming level of insecurity in our country.

    “As we mourn her tragic passing, I urge the police authorities to ensure that those responsible for Princess Nwamaka’s death are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

    “For the government, this serves as yet another wake-up call to prioritize the safety of Nigerians above politics and propaganda. Ensuring the security of citizens is the primary duty of any government, and it is within our reach.

    “Surely, a new Nigeria is POssible. – PO.”

    Culled from Newsmart

  • Breaking: Peter Obi loses polling unit to APC

    Breaking: Peter Obi loses polling unit to APC

     

    The Labour Party lost in the polling unit of its leader, Peter Obi, in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    In the result announced at about 3pm at Polling Unit 019, Agulu Ward 11, Anaocha Local Government Area, the APC candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, polled 73 votes in the unit to defeat the Labour Party candidate, George Moghalu, who scored 57 votes.

    Obi, a two-term governor of Anambra State, campaigned vigorously for the candidate of the Labour Party in the governorship election.

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) came third with 38 votes in the unit.

    Obi, the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, cast his ballot earlier in the day at the same polling unit.