Politics
Okonkwo, others free to leave Obidient movement – Pro-Obi group
By Francesca Hangeior.
The Peter Obi Support Network has acknowledged the recent departures of key supporters, such as Doyin Okupe, Isaac Balami, and Kenneth Okonkwo, from the group.
In a press statement on Sunday, co-convener of POSN, Tochukwu Ezeoke, stated that the group respects their commitment to a better Nigeria and recognises their freedom to leave the ‘Obidient’ movement.
Ezeoke affirmed that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, remains committed to advocating for a grassroots political party and a decisive leader with integrity.
He added that the Obidient movement anticipates further resignations from the ranks of 2023 campaign leaders. Obi’s stance is that leadership must avoid actions that could plunge the country into chaos.
The statement follows the recent departure of Okonkwo and others from the Labour Party.
The statement read in part: “Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement did not have access to unlimited state resources during the 2023 election, relying instead on the support of Nigerians at home and abroad.
“Peter Obi’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of ordinary Nigerians, even above his political aspirations. The stability of Nigeria is more important than the ambitions of any single candidate.
“In response to the 2023 election results, while some supporters called for radical action, Peter Obi wisely chose to engage with the system, thereby exposing its flaws. His message on 5 June 2024 reaffirmed the Obidient movement’s independence from the Labour Party, ensuring the continuity of our goal to transform Nigeria from a consumer to a producer nation.
“Our focus remains on ending the misgovernance of Tinubu’s APC government, as they cannot lead Nigeria to the Promised Land. Peter Obi is actively building strategic alliances aimed at unseating Tinubu and rebuilding Nigeria in the near future to position Nigeria among the global community of productive nations.”
The group insisted that the philosophy behind the Obidient Movement, established in 2018, guided its efforts from the Atiku/Obi campaign in 2019 through the LP/Obidient campaign in 2022-2023.
“Despite the Obi/Datti mandate being stolen in February 2023, our structure is diligently working towards future elections.
“We urge all Obidients who desire a new and better Nigeria to remain steadfast, and continue and deepen their engagements with families and neighbours on what a new Nigeria should look like and the path to achieving it.
“We expect more resignations from the ranks of 2023 campaign leaders. Nevertheless, we are confident that we speak for our partners and other groups in this struggle, assuring Nigerians that hope and engagement in the political process are vital. Our collective efforts and determination are crucial to Nigeria’s future.
“Long live the Obidient Movement. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the group added.
Politics
Obi Urges Nigerian Graduates to Seek Opportunities Overseas if Needed, Vows to Fix Nigeria for Their Return
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, has encouraged Nigerian students to seek better opportunities abroad if local conditions don’t meet their needs.
Obi shared this advice during his visit to Anambra State, where he made donations to Peter University in Achina/Onneh and the College of Nursing Sciences in Adazi-Nnukwu. Addressing nursing students, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting institutions that nurture skills, professionalism, and character.
Obi advised students that, if career opportunities are limited locally, they should feel free to explore options abroad.
“If things aren’t working here, go where they will work for you,” he said, expressing optimism that, with efforts to improve the country, Nigerians working abroad would eventually return.
Speaking at Peter University, Obi urged students to dedicate themselves to their studies, highlighting education as a transformative force essential for national development.
Emphasizing that investment in education is an investment in the future, he encouraged them to aim for excellence, assuring that a stronger Nigeria would await them.
Politics
Parliamentary system better option for Nigeria -Aregbesola
Politics
2027: Kwankwaso’s visit to Otti sparks possible alliance
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State at the weekend played host to the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, at his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area(LGA).
Speaker of the House of Assembly Emmanuel Emeruwa, some aides of the governor, and members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement were present.
Although Kwankwaso said he was in the state to condole with Otti on the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the first governor of old Abia State, rumours of a possible political alliance between him and Otti, the only Labour Party(LP) governor in the country, spread.
Onu was buried in Uburu, his hometown in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State on Friday.
Kwankwaso’s visit coincided with a reception held by the governor for 15 Abia indigenes who recently graduated from the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano.
Shortly after he departed the state, political analysts said they were sure that the visit was partly informed by efforts of the Peter Obi-led LP faction to align with other opposition parties ahead of 2027.
‘’Don’t forget that 2027 is near. Do you think the two men would meet like they did now with talking about the next presidential election? That is impossible,’’ one of them told The Nation.
Another said Kwankwaso and Otti were ‘’very much aware that the only way to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progress Congress (APC) from the centre is a formidable alliance.
‘’They know that now is the best time to start talking about how to defeat those in Aso Rock. And that, I believe is the core reason for the visit.”
Last month’s local government poll in the state produced a stunning result with candidates loyal to Otti winning nearly all the chairmanship positions on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party(ZLP)
The governor backed the winners because of court cases on the authentic leadership of the leadership of the LP.
One faction of the party is led by Julius Abure while the other supported by Obi and Otti is headed by Nenadi Usman, a former Finance minister.
Political analysts argued that if Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Obi, and Kwankwaso fail to put their political differences behind and field an acceptable presidential candidate in 2027, they might end up not making a significant impact.
Otti had while welcoming Kwankwaso recalled how he offered him a ‘’platform in May 2022 to run ’’ as a governorship candidate.
He thanked Kwankwaso for his guidance and patriotism.
His words: “Thank you for your guidance, for your patriotism, for everything that you have done for this country.
“I want to thank you for encouraging me in 2022 not to lose faith, though we were in different parties, and it appeared as if everything was going to be lost.
“That call that you made about the 20th of May 2022, for also making your platform available for me to run if I had wanted to use the platform, the rest is now history.”
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, congratulated Otti on his emergence as governor. He also lauded his achievements in the state
“For the little time I have been here, I have had the opportunity of talking to a few people who confirmed to me that you are doing very well. We have seen your project everywhere” he said.
The governor and his visitor urged the new Police officers to work hard, contribute to the security of the country, and be good ambassadors of the state.
“The challenge is for you to now work very hard, knowing fully well that in this society, the son of a nobody can be the father of somebody,” said Otti.
“If people like us who grew up here without any hope at that time can be here, there is no reason why you can’t get here. But I am challenging you to be the best you can be.
“Always do things right and do the right things. You can always get to where you are headed. Cutting corners does not take you too far, “ the governor added.
Kwankwaso charged the new police officers to be professional in the discharge of their duties.
“Let me take this opportunity, based on my experience, to advise you to first and foremost fear God.
“Two, you need to be professionals. Now you are fresh, just coming out of the prestigious institute.stay there as professionals,” he said.
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