President John Dramani Mahama has reflected on his fondest memories with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Addressing a large gathering at the Black Star Square during his swearing-in ceremony on January 7, 2025, Mahama reminisced about his relationship with Akufo-Addo, recalling the moment when he peacefully handed over power to him in 2016, a gesture that has been mirrored in 2025.

According to Mahama, Akufo-Addo has consistently extended warm receptions and hospitality to him, despite both having contested for the highest office in the land from opposing sides.

He shared the lighter side of their relationship, revealing how Akufo-Addo affectionately named him “Johnny”, signifying their friendship and their strong bond for each other.

“It seems fitting that it is with Nana Akufo-Addo that I twice shared this stage and this unique historical distinction. Akufo-Addo and I began our national political careers in Parliament in the same year of 1996.

“He has always greeted me with warmth, a firm handshake and a smile and he is perhaps the only person in my life who has persistently chosen to call me Johnny,” he said.

The distinguished statesman expressed his deep respect for Akufo-Addo, acknowledging the statesmanship he has demonstrated in the period of their political battles.

“While we belong to opposing political parties, we shared a sense of mutual respect. In those early days, we probably couldn’t have imagined that destiny would bring us to the leadership of our respective parties and that we would have to face off three separate times as we each vie for the highest office of the land…” Mahama concluded.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned and completely dissociates itself from the act of violence and attack on members of the Press and the institution of the Media by one of its staff, Emmanuel Okoronkwo.

This is coming after the said staff assaulted a correspondent of Sun Newspapers, Ndubuisi Orji at the party’s secretariat on Monday in Abuja.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba who gave the indication while addressing journalists on Tuesday, stated that, the Party is committed to the Rule of Law and the democratic tenets of freedom of the Press, transparency and openness which is critical to the activities of the Party and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

He noted that, PDP is reputed for its uncompromising stand in support and defense of the Constitutional freedom of the press and cannot by any means or under any guise whatsoever engage in or condone any act that tends to abridge such legitimate freedom of the Media or any person for that matter.

The National Publicity Secretary therefore assured that the issue will be handled in strict compliance with the Party’s established Code of Conduct guiding activities of staffs at the PDP National Secretariat to serve as deterrent against such condemnable act which has no place whatsoever in the character and comportment of the PDP as a political Party.

He said the Party’s NWC regrets the incident and assured of its unalloyed respect for the Press, particularly members of the PDP Press Corps as they continue as partners in progress for accountability, probity and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed strong disapproval of a perceived threat to the life of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

Atiku described Morka’s comments as emblematic of a troubling drift toward authoritarianism under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Morka, in an interview on Saturday, accused Obi of spreading misinformation and warned that the former Anambra State governor had “crossed the line.” In response, Atiku, via a statement on Tuesday, decried the APC-led government’s alleged attacks on opposition voices, describing such actions as a serious affront to democracy.

In his statement, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the APC’s growing intolerance toward dissenting opinions. He linked Morka’s remarks to a broader trend of suppressing opposition, citing the continued detention of government critics like Mahdi Shehu as further evidence.

“The inflammatory remarks issued by Felix Morka directed at Peter Obi serve as a disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures. This threat, coupled with the prolonged detention of voices like Mahdi Shehu, signals a worrisome shift towards authoritarian governance, where the rights of opposition figures are being stifled,” Atiku stated.

He criticized Morka’s warning that Obi should “be ready for whatever comes his way,” calling it an alarming affront to democratic values. Atiku emphasized that in a democracy, opposition voices are not only essential but should be welcomed as part of a healthy political discourse.

Atiku demanded that the APC and Morka clarify the intent behind the threatening remarks and issue a public apology to Peter Obi. He stressed that such inflammatory language undermines civil discourse and sets a dangerous precedent for governance.

“It is not merely the right, but the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen to its critics, engage in dialogue, and allow space for alternative viewpoints,” Atiku stated. “Instead, we are faced with a chilling threat. What exactly does Mr. Morka imply by saying Obi has ‘crossed the line’? The APC must clarify this disturbing insinuation.”

The former PDP presidential candidate also criticized Morka for comparing Obi’s statements on national hardship to a “Wild West scenario,” asserting that Obi’s comments merely reflected the daily struggles of Nigerians under the current administration.

Atiku reiterated that free speech and open dialogue are cornerstones of democracy and urged the APC to embrace constructive criticism rather than resorting to threats.

“The APC must reflect on its responsibility to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the voices of opposition leaders like Peter Obi are not suppressed but respected as a vital part of governance and public accountability,” Atiku concluded.

This incident highlights growing tensions between the ruling party and opposition figures, raising questions about the state of free speech and democratic engagement in Nigeria.