Politics
2023: On the road to Aso Rock

2023: On the road to Aso Rock
By: James Bwala
Many battle ready stallions were seen parading themselves. The atmosphere is beginning to charge with songs of war. The battle drums are being heard from a distance and with each passing day the battle line is being drawn with massive voices calling on the names of those gladiators they are permuting on to stand tall on the road to Aso Rock.
Both the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC and the strongest opposition party in the country – the People’s Democratic Party, PDP have brought on the battle fronts a formidable formation. While it is natural to have these politicians falling over themselves at such time as this, it is becoming very interested to follow the unfolding situation particularly in the APC where according to many reports incidents coincide with the Biblical history of the month which saw the greatest betrayal in the story presented of the Lord Jesus Christ and his disciple Judas Iscariot.
While some have brought this scenario to the political platform Nigerians to witness between the APC National Leaders, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political son, the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, it is however, to be reminded that such occasions in politics is no news to those who are following political events. Although it took many by surprise, the declaration of Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo is something that most happened owing to the political arrangement on the road to Aso Rock.
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A lot had happened in the last seven years of the Buhari’s administration that gave Nigerians the opportunity to look inwards to decide what future they would love to have after the Buhari regime most have expired in 2023. Both Tinubu and Osinbajo are products of the APC administration and both have the privilege of support from the over 40 million membership of the party.
With a sizeable number of those seeking to seat where Buhari had sat. The road to Aso Rock in 2023 may not be taken on a smooth ride with daring moves as seen both within the ruling party and opposition PDP. The much talked about people’s democratic party, PDP are governor Wike of Rivers State, Tambuwal of Sokoto and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to say a few. But on this national acceptability is seen playing alongside with Atiku than the rest.
While APC is reeling from names like Ameachi, Rich, Tinubu and Osinbajo to mention a few. That party in the local runs may have just presented the biggest political challenge the nation may experience in the unfolding events. Although equally strong in their individual character, the tune by which the echo of war drums are beating does not present nationality in the open spaces especially on the account of Tinubu and Osinbajo.
I have read a piece by Farooq Kperogi and stories from MURIC as well as the REDEEMERS body language and I concluded that this perhaps is going to be the most sensitive political time in Nigeria’s history. The sensitivity could be heavier than the experience of the 2015 general election that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power.
But time will tell whether Farooq Kperogi is right, whether MURIC is right or whether the REDEEMITES are right. I will take the observer position and see the unfolding realities and to further understand claims on all parties to fulfill these dramatic appearances from all parties to the game as Buhari concludes his part on the stage. Whether Tinubu, Atiku or Osinbajo Nigeria will continue to be remembered but people will fall especially those who are taking a do or die posture to this drama that will come and go as it continues to revolve around our history since the return of democracy in 1999.
Already there has been accusation and counter accusation since the declaration of the Vice President about a week ago. Although supporters of the Jagaban would want Nigerians to believe that they are not moved by this declaration, it is understandable that political pains can also come with laughter. It is only natural to have courage in the face of disappointment.
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The declaration by Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo of his desire to run for the office of the president was considered morally unjustifiable and legally blind by supporters of the Asiwaju movement both at home and in diaspora. From the many pieces and writings floating on social media one can understand the pain of what they term ‘betrayal’.
But the truth is that Asiwaju cannot contest against himself. If he needs to be a president, these are signs that should strengthen his position rather than showing a sign of weakness by choosing who should fight alongside him and who should not in this unique arrangement.
What is more moral in a political situation like this than to be politically immoral? I think the Vice President regardless of his ambition and those supporting his move for such an open challenge against his one-time Boss could be the highest legal Cross he had to take in fulfilling his desire and call to lead.
2023: On the road to Aso Rock
News
ECOWAS Court and Sierra Leone Government Organise Capacity-Building Training for Sierra Leone State Attorneys

ECOWAS Court and Sierra Leone Government Organise Capacity-Building Training for Sierra Leone State Attorneys
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Court in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone organised a capacity-building training for State Attorneys at the Law Officers’ Department.
The training held at the Sierra Leone Law School Complex and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, is centred on ECOWAS Community law, practice and jurisprudence, among others.
In his remarks, Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Court said the training was designed to deepen participants’ knowledge of the Court and its judicial processes and procedures to ensure effective legal representation in the administration of justice. He stressed that cases from the Republic of Sierra Leone have been dismissed due to technicalities or procedural irregularities, leading to reliance on lawyers from neighbouring countries, adding that this training will equip the lawyers for better representation before the Court.
He acknowledged the commitment of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay to continuous training and professional development of the State legal officers. “Sierra Leone has consistently engaged the Court on various matters. Therefore, the State’s decision to request the Court’s assistance in enhancing the capabilities of its lawyers to sustain this engagement, is laudable. The Court remains committed to educating Member States on Community law and practice and to sharing its jurisprudence,” he said.
Delivering his remarks, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay said his office is keen on effective justice delivery that will enhance the rights of the citizens.

He urged the legal officers to actively participate and familiarise themselves with the Community Law, Jurisprudence, and applicable laws in the administration of justice in the Community Court. He encouraged the participants to avail themselves of this opportunity to ensure that the State gets effective representation before the Court.
Topics for presentation include jurisdiction of the Court, admissibility, non-exhaustion of local remedies, sources of law, jurisprudence, human rights mandate, written and oral procedures before the Court, default judgment, among others. Facilitators drawn from experienced lawyers at the Court led practical exercises on drafting, filing, and oral procedure.
During the four-day mission from 28 July to 31 July, 2025, the delegation from the Court including Hon President Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Goncalves and Hon Vice-President Sengu Mohamed Koroma have scheduled courtesy visits to high authorities of the State. The high-level delegation of the Court to the Republic of Sierra Leone underscores the Court’s commitment to improving professional legal practice in the region. A similar training was recently held in Accra, Ghana.
End


Politics
ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai

ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai
By: Dr. James Bwala
All four politicians still have their ropes hanging in the former or soon-to-be former political party. El-Rufai has left the APC but could not have a place in the SDP, as the party denied him being their member. While he is still dancing in ADC, no one knows for sure what his aims are as the party quietly watched him and closely checked on his character. Mr. Peter Obi is still grappling with which way to go and still consulting with a madman for direction. It is still unclear whether he has stepped his foot firmly in ADC, as he constantly looks back to his Labour Party. Kwakwanso’s last move against the presidency is an indication that things are falling apart. He is rumored to make a full move soon into the ADC to challenge Atiku and others for the party’s ticket but still wants to be present in his party, the NNPP, holding both goalposts in that confusion. Atiku Abubakar left the PDP allegedly for fear of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He may be having favor in ADC; however, he is relying on some of his foot soldiers within the PDP to run his game. And the confusion continued.
It was Fela Kuti, the famous Nigerian musician and activist, that created powerful and celebrated songs, which are now reminding us of what he was trying to address in our political theater, and long after he was gone, we see this song making meaning of political issues in Nigeria, especially with the current confusion unfolding in the ADC. I could mention many of his songs that reflected on the current political drama, but one such song that comes to mind and well addresses the current drama and confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) political party is “Zombie.” Fela sang this song and released it in the 1970s, looking at the political confusion at that time and criticizing the blind obedience of soldiers and the political leadership that manipulates them. The game ADC is planning to play with Nigeria ultimately for selfish gains. And “Zombie” can be applied to the themes of the music that reflect the ADC position amongst its leadership and fellowship, explaining the disarray amongst its leadership and struggles within its ranks for impact against a formidable force, which President Tinubu and Kashim Shettima literally command today.
It was not too early to state that the 2027 general elections in Nigeria are shaping a battleground for the glory of those who are ready to take it. The renewed HOP initiative of the Tinunu and Kashim Shettima administration is making waves and winning in the argument of who holds the political aces. On the other hand, when we look at the political maneuvering and shifting alliances among the most notable figures in the soon-to-be race, we can see the old faces and actors like Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai. While we cannot deny them of their pedigree on the political landscape, these leaders political backgrounds and ambitions fail them. They face a complex web of relationships that could make or break their chances, and we have this to say: the dynamics between them have already shown signs of tension. It is already suggesting that things may soon fall apart as the elections approach.

I am not speaking about Rotimi Ameachi in this context because he has his battles to face with Wike as political issues unfold. Choosing the ADC to form a coalition of opposition may be a good strategy, but ambition knows no brother, and greed will always kill a friend in a struggle. Their coming together not in one accord put ADC on the edges of collapse as the party now faced significant challenges stirred by internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and ideological differences. No thanks, but thanks to the ambitious politicians who are hungry and angry, as they made us understand. Indeed, the problems they have brought to once a quiet and still political party stem from a lack of sincere, collected reforms and collaborative coalition. This is making it difficult for them to work towards common goals. And like the soldiers in “Zombie,” who are depicted as mindlessly following orders, some leaders and members of the ADC have shown a failure to critically engage with the party’s vision, goals, and objectives that will engage in political adventure towards success. Nigerians now observed, and what they are saying is that these men are not here to foster democratic values but to promote their personal interests. This is leading to confusion and instability within the party, as being a witness within the party despite the sugar coating with seemingly smiling faces that is hiding the monster soon to be revealed within.
Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, is indeed a veteran politician. But his marriage to many political parties makes him a man of unstable ways in the political arena. The former vice president has long sought the presidency and continues to position himself as a unifying candidate. However, his recent alliance with various factions within party politics has drawn criticism. Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and a prominent figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), found himself in the valley of decision while he lingered on the choices to make, revealing his greed for power and lack of focus on what he was out to pursue in the political arena. He was tipped to join the APC, but his eyes run over choices leading to a breakdown in relationships in political connections. His fight with the presidency over his alleged claims that the North has been neglected further pushes him to the benches to seek connections with the coalition. Kwakwanso is known for his grassroots connection and populist rhetoric; his appeal lies in his ability to mobilize support in the northern regions. Nevertheless, his ambitions may clash with those of Atiku if he joins the ADC, as rumor has it. If he did, both would be targeting similar voter demographics, potentially leading to conflict rather than collaboration in a coalition.
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Another gladiator fielding in the ADC platform for the coalition is Mr. Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and candidate of the Labour Party. Peter Obi has gained significant traction among the youth and educated class. His campaign focuses on economic reform and anti-corruption, appealing to a generation that seeks change. However, Obi’s rising popularity has not gone unnoticed, and it threatens to draw support away from both Atiku and Kwankwaso. With the calls by Nigeria for power to be shifted to the South, the ADC may be forced to side with the voices of Nigerians, and that means a lot to the Atiku and Kwankwaso camps. The competition for the same voter base could exacerbate tensions among the candidates, leading to further fracturing of alliances within the ADC. The dumping of the APC, the clinging of the SDP, and now the pitching with the ADC bring to the floor a comedy of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State. Nobody knows who he is standing with. For Atiku, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, or for himself? Whatever position he is taking, he is adding another layer to this intricate political scenario. El-Rufai’s reputation for controversial policies and governance style might alienate certain voters, but he also has a solid support base within the political landscape. El-Rufai’s position might create friction with the other candidates as he navigates his political future amid allegations of mismanagement and public discontent.
Looking from the prism of Fela Kuti’s music, the understanding often highlighted the importance of awareness and critical thinking among citizens. The late Afrobeat singer encouraged listeners to question authority and not accept information at face value. This message is particularly relevant today, as the ADC grapples with factions and conflicting interests. The inability of the party to present a unified front to the public can be compared to the soldiers in “Zombie” marching in unison but without genuine intent or purpose. It serves as a reminder for ADC members to strive for integrity and collective action rather than mere conformity to leadership decisions, which may not always reflect the party’s true values.
While we count the cakes, the value of gold is soaring as the elections draw closer. The potential for conflict among Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai is palpable. Each leader is striving to consolidate their position while contending with increasing competition. If these leaders cannot find common ground and create meaningful alliances, they will risk undermining their respective reasons for collaboration and coalition. Consequently, the ADC might witness a fracturing of relationships, leading to a political landscape where collaboration becomes unlikely, ultimately impacting the future of the party. And this explains the significance of Fela Kuti’s protest music. This transcends time, providing valuable insights into the political landscape of Nigeria today and going beyond what we are talking about in the corners from what we see and observe. Fela Kuti’s powerful lyrics and compelling messages encourage present and future generations to engage actively with political issues. It is crucial for ADC leaders and members to listen and learn from the lessons embedded in Kuti’s music, particularly the necessity of unity and a commitment to democratic ideals. As confusion continues to persist within the party, embracing a more collaborative and transparent approach will be essential for party survival. For us on the other side, “Zombie” is good music and should continue as the confusion in ADC rages.
- James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai
Politics
President Tinubu’s public acknowledgment of VP Kashim Shettima’s role underscores the trust placed in him.

President Tinubu’s public acknowledgment of VP Kashim Shettima’s role underscores the trust placed in him.
By: Dr. James Bwala
President Bola Tinubu’s public expressions of gratitude toward Vice President Kashim Shettima for his integral role before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari signify a consolidation of their political alliance amid circulating rumors regarding Shettima’s potential replacement. In a widely viewed address, Tinubu explicitly acknowledged Shettima’s efforts in managing sensitive responsibilities surrounding Buhari’s final days and funeral arrangements, thereby underscoring the trust placed in him. This public commendation is particularly noteworthy given the speculation about discord within the administration, which had suggested that Shettima might be sidelined.
The president’s deliberate acknowledgment not only affirms Shettima’s loyalty but also indicates a strategic move to quell uncertainties about internal leadership dynamics. By highlighting Shettima’s pivotal involvement during this national moment of mourning, Tinubu appears to reinforce unity within his government and project stability to both domestic and international audiences. Such gestures are essential in maintaining cohesive governance during transitional periods marked by political sensitivities. Indeed, this public affirmation serves to dispel any notions of internal discord and emphasizes a unified front within the presidency.
By publicly lauding Shettima’s contributions, Tinubu not only addresses the rumors head-on but also strategically positions his administration as resilient and unified in the face of potential political upheaval. In doing so, Tinubu not only strengthens his alliance with Shettima but also aims to present a cohesive leadership team that can effectively navigate the challenges posed by such a significant transition. As President Tinubu continues to publicly express gratitude towards Vice President Shettima, it becomes increasingly clear that this relationship is not only intact but also pivotal in navigating the complexities of governance.
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This strategic acknowledgment is further underscored by Tinubu’s emphasis on collaborative governance, highlighting the administration’s commitment to continuity and collective effort. As the administration navigates this delicate period, Tinubu’s public commendation of Shettima’s efforts sends a clear message of solidarity and mutual respect.
The public nature of these expressions ensures that any speculation regarding Shettima’s replacement is directly addressed, reinforcing the administration’s unity and shared purpose during this sensitive period. By reinforcing Shettima’s integral role and expressing appreciation for his efforts, President Tinubu not only dispels any doubts about their working relationship but also strengthens the perception of a stable and united leadership team. This approach not only quells any uncertainty but also emphasizes a narrative of resilience and cooperation within the highest echelons of government.
The public acknowledgment of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s contributions by President Bola Tinubu serves as a strategic affirmation of their collaborative governance and seeks to dispel any lingering doubts about their relationship. This gesture, in the context of circulating rumors and misinterpretations, sends a clear message to critics and skeptics who perceive discord within the administration. By openly recognizing Shettima’s role, Tinubu not only reinforces unity but also counters unfounded speculation regarding internal struggles.
Moreover, such an explicit endorsement aligns with calls from political commentators urging the president to directly address replacement rumors that have fueled division. The clarity offered through this public commendation diminishes space for mischief and undermines narratives that seek to destabilize the administration. Given prior instances where Shettima’s statements were misconstrued yet reaffirmed as supportive of Tinubu’s policies, this move consolidates trust within the executive branch and signals stability to both domestic and international observers.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
President Tinubu’s public acknowledgment of VP Kashim Shettima’s role underscores the trust placed in him.
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