Connect with us

Politics

Atiku Reportedly Set To Lobby Amaechi Back To PDP To Fight Tinubu

Published

on

2023: Atiku Reportedly Set To Lobby Amaechi Back To PDP To Fight Tinubu

Atiku Reportedly Set To Lobby Amaechi Back To PDP To Fight Tinubu

There are strong indications that the Rivers State All Progressives Congress led by immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is angry about the romance between the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu’s men; and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Wike has in recent times been meeting with some APC chieftains, including Tinubu’s allies. On Monday, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was invited by Wike to inaugurate a road project.

The Rivers governor also invited former Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila to inaugurate some projects in his state.

Earlier, some APC governors led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, had also met Wike in his state amid his feud with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.

However, sources close to Amaechi, told Journalists that the romance between Wike and Tinubu was disrespectful especially since it was public knowledge that Wike and Amaechi were political foes.

They also accused Tinubu of supporting Senator Magnus Abe who recently dumped the APC to run for governor on the platform of the Social Democratic Party.

An associate of Amaechi who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said, “The APC leaders have been coming to Rivers State to lobby Wike and make all manner of promises to him. These people never came to Rivers even when the party was having a crisis.

“They should not forget that Amaechi came second in that presidential primary and is still the leader of the APC in Rivers State. Rather than rally around him, they have been romancing Wike. Tinubu is among the sponsors of Magnus Abe who has defected to the SDP.

“Magnus Abe is Tinubu’s boy. He is always with Tinubu. Even after joining the SDP, he is still with Tinubu and has promised to work for Tinubu’s campaign. Yet they cannot caution him.”

The source stated that Atiku might begin to woo Amaechi soon if quick action was not taken.

Speaking, an APC chieftain, Chukwuemeka Eze, said he was not aware if Atiku had begun reaching out to Amaechi.

Eze, however, said if Amaechi decides to join the PDP, then Tinubu should be blamed.

He added, “If Amaechi decides to rejoin PDP, it may not be of his own making but due to the acts and attitude of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and managers of his campaign team coupled with the new style of leadership of those currently running APC.

“Let me state unequivocally that the manner and ways Amaechi and his political Team are being neglected both in the formation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and most of the activities of the party since after the APC Presidential Convention is not the best way to treat a leader with the stature or status of Amaechi. You don’t do that.

“To worsen the situation, the manner in which Tinubu and his associates continued to associate with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State without any consultation with Amaechi or any member of his political family is not only sad but very unfortunate.”

Eze said Amaechi remained an institution in Rivers State politics and that anybody or political leader who feels he can undermine him is doing that at his or her own peril.

He recalled that Amaechi as the Director-General of the Presidential campaign that orchestrated President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in 2015

“Based on his rating, I will not be shocked if Atiku Abubakar is wooing him based on the fact that the two leaders are not only very close associates politically and but have remain great partners in the progress of this country so I have nothing against such a union,” he said.

When contacted, the Rivers State APC Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, told The PUNCH that Wike was desperate for an alliance with Tinubu and the APC to remain relevant after 2023.

Commenting on the romance between Tinubu’s men and Wike, he stated, “In politics, the concentric circles of conspiracy are numerous. Sometimes they overlap and other times they are incongruent. But very often, the end result is one – how to appropriate political power at the expense of others or competitors. Therefore, in the instant case, whether it is Asuwaju that is going after Governor Wike or the latter that is courting Asuwaju, the end result is how to survive 2023 general elections and remain politically relevant thereafter.

“We know that the desperate party or side in the entire calculation is Wike. Reason is that head or tail with Atiku, he’ll lose. Assuming without conceding that Atiku wins, he’ll surely put away Wike in a cold manner. Wike understands this. In a scenario where Asuwaju/APC wins, Wike deserves the grace of God to walk free. He needs the protection post 2023 so badly. Therefore, it is clear that Wike is the one chasing after Asiwaju/APC and not the opposite.”

Whether asked if the romance was a slap on Amaechi, he stated, “I have a biblical verse as an answer. ‘Thou sayest!’

Also in a chat, the Deputy spokesman of the APC in the Rivers State, Darlington Uwauju, said Amaechi was one of the few political leaders that could be trusted and that he would not leave the APC for the PDP.

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, said anyone was free to visit Wike as he was not Tinubu’s enemy.

On Tinubu’s alleged link to Magnus Abe’s defection, he said, “I don’t know anything about that. All I know is that politics is a game of numbers. When you are in a contest, you just have to approach all that is approachable and solicit support.”

On whether he sees the possibility of Wike forming an alliance or crossing over to the APC, Ojelabi responded, “It is all about passion and you know Wike has a passion for politics. Wike was part of the southern governors who came to Lagos State before now and said that the Southern governors won’t support any presidential candidate from the North.”

Atiku Reportedly Set To Lobby Amaechi Back To PDP To Fight Tinubu

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Why Kashim Shettima Is A Deciding Factor For APC’s Victory In 2027

Published

on

Why Kashim Shettima Is A Deciding Factor For APC’s Victory In 2027

By Engr. Ishaku Ibrahim Mshelizza, MNSE, COREN

In 2023, when President Buhari’s 8- year tenure was coming to an end, then Candidate Tinubu as one of several powerful contenders to succeed him had to think and act strategically in order to win the contentious election. He needed a winning formular to realize his lifetime ambition (Emi Lokan) of presiding over the affairs of Nigeria.

As the first southern Muslim to contest seriously for the office, he needed a northern running mate with clout in order to realize his ambition, and against all expectations, he chose a fellow Muslim from the North East sub-Region with clout, pedigree and acceptability across regional and religious divides.

There was outrage and dissent by many of his friends and supporters over the Muslim – Muslim ticket (which last happened with Abiola- Kingibe in 1993). But the dissent didn’t last long as the choice of then Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha of Borno Central was eventually accepted as a strategic political move and not intended to marginalize the Christian community.

In one of the most competitive and contentious elections ever, the Tinubu – Shettima ticket won decisively with the bulk of the votes coming from the North.

Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha, GCON, the 15th and current occupant of the office came fully prepared for the job with an intimidating resume. An Agricultural Economist and banker, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maiduguri and Masters in the same field from the University of Ibadan. After lecturing in the same field at the University of Maiduguri, he joined the banking industry where he rose to the position of a senior manager with Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank, from where his expertise was sought and he served as a Commissioner in key ministries in Borno State. He succeeded Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and served remarkably as Governor for two terms from 2011-2019 garnering the relevant experience as a politician and manager of diverse people and resources. He then won the senatorial election for Borno Central decisively in a keenly contested race, where he served his first term before emerging President Tinubu’s running mate in 2023.

He played a crucial role in mobilizing support for Tinubu who was contesting against a fellow Northeasterner, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

A voracious reader,book collector and good public orator, he has demonstrated his loyalty and capacity by representing President Tinubu in scores of countries across the globe and other High – Level events attracting commendations for Nigeria as well as his own deep understanding of the issues.

He has equally attracted support for President Tinubu across the North (54% of the nation’s population) by ensuring all sub- regions benefit immensely from development projects.

It is therefore illogical, irrational, against all convention and common sense that only two years into the first term of the Tinubu- Shettima Administration, there is a concerted effort by his political opponents as well as people suspected to be in the President’s inner circle to have him replaced as the running mate in 2027.

Apart from the his opponents in the Presidency, there are other prominent politicians from the North who are envious of how God has lifted up Kashim Shettima beyond their expectations. They are also not happy with how the Vice President has been impactful and supportive to the government of the day. Some of these self-centred and bitter politicians especially from Borno State are also behind the clamour to replace the Vice President.

Already, North East youth groups within the party have warned of dire consequences should he be replaced in 2027. But the most significant pointer to what would happen should President Tinubu listen to naysayers and negative nabobs of negativism, was the incident that happened at the APC North East Zonal Rally to endorse the Administration. Instead of endorsing Tinubu/ Shettima, both the North East Zonal Vice Chairman and the former National Chairman Dr Ganduje publicly proclaimed their endorsement of President Tinubu without even mentioning the name of the Vice President. The duo were immediately attacked and would have sustained serious injuries but for the quick intervention of the security agents at the venue who rushed them out to safety. The majority of the crowd were furious at this deliberate slight and provocation.

This incident was followed by a powerful press conference by the very popular Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum who bluntly warned Tinubu and the APC that should Vice President Kashim Shettima be replaced in 2027, the party should forget about getting any votes from the sub-Region.

Many dedicated Party members and supporters have already warned those contemplating replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima that such ill-advised move will cost them 75% of their support in the North, not just the North East sub-Region.

It will not matter who replaces the Vice President and from which part of the North. The Party and Administration will be digging their political graves as their rule would be brought to an abrupt and miserable end.

Engr. Ishaku Ibrahim Mshelizza is a Politician and APC Stakeholder from Hawul LGA of Borno State.

Why Kashim Shettima Is A Deciding Factor For APC’s Victory In 2027

Continue Reading

News

ECOWAS Court and Sierra Leone Government Organise Capacity-Building Training for Sierra Leone State Attorneys

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Politics

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

Published

on

Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai and Kwakwanso

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.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/nigerian-poet-designated-united-nations-global-advocate-for-peace/

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

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights