Category: Nigerian Tribune

Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Tinubu to retrace his steps or risk losing a second term in office.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, revealed that Tinubu has betrayed and punished people who helped him rise to the presidency, but their creators are ready to fight him.

The man of God stated that if the president doesn’t retrace his steps, he will fail in the election because those he betrayed have a lot of things against him.

‘There are people Tinubu betrayed in getting this presidency, and he punished them. They have things against you, and if you don’t retrace your steps, it will make you fail this election.’

‘There are people who helped you to become president, but you have betrayed them; their creator will fight your second term.’

Primate Ayodele explained that there is no amount of strategy that can change the truth, reiterating that the only way out of it is by retracing his steps and reconciling with that set of people in time; otherwise, it will ultimately lead to his failure in the election.

‘Second term is not yet certain; there is no amount of strategy you want to use. This is how it is for you. If you can think about it or not, time will tell. Karma is coming to fight your second ter.’

Furthermore, he revealed that there are people in the president’s government who are leading him against those who helped him during his first term. The man of God advised the president to quickly retrace his steps or risk failing.

‘There are some people you gave appointments to who are leading you astray against those who helped you; it can make you fail if you don’t retrace your steps on time.’

In the South-Western part of Nigeria, among the Yorubas, there lives a bird known as Aparo. It is a creature full of lessons and wisdom; the same bird the English refer to as partridge, quail, or bush fowl. Proverbs tied to the Aparo abound, all circling the subject of foresight, provision, and the quiet diligence required to secure the future. Two of such proverbs come to mind: ‘Eni to fi ago ko eyin aparo,ohun oju wa ni oju nri’ (He who decides to poke the partridge’s nest will find much trouble, as the bird is fiercely protective); ‘Aparo kan ko ga ju ikan lo, afi eyi to ba gun ori’ (No partridge is taller than another, except the one that stands on a mound, referencing that human beings are essentially equal without situational advantage.

But in the deep offshore waters of the South-West Bonga field, out in the Niger Delta oil-rich region, Aparo is no longer just a bird, but a geography of opportunities. It has become the vehicle for an engineering feat and an economic juggernaut beneath the sea. The Bonga Southwest/Aparo project (BSWAp), in its sheer scale and ambition, is the equivalent of ten Burj Khalifas rising from the seabed to the open skies, carrying with it the promise of oil, gas, and transformative opportunities for all Nigerians. With a projected investment of up to $21 billion, it commands attention, especially when it is happening in your own national backyard.

Here in Nigeria, we often struggle to appreciate what we cannot see or touch. But the BSWAp is very real, and its implications are staggering. This is not merely another oil field. It is a statement, a signal that Nigeria is once again open for the kind of large-scale, capital-intensive investment that has been conspicuously absent since the last major offshore Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2008.

That oil field has existed for millions of years, surely long before the existence of a geography called Nigeria. Meanwhile, Shell and its fellow reputable International Oil Companies (IOCs) have operated globally, making decisions on where to deploy their resources for maximum returns. Those decisions are invariably influenced by policy stability, availability of manpower, and the broader oil and gas ecosystem. So, when I tell you that securing this investment is a big deal, then it is for real.

Now, let us give credit to whom it is due. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu it was who approved a landmark reform that replaces project-by-project negotiations with a transparent, rules-based investment framework designed to unlock up to $50 billion in deep offshore investment. Given effect through the Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026, this framework establishes clear eligibility criteria and a durable architecture that provides greater certainty for investors while safeguarding long-term national value.

This is not just another policy announcement. As President Tinubu himself noted: ‘The countries that attract long-term investment are not necessarily those with the greatest natural resources. They are the ones that provide the greatest certainty’. This reform demonstrates a determination to build an investment environment defined by clear rules, strong institutions, and enduring partnerships.

Perhaps the fact that President Tinubu had his own career as an oil and gas professional has something to do with it, but his penchant for walking the talk is positively refreshing. Rather than give a mandate and go to sleep, his administration has consistently challenged the status quo, standing ready to remove bottlenecks and engage with stakeholders for resolution of longstanding disputes. The industry regulators deserve commendation too. With square pegs in square holes, the upstream regulators are not learning on the job. As a former Executive Vice President, Upstream, at NNPC Ltd, Commision Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan is in familiar waters, cutting through red-tape like a knife on butter.

The critical enabler in the country though, for all things energy-related, remains NNPC. To the untrained eye, NNPC is all about gas stations and refineries. To those in the corridors of power and with careers in finance and energy, it is the most important economic entity in the country, besides the Presidency. NNPC deserves credit repeatedly for building a world-class organisation and value-chain despite the political pressures of yore.

Under the new upstream regime, Nigerian content plan approvals now carry a strict 10-day deadline, with automatic consent granted if regulators fail to respond. Contracting cycles that once stretched up to 18 months have been compressed to as little as four to six months, while targeted tax incentives have been introduced to stimulate deepwater and gas investments. The board has also eliminated the use of intermediaries and shell entities that previously inflated costs and weakened project execution, with certification guidelines now requiring physical verification of assets.

The BSWAp is expected to be one of Nigeria’s largest deepwater developments, with the potential to attract $15 billion to $21 billion in investment over the life of the project. The development is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy through increased oil and gas production, government revenues, foreign exchange earnings, local content development, employment, and expanded opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

The project will strengthen Nigerian content through increased contracting opportunities for indigenous companies, enhance local fabrication, marine, and engineering capabilities, facilitate technology transfer and skills development, and create lasting value across the wider Nigerian economy. It will position Nigeria as Africa’s regional hub for deep offshore project execution.

When the current administration mentioned three million barrels per day as the destination in the years ahead for our crude oil output and 12 billion scf for gas, I felt it was quite ambitious. But with the moves with executive orders and clarity of policy direction and alignment, I have seen enough to be confident of results.

The BSWAp is the embodiment of this new confidence. It is the Burj Khalifa of Nigeria’s deepwater, rising from the seabed to the open skies, carrying with it not just oil and gas, but the hopes and aspirations of a nation ready to reclaim its place as an energy powerhouse.

The Aparo bird, with its lessons of wisdom and provision, reminds us that preparation meets opportunity. Nigeria has prepared. The opportunity is now. And the benefits, for businesses, for jobs, for our people, are just beginning to unfold.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has issued a clarification on the approved dress code for candidates scheduled to participate in its oral interview, warning that those who fail to comply will not be allowed into the venue.

The oral interview for the ongoing 2024/2025 recruitment exercise is scheduled to commence on September 7, 2026, according to the clarification issued by the Board’s Office of the Secretary.

The clarification was electronically signed on Thursday by Okeh Juliet (Mrs), Head of Press and Public Relation, on behalf of the Secretary to the Board.

The CDCFIB said the clarification followed enquiries from candidates seeking to know the acceptable attire for the interview and supersedes its earlier directive on the matter.

Candidates are required to wear a white T-shirt with either short or long sleeves. The Board said long sleeves are optional for female candidates.

They may also wear either white shorts or white long trousers, with long trousers being optional for female candidates.

The approved dress code also includes white sneakers and white socks.

The Board said wearing a headscarf is optional for female candidates.

The CDCFIB advised all candidates to strictly adhere to the dress requirements, stressing that those who fail to comply will not be granted access to the oral interview venue.

Mind Impact for Motivation Initiative (Project MIMI), in collaboration with the Ibadan Hilltop Lions Club, District 404B4, on Thursday took its rape and childhood cancer awareness campaign to the office of the Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Omini Makinde.

The awareness walk featured students carrying placards with messages including, ‘My body is my own; stop molesting it sexually.’ ‘Stop intimidating us into silence,’ and ‘Rape is a danger to our education.’

The group praised the efforts of the First Lady in curbing child abuse and protecting vulnerable children.

Speaking during the event, Project Mini Coordinator, Mrs Olukemi Oshiyemi-Cole, called for an end to rape, sexual molestation and intimidation of children.

She urged parents, guardians and members of the public to remain vigilant, stressing that children could be abused by people they know, including family members, neighbours, friends, colleagues and other trusted individuals.

Cole warned that sexual abuse could have serious and lasting consequences for children, including emotional trauma, disruption to their education and other health challenges.

She urged parents to pay close attention to changes in their children’s behaviour and to create an environment where they feel safe speaking out.

‘It is high time we stopped rape and sexual molestation among young people. We must also put an end to the intimidation that forces victims into silence.

‘Children are vulnerable, and no one should take advantage of their age or trust. Parents must be careful and watch over their children. Nobody should be left out of this responsibility-not uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, cousins, neighbours or colleagues,’ she said.

She also encouraged schools and communities to intensify education on child protection and sexual abuse prevention.

Also, President, Ibadan Hilltop Lions Club, District 404B4, Mrs Adebisi Sofunde, said the initiative was aimed at saving lives, protecting children and ensuring that cases of abuse are identified, reported and addressed promptly.

Axxela Limited, a gas and power portfolio company in sub-Saharan Africa, has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s environmental, social and governance performance across its operations during the year.

The report, themed ‘Enabling Access, Deepening Impact’, highlights Axxela’s performance across key metrics and underscores its efforts to expand its infrastructure footprint, deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen responsible business practices.

In the year under review, Axxela expanded its gas pipeline network by 39km, enhancing connectivity across Lagos, Ogun and Rivers states. The company also recorded zero fatalities and achieved 9.6 million Lost Time Injury (LTI) free man-hours across its operations. In addition, Axxela strengthened its customer portfolio by connecting new industrial and commercial customers to its network. Other milestones include achieving Great Place to Work certification and receiving a Gold Medal rating in the EcoVadis Sustainability Assessment, placing Axxela among the top 5% of companies assessed globally.

Commenting on the report, Moshood Olajide, Group Chief Executive Officer of Axxela, emphasised that Axxela’s 2025 performance reflected the company’s commitment to responsible growth and long-term value creation.

‘Expanding domestic gas utilisation remains central to our strategy. Each new customer connection supports cleaner and more efficient energy use, helping industries improve efficiency and reduce reliance on traditionally dirtier fuels.

‘Our growth remains anchored in responsible infrastructure development and long-term value creation. We will continue to support Nigeria’s transition towards a more sustainable gas-powered economy,’ he said.

The report also outlined Axxela’s approach to environmental management, including environmental monitoring, operational controls and rehabilitation programmes designed to minimise environmental disturbance and protect biodiversity.

The company maintained environmental compliance registers, conducted annual compliance audits and risk assessments, and carried out quarterly emerging risk scans across its operations and projects.

Axxela’s 2025 Sustainability Report, its ninth consecutive edition, was prepared in line with the core requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and builds on the reporting discipline and frameworks established over previous reporting years. The report highlights the company’s steadfast commitment to transparent disclosure, responsible business practices and long-term value creation, while detailing the progress, priorities and actions shaping its approach to sustainable and responsible growth.

One of the governorship candidates under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbemileke Alagbe, has alleged that he won the party’s primary election but was excluded from the final list submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Alagbe made the claim when he appeared as a guest on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s show, Politics Today, where he spoke on the crisis rocking the ADC in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

He accused the former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, of imposing another candidate, Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, on the party.

‘By every standard, I won the primary. But by INEC’s miracle, my name was not on the list they submitted. Another name appeared there,’ Alagbe said.

According to him, the development was part of a deliberate plot to sideline him despite having the support of delegates and party members in the four local governments.

He alleged that the imposition was done to favour a particular interest within the party leadership in Oyo State.

‘Aregbesola and his group decided to impose Adegbeke. That is not democracy. That is not what ADC stands for,’ he stated.

Alagbe said he had since petitioned the national leadership of the ADC and INEC over the matter.

He explained that evidence from the primary election, including result sheets and video recordings, shows that he clearly won.

The ADC candidate said the exclusion has created confusion among party members who voted for him during the primary.

‘People are asking me, ‘We voted for you, why is your name not there?’ I don’t have an answer because I did nothing wrong,’ he said.

He accused some leaders of trying to turn the ADC in Oyo into a personal estate rather than a political party built on internal democracy.

‘If we continue like this, the party will lose credibility before the people. You cannot build a party by imposing candidates,’ Alagbe said.

He called on the national leadership of the ADC to intervene and ensure that the rightful candidate is recognized before the 2027 elections.

Alagbe also urged INEC to investigate how his name was replaced after he was declared winner at the primary.

‘I won, but by INEC’s miracle I was not on their list. That must be corrected. The will of the people must not be subverted,’ he said.

He vowed to continue to pursue legal and political means to reclaim the mandate given to him by delegates.

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday criticised politicians campaigning for the return of oil subsidy, saying they are only resorting to populist politics that will eventually fail.

According to him, any candidate assuring Nigerians of oil subsidy’s return was simply building their campaign on empty promises that would end up deceiving voters.

The governor stated these while delivering the 7th Freedom Online Newspaper Lecture with the theme: ‘2027 Elections, Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future’, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

While speaking on the ongoing economic reform of the Federal Government, security matters and electoral reconfiguration, the governor highlighted the gains and the prospects for future growth.

The Lagos helmsman observed that the oil subsidy policy, which was introduced to tackle the shortcomings of local oil supplies stemming from inefficiencies at state-owned refineries, was not intended as a permanent intervention.

Sanwo-Olu said that the subsidy policy had become a burden on the nation’s finances, draining the nation’s treasury and squandering funds that could have been invested in building roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure relevant for the wellbeing of the nation.

By taking the courage to end the corruption-ridden subsidy programme, the Governor said President Bola Tinubu made the sacrifice that previous leaders had avoided, damning the impact the action could have on his electoral fortunes.

Sanwo-Olu said: ‘The oil subsidy was not removed because anybody enjoyed removing it. It was removed because it had become a hole in the national purse through which the money for roads, schools and hospitals was draining away. The intervention was never reaching the ordinary motorist it was supposed to help. In the build-up to the 2023 elections, every major candidate promised to remove it. Only one of them was in a position to do it, and he did it on his first day in office.

‘I will not stand here and tell you that oil subsidy removal has been painless. It has not. Lagosians particularly have felt it at the pump, at the market, and in the price of a bag of rice. Any governor who tells you otherwise has not been listening to his own people. But the measure of a reform is not whether it hurts. It is whether it heals. And the evidence that this one is healing is now arriving, quarter by quarter.

‘Under President Tinubu, the states have had it very good. Since the subsidy was removed, the monthly allocations to states and local governments have more than doubled in Naira terms. The president has done his part; the money is arriving. Barely two weeks into the season of presidential election campaign, opposition politicians have reached for the fuel subsidy as their instrument of choice. We will see more of this. We will see promises that no treasury on earth could honour.’

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the 2027 election should be viewed not merely as a contest for political power but as an opportunity to consolidate nation-building efforts.

Mohammed said the country’s security and economic challenges required consistency, patience, stronger institutions and national cooperation.

He argued that security remained a precondition for economic growth, while economic inclusion was necessary for political stability.

According to him: ‘No business thrives in an atmosphere of uncertainty, and no foreign or local investor deploys capital where safety cannot be guaranteed. In turn, political stability depends on economic inclusion.’

The Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, said Nigeria could not achieve a strong economy without security; just as lasting security could not be achieved without a strong economy.

Daniel acknowledged what he described as encouraging signs in the Nigerian economy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, including reported growth in the second quarter of 2026.

He, however, said economic progress should be measured beyond GDP figures and should reflect improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.

He asked whether young Nigerians could find decent employment, farmers could safely access their farms, manufacturers could produce competitively and businesses could survive the rising costs of power, transportation and finance.

According to him, insecurity should be regarded not only as a security problem but also as an economic challenge.

‘When farmers are afraid to cultivate their land, food production suffers. When roads are unsafe, the cost of transporting goods rises. When businesses spend excessively on protection, their competitiveness declines. When communities live in fear, investment is discouraged,’ he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, called for stronger institutions and transparent elections as prerequisites for democratic development.

Adebutu argued that institutions must be strengthened and allowed to function effectively to restore citizens’ confidence in the political system.

He expressed concern about capital flight and the polarising effect of elections, while stressing the need for political leaders and citizens to speak truth to power.

‘We need to have transparent elections. Elections have further polarised us. Our institutions should be strengthened so that people will have confidence in the system,’ he said.

Earlier, the organiser and publisher of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, said Nigeria appeared to be making progress politically but questioned whether similar progress was being recorded in other sectors.

Akinadewo called for the establishment of state police, describing insecurity as a ‘monster’ that required urgent and innovative solutions.

He said Nigeria had developed a four-year electoral cycle but lacked a corresponding four-year cycle of development.

‘In Nigeria, every four years, we have a full cycle of election but there is no four-year cycle of development. We are here to draw a line between governance and politics. Where does politics stop? Where does development start?’ he asked.

Akinadewo also called for the modernisation of Nigeria’s laws to reflect contemporary realities.

‘The task before us today is very simple. We can’t continue to use the system adopted in the ’60s to govern Nigeria of 2026 and beyond. By 2027, we must modernise our laws to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century,’ he said.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, has urged Northerners seeking to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 to allow him to complete his tenure, insisting that it is still the turn of the South-West to produce the president.

Mamman-Lagos, who spoke in an interview to journalists, said Northern politicians should stop agitating for power and instead allow Tinubu to complete his constitutional tenure, stressing that the North would have the opportunity to produce its preferred candidate when the time comes.

He said the political arrangement that produced the Tinubu presidency was based on an understanding among political leaders across the country, recalling the role played by former President Muhammadu Buhari and other Northern leaders in the emergence of Tinubu.

According to him, Tinubu demonstrated political maturity by supporting Buhari’s presidential ambition despite the latter’s previous unsuccessful attempts, adding that the former Lagos governor subsequently played a major role in building the political structure that produced Buhari as president.

The commissioner said Northerners should therefore be patient with the current administration rather than allowing political differences to create unnecessary tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mamman-Lagos dismissed the growing activities of opposition politicians, particularly those operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as insufficient to threaten the APC’s chances in Kaduna State, saying the opposition lacked the grassroots structure required to win elections.

He said political candidates should be assessed based on their records in public office, political structures and contributions to the development of their communities rather than their popularity on social media.

The commissioner cautioned politicians against mistaking social media trends and large crowds at rallies for actual electoral support, noting that many voters, particularly women in rural communities, are not active on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

He said women remained a major force in Nigerian elections because of their ability to turn out in large numbers to vote, particularly at the grassroots, urging politicians to pay greater attention to them when planning for elections.

Mamman-Lagos expressed confidence that Governor Uba Sani would secure a second term in Kaduna State, attributing the administration’s advantage to what he described as its achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, sanitation and other sectors.

He identified Southern Kaduna as a critical political bloc in the 2027 election, saying the region had witnessed greater inclusion under the present administration through political appointments, road construction, healthcare interventions and other development projects.

According to him, the improved relationship between the government and communities across Kaduna had strengthened unity in the state, arguing that political stability and peaceful coexistence would ultimately work in favour of the APC.

Mamman-Lagos also highlighted the administration’s investments in road construction, renovation of primary schools and hospitals, as well as sanitation and youth engagement programmes, saying residents could physically inspect the projects rather than relying on political propaganda.

He said his ministry had created employment opportunities through sanitation operations and sports initiatives, including the engagement of thousands of people in environmental sanitation and the establishment of a football team that provides opportunities for young people.

The commissioner challenged opposition politicians seeking to govern Kaduna to present their records in public office and explain what they had achieved, saying voters should examine their political credentials and contributions before deciding who deserves their support.

Mamman-Lagos said leadership was not determined by academic qualifications or the ability to speak sophisticated English, arguing that effective governance required wisdom, practical experience, capacity and the ability to understand the needs of ordinary people.

He also defended the Uba Sani administration’s relationship with non-indigenes, saying Kaduna had historically accommodated Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and that the state’s cosmopolitan character should be preserved.

According to him, Governor Uba Sani’s background and exposure had enabled him to relate with people across ethnic and religious divides, adding that such an approach was necessary to sustain peace and unity in Kaduna.

Mamman-Lagos urged the people of Kaduna to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, saying the current difficulties were inherited and could not be resolved overnight.

He maintained that the APC would approach the 2027 election with the record of the Uba Sani administration as its major campaign instrument, expressing confidence that voters would reward the government based on its performance and return the governor to office for a second term.

The pensioners were reportedly subjected to the police action on Monday, August 31, 2026, while protesting the non-payment of outstanding gratuities owed them by the Lagos State Government.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Godwin Amadin, the NUP condemned what it described as the ‘police brutality and assault’ against the pensioners, saying they were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.

The union questioned why the police would deploy tear gas against senior citizens who, according to it, had spent their productive years contributing to the development of the Lagos State public service.

The NUP said it was particularly concerned that pensioners who had allegedly been denied their legitimate entitlements and subjected to ‘starvation, penury’ and hardship were further confronted with what it described as intimidation and molestation while demanding their rights.

It therefore called on the IGP to conduct a ‘deep investigation’ into the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine who authorised the action against the pensioners.

The union asked: ‘Who actually gave such order to dehumanize pensioners, who caused no breach of peace and destroyed no life and property in the course of the peaceful protest?’

The NUP also drew a comparison with a recent protest by retired police officers at the premises of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) over alleged non-payment of their post-service entitlements.

It queried why the retired police officers were not subjected to similar treatment, asking, ‘Why were those ex-police officers not tear gassed?’

According to the union, the question was central to its demand for justice and accountability over the Lagos incident, insisting that those responsible for the alleged assault must be brought to book.

The NUP also reminded the police and other public institutions that ‘a worker today, is a pensioner, tomorrow,’ warning that the treatment meted out to pensioners today could have consequences for workers when they retire.

Beyond the police action, the union renewed its call on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other governors owing pensioners outstanding gratuities and pensions to clear the arrears without further delay.

The NUP said prompt payment of pensioners’ entitlements would help prevent what it described as the ‘incessant cases of avoidable embarrassment, molestation, intimidation and unnecessary harassment’ of pensioners demanding their legitimate benefits.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said only leaders who emerge through free, fair and credible elections deserve to be addressed as ‘Excellency.’

Obi made the declaration during the NDC Obi-Talks town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he interacted with party members and residents on issues affecting Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former Anambra State governor said the town hall provided an opportunity for an open discussion on critical national issues, including employment, healthcare, education, security and economic opportunities.

He reiterated his commitment to prioritising education and healthcare while working to lift Nigerians out of poverty, describing the three areas as critical drivers of national development.

According to him, the experiences of countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia and India demonstrate that competent and purposeful leadership can transform nations facing significant socioeconomic challenges.

He cited Bangladesh’s progress in rice production, Indonesia’s growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and India’s efforts to reduce poverty as examples of how focused leadership can improve the welfare of citizens.

Obi said the experiences of the countries showed that national development was possible when leadership was competent, accountable, and committed to the welfare of the people.

The NDC presidential candidate said his major takeaway from the engagement was the determination of Rivers State residents to participate actively in the 2027 elections and ensure that their votes were counted.

He urged the people of the state to protect their mandate during the election, declaring that ‘the people of Rivers State will vote, and their votes must count.’

‘Only leaders who emerge from a free, fair, and credible electoral process can truly be called Excellencies,’ Obi said.

He challenged Rivers to set the pace for free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, stressing the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and respecting the choices of voters.

Obi expressed appreciation to the NDC Vice Presidential Candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; the party’s Rivers State governorship candidate, Dumo Lulu-Briggs; the Rivers State Working Committee; the National Working Committee led by National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe; as well as supporters and well-wishers who attended the engagement.

He said the party’s broader mission was to ‘rescue Nigeria, rebuild our institutions, and restore hope to our people.’