In a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and trademark cap, Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has likened the fate of the President’s political symbol – the broken shackle – to the swastika’s historical transformation from a symbol of good fortune to one of oppression.
In a piece titled “De-cap-itated!”, released to journalists Monday in Abuja, Shaibu drew parallels between the swastika, which was used by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime, and the broken shackles symbol that Tinubu and his supporters adopted during the 2023 presidential campaign.
Historically, the swastika symbolised nationalism and good fortune, representing hope across various cultures. However, its association with the Nazi regime turned it into a global emblem of fascism and hate.
Similarly, Shaibu argued that the broken shackle, initially seen as a representation of freedom and human rights as popularised by Tinubu, has now morphed into a symbol of oppression under his leadership in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu, in a campaign soapbox in Ogun State where he made the infamous Emilokan remarks, which is a selfish and arrogant ownership claim to power, has since made the broken shackle a symbol of oppression and political rascality,” Shaibu stated.
The Emilokan mantra, which translates to “it is my turn” in Yoruba, was once celebrated as a rallying cry for Tinubu’s supporters. It was worn proudly on caps adorned with the broken shackle symbol, known as ‘Emilokan’ caps.
During the campaign, the caps symbolised Tinubu’s promise to protect human rights, boost the economy, and replicate Lagos success across Nigeria.
He said the President’s supporters believed in his democratic credentials and ability to transform the nation into a prosperous economy. However, as Shaibu suggested, the reality has been far from the initial promise.
“Everyone now knows that Emilokan is not about shared prosperity for all but about a rabid appropriation of state assets to personal ownership,” Shaibu remarked.
He further accused Tinubu of building personal wealth by exploiting Lagosians, debunking the widely held belief that Tinubu’s governance was responsible for Lagos’ economic growth.
“Tinubu didn’t build Lagos. Rather, Tinubu built his wealth through the sweat of Lagosians,” he added.
The Atiku’s spokesman said the disillusionment with the Emilokan symbol has become so widespread that the caps, once proudly displayed by vendors and supporters, are now gathering dust.
“The once-eager vendors who proudly displayed the Emilokan caps at bustling traffic lights and strategic street corners now find themselves burdened by them,” Shaibu pointed out.
Once a sought-after item, he claimed that the caps have become an embarrassing relic for many of Tinubu’s supporters, representing broken promises and a political regime that has shifted towards authoritarianism.
In his analysis, Shaibu also compared Tinubu to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, an iconic figure in Nigerian politics known for his progressive ideals.
According to Shaibu, Tinubu’s supporters initially likened him to Awolowo, believing he would follow in the legendary leader’s footsteps by delivering a prosperous and inclusive government.
However, Shaibu dismisses this comparison as a “political impersonation fraud of grand proportions.
“Everyone now knows that Tinubu is not Awolowo,” Shaibu asserted, arguing that the notion of Tinubu as a progressive leader has crumbled in the face of his administration’s actions, which appear more focused on personal gain than on the collective good.
“The disappointment with Tinubu’s administration extends beyond the political sphere.”
Shaibu claimed that the Emilokan caps, once a potent political symbol, have now become a source of embarrassment for many Nigerians.
Just as the swastika was banned from public display after the defeat of Nazi Germany, Shaibu believed that the Emilokan caps have become relics of “political deception and disappointment.”
For Shaibu, the transformation of the Emilokan symbol is emblematic of Tinubu’s broader failure to deliver on his promises. What once represented hope, freedom, and prosperity has become a reminder of missed opportunities and growing disenchantment.
Shaibu concluded his critique by noting that the political reality of Tinubu’s presidency has fallen far short of the expectations set during the campaign.
“As Nigeria grapples with the Tinubu administration’s unfolding reality, the Emilokan symbol’s fate poignantly reflects the country’s current political climate,” he added.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has ordered probe into the alleged detention of naval personnel for six years without trial.
The Naval rating, Seaman Haruna Abbas is alleged to be held in custody for over six years on the orders of a senior officer.
The wife of the rating disclosed this while featuring on a popular Human Rights radio in Abuja.
The CDS gave the order in a statement by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau while reacting to wife’s revelation which has now gone viral.
He said, “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has taken notice of a circulating video clip alleging the unjust incarceration of a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, for six years.
“The DHQ wishes to assure the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. The military court-martial process, though meticulous, ensures fairness, equal opportunity, and justice in accordance with established military procedures and the law.
“In response to this allegation, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed an immediate investigation into the matter. The outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course”.
He urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading “unsubstantiated information while the investigation is ongoing”.
He further assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will ensure a speedy and transparent investigation.
National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegations made against him by the chairman of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Anthony Aziegbemi.
DAILY POST recalls that Aziegbemi had in a statement on Saturday, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election.
The statement alleged that the FG was using Ribadu and the Department of State Service, DSS, to rig the gubernatorial election.
He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.S Dollars to the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.
In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
The letter sighted by NAN said: “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled ‘Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered’.
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, ‘$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies'”.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputation and other injuries.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added.
The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has reacted to the recent disclosure by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, that it purchased fuel at N898 per litre from the Dangote Refinery.
DAILY POST reports that the news has sparked widespread controversy and outrage as the hope of reduction in the pump price of fuel fades among Nigerians.
Now, there are fundamental questions about the cost of production, transparency, and the alleged continued exploitation of the Nigerian masses, CUPP said.
“The high cost of fuel purchased from Dangote Refinery is unjustifiable, especially considering the absence of tariffs, landing costs, and port charges,” a statement signed by Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP’s National Secretary said.
“With crude oil supplied in local currency, the refinery’s production costs should be significantly lower. It is imperative that Dangote Refinery provides a detailed breakdown of its cost of production to justify the exorbitant price of N898 per litre.
“The lack of transparency and accountability in the pricing mechanism is alarming. The NNPCL’s revelation suggests a conspiracy to continue the exploitative price regime through the back door.
“This undermines the benefits of domestic refining and raises questions about the true advantages of local refining.
“Furthermore, the high cost of fuel per litre remains beyond the reach of the average consumer, defeating the purpose of having a refinery in the country. The cost of gasoline is higher than normal, perpetuating the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians.
“The NNPCL’s disclosure highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight by the National assembly in the energy sector.
“Dangote Refinery must provide a detailed breakdown of its cost of production, and the NNPCL must negotiate competitive prices.
“The government must allow the independent regulatory body to monitor pricing mechanisms and protect consumers from exploitation.
“Only then can Nigeria unlock the true potential of domestic refining and ensure affordable energy for its citizens.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not yield to the call of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Anugbum Onuoha.
DAILY POST recalls that Onuoha has been a subject of controversy over his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Wike have not been in good terms after Wike supported his second term bid when he defected to the PDP.
The governor and the national leadership of the PDP have expressed fears that Onuoha would influence the election to favour the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The PDP chairman in Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemhin, had submitted a formal protest letter to INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, demanding Onuoha’s immediate redeployment.
The letter read in part, “The ties between these two are too close to ignore as they share familiarities and are also close associates.
“The said Edo REC is a cousin to the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Wike. He also served as a former Commissioner and Special Adviser for Lands, Survey, and Housing to Mr Wike during his tenure as Rivers governor.”
Responding, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, emphatically said that the REC would not be redeployed, urging the PDP to focus on the process of the election rather than Onuoha.
“The REC for Edo State will not be redeployed. The governorship election will be conducted on September 21, 2024 in 4,519 polling units, not in the REC’s office.
“In the same manner, polling unit results will be declared by the respective Presiding Officers after the voting, ballot sorting and counting processes, in the presence of accredited party agents and other stakeholders.”
Telecom companies have begun to cut off around 66 million phone connections nationwide to enforce the directive from the federal government regarding the connection of the National Identification Number (NIN) to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).
Naija News reports that this step was taken following numerous extensions and cautions Nigerians to adhere to the policy aimed at enhancing national security and simplifying the identification process.
It’s important to note that as of March 2024, 153 million out of 219 million active mobile lines on networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile were already linked to the NIN, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This leaves approximately 66 million lines at risk of being disconnected.
Due to the issue of unverified NINs, there were brief interruptions in service across the country between July 28 and 29, causing widespread disruptions.
Financial records from the first half of 2024 indicate that MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa blocked 13.5 million lines for failing to comply with the NIN-SIM connection rule.
MTN reported blocking 8.6 million lines, while Airtel claimed that 8.7 million of its customers had successfully verified their NINs.
Telecom companies, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, have advised subscribers at risk of losing their service to connect their NIN to prevent permanent disconnection.
Subscribers whose services have been suspended still can reactivate them by visiting any of the telecom providers’ service centers or NIMC offices to finish the verification process.
The NCC issued the directive in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) requires all mobile phone users in Nigeria to link their SIM cards to their unique NIN.
This policy, introduced in 2020, was a part of the government’s strategy to reduce insecurity, fraud, and criminal activities enabled by unregistered or improperly registered phone lines.
After several postponements of the deadlines by the NCC since December 2023, the NCC announced in August that it anticipated that no SIM cards would be operational without a confirmed National Identification Number (NIN) by September 15.
A representative from the NCC confirmed the deactivation of lines, explaining that lines not in compliance would be prevented from making calls, sending text messages, or utilizing mobile data until they successfully complete the connection procedure.
“We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over. The reason why we extended the last time was the misconception of Nigerians who claimed that the NCC wanted to frustrate the August 1 protest,” the NCC representative told Leadership.
He defended the NIN-SIM linkage as crucial to national security, adding that the policy is intended to create a central database that can be used to track criminal activity, verify identity, and enhance digital financial inclusion.
“Unregistered and unlinked SIMs have been identified as tools frequently used in the perpetration of criminal activities such as kidnapping, terrorism, and financial fraud. The NIN-SIM linkage is an essential step in safeguarding the nation and ensuring the integrity of our telecom infrastructure,” he added.
Naija News reports that despite facing backlash, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has stood firm in its dedication to the policy, stating that those who do not follow it could potentially lose access to essential mobile services.
Recently, the president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, following visits to various telecommunications centers, expressed his dissatisfaction with the NIN-SIM registration process, describing it as terrible.
Ogungbanjo, therefore, pleaded for the NCC to consider pushing back the deadline due to the technological issues encountered during the registration process last week.
“I believe they should consider extending it for a week, and the NCC should be commended for these delays,” he remarked.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has corrected a mistake made on the nationwide petrol price statement it released earlier on Monday.
Early Monday morning, NNPCL gave a chart breakdown of the refined petrol product it bought from Dangote Refinery.
While the data of the estimated price to be sold around the country remains the same, the analysis of the transaction it had with Dangote Refinery was altered.
“The NNPC Ltd. has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across the country.
“The estimated prices are based on negotiated terms between NNPC Ltd. and Dangote Refinery which recognise the current international gasoline prices and the prevailing foreign exchange rate in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
“The NNPC Ltd. can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024.
“We reassure Nigerians that any discount from the Dangote Refinery will be passed on 100% to the general public,” it read.
While in the first press statement on Monday had a Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fee of ₦8.99, the second statement showed ₦4.495.
The first statement had an inspection fee of ₦0.97, a margin fee of ₦26.48 and a distribution fee of ₦15.
In the second statement on Monday, there were no inspection fee and marging fee, while the distribution fee was changed to ₦42.45.
The second statement also had an additional Midstream and Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) of ₦4.495.
Chart of second statement
Chart of first statement
Tinubu Never Sign Peace Accord When He Was Presidential Candidate, Committee Can’t Force PDP — Kukah
AFOLABI
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu never signed a peace accord when he was a presidential candidate.
The clergyman stated this in Benin City, during the Edo Election Security Townhall.
He warned that the failure of political parties and their candidates to sign the Peace Accord to shun electoral violence sends a wrong signal to Nigerians.
Naija News reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to sign the peace pact over some allegations levelled against the police.
Kukah, one of the conveners of the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said the group can’t force any candidate to sign the peace pact which has become an electoral ritual in the last decade.
He said, “The National Peace Committee, what we do is not in the Electoral Act, it’s not law; it’s moral. You can’t compel people to fall in love or love their neighbour.
“If you go back to the 2019 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the presidential candidate for the PDP, was not there to sign the Peace Accord. And of course, the opposition went to town, which is what it ought to be, and the next day, he (Atiku) turned up to sign.
“What is also very interesting is that the current president, when he was a presidential candidate, did not sign; it wasn’t our fault that the political opposition didn’t take advantage of it.
“It’s a pity but we are not going to take anybody to court for not signing the Peace Accord. The only thing it does to you as a candidate is that it sends a wrong signal which can be very easily exploited by the opposition.”
In a landmark development that promises to transform Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Refinery has commenced the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
This initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, represents a significant step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imported refined products.
It also underscores the federal government’s commitment to easing pressure on the Naira and increasing the availability of petroleum products within the domestic market.
During the unveiling event at the Dangote Refinery, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, lauded President Tinubu’s visionary leadership.
Edun highlighted that the initiative aligns with Tinubu’s vision of ensuring that no raw materials leave Nigeria without adding value domestically.
The Minister also praised Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group for realizing this vision through the establishment of the refinery.
He commended the technical sub-committee, chaired by Federal Inland Revenue Service Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, for its role in implementing the Naira-based crude sales to local refineries.
Edun, accompanied by Adedeji and other members of the Technical Subcommittee, toured the refinery’s advanced facilities.
The tour showcased the refinery’s capacity to add local value and reduce reliance on imported refined products.
Edun expressed admiration for the refinery’s technological advancements and its potential to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs efficiently.
According to a statement released by Mohammed Manga Director, Information and Public Relations, the Minister witnessed the loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery, marking a milestone in the domestic supply of refined petroleum products.
Although the official Naira-based sale of crude oil is set to commence on October 1st, this event symbolizes a major step forward.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), under President Tinubu’s leadership, has approved the supply of crude oil to domestic refineries, including Dangote’s, with payments to be made in Naira.
“From October 1st, NNPCL will supply approximately 385,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery, payable in Naira,” Edun announced.
The Minister urged other domestic refiners to join this initiative, not only to meet national needs but also to facilitate legal exports to neighboring countries, enhancing foreign exchange revenue and supporting economic growth.
With the commencement of PMS supply in Naira, Nigeria is poised to make substantial strides towards its energy goals.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has arrived in Minna, Niger’s capital, to meet with Ibrahim Babangida, the ex-head of state.
Obasanjo arrived in Minna Sunday evening after felicitating Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in Edo State, over his 90th birthday.
The meeting with Babangida also had Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, and Aliyu Gusau, an ex-national security adviser (NSA), in attendance.
Kehinde Akinyemi, media aide to Obasanjo, confirmed the meeting.
It was not immediately clear what issues were discussed by the former Nigerian leaders, but multiple reports said the meeting was connected with pressing national issues that border on the current economic challenges.
However, Akinyemi said Obasanjo visited the former head of state to also celebrate his birthday.
Babangida turned 83 in August.
Akinyemi said Obasanjo was unable to be present during Babangida’s birthday due to his busy schedule.
“The opportunity came yesterday, hence the visits to both Benin and Minna,” he said.
Akinyemi said Obasanjo noted Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria and celebrated his good health.
More...
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a two-week trip to China and the United Kingdom (UK).
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, disclosed the arrival in a post on his X page.
The president arrived Nigeria just before midnight on Sunday, September 15, and was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by some members of the administration and heads of security agencies.
They include George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation; Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president; Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser; and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory.
Tinubu left Abuja for China on August 29 but stopped in Dubai before arriving in Beijing on September 1.
During his trip, Tinubu met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders signed five memoranda of understanding (MoU).
The MoUs cut across trade, infrastructural investments, media cooperation, and security improvements.
Tinubu said he was committed to replicating Chinese infrastructure in Nigeria.
The president left Beijing for London and met with King Charles III on September 12.
In a statement, Onanuga had said Tinubu and King Charles discussed issues pertaining to climate change.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says petrol will be sold at N950.22 per litre across all its retail outlets in Lagos.
In a social media post on Monday, the NNPC said the estimated pump price is based on prices set by the Dangote refinery for its petroleum products.
According to the price map shared by the NNPC, residents in the northern part of Nigeria will pay more for the product, with those in Borno expected to pay the highest petrol pump price of N1,019.22.
“The NNPC Ltd also wishes to state that, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), PMS prices are not set by Government, but negotiated directly between parties on an arms length,” the NNPC said.
“The NNPC Ltd can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024. The NNPC Ltd assures that if the quoted pricing is disputed, it will be grateful for any discount from the Dangote Refinery, which will be passed on 100% to the general public.
“Attached to this statement are the estimated pump prices of PMS (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) across NNPC Retail Stations in the country, based on September 2024 pricing.”
Media
PRESS RELEASE
— NNPC Limited (@nnpclimited) September 16, 2024
NNPC Ltd Releases Estimated Pump Prices of PMS from Dangote Refinery, Based on September 2024 Pricing
The NNPC Ltd has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across… pic.twitter.com/0jVEClVgxQ
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited says it stands by its earlier disclosure that Dangote Refinery Petrol is sold to them at N897 per liter.
NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye disclosed this exclusively to DAILY POST on Sunday.
This comes after the Dangote Group in a statement by its spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, on Sunday disagreed with NNPCL over its statement that Dangote Refinery Petrol was to them at N898 per litre.
However, when DAILY POST contacted NNPCL on his reaction to Dangote Refinery’s statement, he said, he stood by his revelation.
“We stand by our earlier stand that Dangote Refinery Petrol is sold to us at N898 per litre.
“We have documents to back this point”, he told DAILY POST.
The confusion comes after Dangote Refinery started loading its petrol on Sunday.
NNPCL had confirmed that 70 trucks belonging to the state-owned firm loaded Dangote Petrol on Sunday.
There’s an indication that the much discussed merger talk among the trio of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, which will see the opposition united against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, might not sail through after all.
The sign emerged recently after Kwankwaso, presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, in the last general election, declared he will win the 2027 presidential election.
DAILY POST reported that the NNPP leader made the outburst when he recently inaugurated the party’s secretariat in Katsina State.
He was also in the State for a condolence visit to the Yar’Adua family over the death of their matriarch, Hajiya Dada, the mother of late President Umaru Yar’adua.
The former Kano state Governor, who had been courted as a beautiful bride by both Atiku and Obi, maintained that his party, NNPP, is ready to take over the presidency, states and other positions across the country come 2027.
In addition to his declaration, Kwankwaso claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is already dead, and had gone out of the line.
“I wish to remind you that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is already dead, because we were in the party, since they have gone out of the line, we decided to check out,” he said.
Prior to Kwankwaso’s outburst, the PDP had announced that key opposition leaders were exploring a merger to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.
DAILY POST reported that Ibrahim Abdullahi, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, made this known while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
Abdullahi confirmed that Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso were discussing a potential alliance.
He lamented that the party lost by over one million votes, adding that if Kwankwaso or Obi had remained with the party, “We could have closed that gap and avoided the current political and economic hardships.”
“Sure. Discussion is ongoing. You’ve seen Peter Obi discussing with Atiku. You’ve seen Peter Obi meeting with El-Rufai,” Abdullahi said, adding that his party was working to bring Obi, Kwankwaso, and other leaders that had left back into the PDP.
“One of them will concede for the others, and then we will have a direction. Our concern as a party and to these people that I have mentioned is to salvage Nigerians from these despair and despondency—the two maladies of hunger and poverty and frightening insecurity in the land.
“You could see cluelessness and ineptitude on the part of those managing the country. And to these people (Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso), salvaging Nigeria out of it is more important than their individual ambitions,” he added.
DAILY POST recalls that before the 2023 general election, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, had, in an interview with the BBC, given a hint of a possible alliance with Obi and Kwankwaso but it never happened.
In addition, there was also a failed talk over an alliance between Peter Obi (LP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP), on the other hand.
Speaking in an interview with News Central Television, which aired on Thursday, Obi said he’s not desperate to become Nigeria’s President.
He said he would only agree to work together with others if he sees people who can do the work better.
According to him, he will not join just anybody for the purposes of state capture or for winning elections.
Obi’s words: “Quite frankly, for me, I am not desperate to be Nigeria’s President. I am desperate to see Nigeria work.
“If I see people who can do the work better, I will. I have even heard people who are saying I should not come out in 2027, and I said to them ‘offer yourselves, then we will put everybody on a scale. If they are better, I will vote for them.”
When asked if he will stay with the Labour Party if he’s contesting in the next election, Obi said: “Yes, I will be here, and if any person is coming for us to negotiate or come together, he must tell me for what purpose.
“I will not join anybody for state capture or for winning an election. I want anybody to tell me how we are going to make sure that no child is left behind; how we are going to put those millions of out-of-school children back in school; and how we are going to create jobs.
“We must first of all establish what we are going to achieve by coming together.
Collaboration shouldn’t be for just state capture and continue with the same consumption. If it’s a collaboration for production, we will.”
On whether he will say yes to Kwankwaso joining him as collaborators, the former Anambra state Governor answered: “We want to dismantle the two biggest jobs in Nigeria. Anybody who wants to move the country from consumption to production; anybody who wants to pull people out of poverty, who wants to bring out-of-school children into school, we will say yes, yes.”
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the PDP, Barr. Ray Nnaji told DAILY POST in an interview that it’s a good idea if they (Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso) could actually agree, especially Obi and Atiku, who he said had run on one ticket in a past election.
However, Nnaji, a former National Auditor of the PDP, said he’s not foreseeing the possibility of the leader of the NNPP, Kwankwaso, who he described as President Tinubu’s friend, agreeing to work with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
The PDP chieftain explained that an alliance among the trio could only be possible on the basis that Kwankwaso would be given the opportunity to be the presidential candidate.
Nnaji said: “This alliance has been something actually advocated for even when they were contesting the 2023 election. I was saying that most especially, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Labour Party, LP, will actually beat the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“That of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, the possibility of coming into alliance… because Rabiu Kwankwaso believed he can actually win the election, even when he’s controlling only Kano.
“Though Kano has a very big and relative population, that alone cannot give him the presidency. And knowing fully well that Kwankwaso and President Tinubu they are all friends, I am not foreseeing the possibility of Kwankwaso coming together with Atiku Abubakar to form an alliance, except on the basis that Kwankwaso will be given the opportunity to be the presidential candidate, which I don’t know the possibility of that happening.
“Atiku and Obi have run together before and they defeated the APC. If not that Buhari saw it coming, that was why he removed Walter Onnoghen, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, from office through an exparte order because he knew quite alright that the matter will end up in the Supreme Court, and with Onnoghen at Supreme Court, he was not sure of winning the case.
“That’s why he made every effort and removed Onnoghen and brought in his brother, Tanko, who actually made sure that the intention of bringing him did not fail.”
He continued: “If they are talking about merging now, like I just said, I am not foreseeing Kwankwaso coming into alliance with Atiku and Obi, except the offer of being the President is given to Kwankwaso.
“I’m not his spokesman and I haven’t talked with him, but his body language has shown that. And you know quite well, if Obi will agree to run with Atiku or have an alliance, the problem will be who actually becomes the candidate, and on which platform.
“If Obi accepts, you know he was formerly of the PDP but left because of Wike. Obi has been able to surprise all bookmakers. Even myself, I never gave him the chance he’s going to make it.
“So, if they can come together, what we have seen now is that the populace are even tired of the ruling party, because instead of things getting better, it’s getting worse.
“The ruling party (APC) is not even prepared to proffer solutions to the problem. It’s a very big problem and right thinking people should know what to do.
“If you compare what’s happening now to what actually caused the PDP to lose the election, you will find out that the APC has not justified why it’s an alternative to the PDP since 2015.
“It’s a good idea if they can actually agree, especially between Obi and Atiku who had run on one ticket before.
“But this time around, if an alliance is going to take place, it’s no longer going to be a situation where Atiku will be the one endorsing Obi. It will now be three equal parties because if you look at the scores, you will find out that Obi did the best.
“He’s not a push over. Therefore, it will be an arrangement of two equals, although the Labour Party has only one state, PDP has about 13 states. That will be the only thing to make sure that the APC is dislodged. If not, it will be very difficult, knowing the mentality of our people.”
Speaking also about the matter, Dr Yunusa Tanko, ex-spokesman and media director of the defunct Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, said the issue about the talk of merger and alliance was a continuous discussion.
Tanko, the Interim National Coordinator of Obidient Movement, made this known in an interview with DAILY POST.
He explained that no definite position on that matter had been taken even though people were still talking to each other.
“The issue about the talk of merger and alliance is a continuous discussion. There’s no definite position on that matter but people are talking to each other.
“It’s very imperative that people understand the need for combined efforts of people who will be aligning on the same matter of good governance and ensuring that they take over power from these people. So people are talking to each other while they are consolidating their base.
“There’s no issue of doubting anybody’s sincerity. The truth about this is that either you’re in it or you’re not. If you feel there’s a need for collaboration, nobody will need to force you into it,” Tanko said.
On his part, the Kano State Chairman of the NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, informed DAILY POST that it’s only the situation in the nearest future that will warrant what will happen.
Dungurawa stated that his leader, Kwankwaso is a very friendly person and is not in a quarrel with anybody.
According to him, Kwankwaso wants things to be done rightly in Nigeria, insisting he wants true leaders that will manage the affairs of the country.
He said: “You see in politics, things don’t just happen like that. It’s only the situation in context that will warrant what will happen, whether Mr A is going to work with Mr B or Mr C.
“It’s only time that will determine that. You can’t preempt what has not happened or arrived.
It’s only when the time comes that people can only say what will happen. This is just a rumor.
“Our leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso is a very friendly person. He’s not in a quarrel with anybody.
“He wants things to be done rightly in Nigeria and he wants true leaders that will manage the affairs of this country. That’s what he’s fighting for.
“He is the only person that’s not decamping to the ruling-government party. But many politicians in the country, they used to dump the opposition party and join the ruling party because they are after themselves.
“But when they formed APC, when they formed PDP, he was a governor there. They misbehaved, he moved to the APC that wasn’t in the government.
“When they formed the government of APC, APC started misbehaving, he went back again to the PDP. And the same PDP repeated its mistake, that’s why he joined the NNPP.
“By the grace of Allah, he produced a governor and many members of the National Assembly, including senators.
“That’s why he is different from others, that are more of prostitute politicians. Many of them are crossing from the opposition to the government party. And Kwankwaso’s own is not like that.
“You see, what’s happening in the country is well familiar and known to everybody. That party called APC has a logo of broom.
“The broom has now turned to a stick, and it’s hitting everyone. Everybody is receiving its consequences.
“The PDP that you mentioned has an umbrella as logo, it has now turned to a mad tiger that is biting everybody.
“It doesn’t even have leadership today. So, people are ready to come and work with NNPP.
“We are the one to make this country great and everyone happy, if we are given the chance in 2027.”