Peter Obi Defends Party Switch, Blasts Nigeria’s Political Class at NDC Convention

Peter Obi speaking at the Nigeria Democratic Congress convention in Abuja

Peter Obi, presidential hopeful of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended his movement across political parties while taking a swipe at critics who mocked his political realignments. In a lengthy statement shared on his verified X handle, Obi justified his decision by quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He said, “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of their party.” Obi spoke on Saturday after attending the first convention of the NDC in Abuja, describing the gathering as evidence of Nigerians’ determination for political change and democratic renewal. The former Anambra State governor expressed appreciation to the NDC leadership, led by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for welcoming him and his supporters during what he described as a critical period in Nigeria’s political journey. He also acknowledged the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly former Senate President David Mark, for providing what he called a democratic platform after ongoing litigation reportedly forced him and others out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). According to Obi, the spirit of solidarity among opposition groups must remain central to efforts aimed at rebuilding Nigeria. The opposition figure accused members of the political class of abandoning democratic values and enabling what he described as the systematic destruction of democracy in the country. “Those who once fought for justice now openly celebrate electoral injustice,” Obi stated. He further alleged that intimidation, coercion, manipulation and political gangsterism were increasingly being deployed against opposition voices, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was facing severe threats. Obi said Nigeria was drifting without direction and suffering under worsening economic and security conditions. “Across the world, Nigeria is increasingly described as a failing and disgraced nation. This is not the destiny God ordained for our great country,” he said. The former presidential candidate pointed to what he described as failures in governance, including weak accountability, corruption, poor regulatory standards and the erosion of the separation of powers. He also highlighted rising poverty, unemployment, inflation and insecurity, claiming that more than 140 million Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty. According to him, businesses are shutting down while farmers can no longer safely access their farmlands due to insecurity. Obi lamented the increasing cases of kidnapping, displacement and violent attacks across the country, saying hundreds of innocent Nigerians had lost their lives in recent weeks. He questioned who speaks for struggling Nigerians, including grieving parents, unemployed youths and families battling rising hardship. “Our present tragedy is not accidental,” Obi said. “It is the direct consequence of years of deliberate sabotage by a political class that prospers by dividing the people and weakening the nation.” He maintained that Nigeria possesses abundant human and natural resources but continues to suffer because leadership has failed to prioritise the common good. Calling for national unity and reform, Obi urged Nigerians to reject despair and work towards rebuilding the country on the foundations of justice, equity, competence, productivity and accountability. “Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it,” he added.

Olofu Engages Benue South Stakeholders in Lagos Over Senate Agenda

Dr. David Olofu addressing Benue South stakeholders and diaspora leaders during a consultative meeting in Lagos on his Senate aspiration.

Breaking from conventional campaign outreach, Dr. David Olofu took consultations for his Senate race to Lagos, bringing together Benue South diaspora stakeholders and leaders from the home front to deliberate on inclusive representation and a people-centred legislative agenda.

Police Detain Yahaya Bello’s ADC, Security Details

The Nigeria Police Force has detained the female aide-de-camp (ADC) and several other police officers attached to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, following suspicions of their involvement in aiding his escape from law enforcement. The detentions occurred at the State Criminal Investigation Department in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as confirmed by senior police sources to Punch. This action was taken after the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, issued a directive on Thursday night for the immediate withdrawal of these officers from Bello, who is currently embroiled in legal challenges. The former governor was supposed to be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday but managed to evade capture. The police sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, indicated that the ADC and the detained officers are under investigation for potentially abetting Bello’s escape, which has led to a significant uproar within security circles. This incident marks a critical development in the ongoing case against Bello, who faces allegations of corruption during his tenure as governor. One of the sources said, “The ADC and the other police details attached to Yahaya Bello have been arrested and detained. “They were arrested on the order of the IG, on the suspicion that they aided and abetted the former governor’s escape from the EFCC on Wednesday.” Another source said, “Yahaya Bello’s female ADC and other police officers attached to him were brought to the command this morning, and they’ve been detained for aiding and abetting (the governor’s escape).” Egbetokun had, on Thursday night, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Bello. The order reads, “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM NIGPOL. “DOPS ABUJA X BEGINS X CB:4001/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.21/462 DTO:180955/04/2024 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X REF MYLET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/36 DATED 15/04/2024 X AND MY EARLIER LET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/30 DATED 24/01/2024 X Nigeria police have ordered the withdrawal of all men. “Police attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, should acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please above for your information and strict compliance.”