Politics
It is time to bring Southeast into mainstream politics- Kalu

It is time to bring Southeast into mainstream politics- Kalu
By: Michael Mike
Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who has been endorsed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as next Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has said it is time to bring the South East geopolitical zone back into the mainstream politics.
He assured that he would work along with his colleagues and stakeholders to ensure that the geopolitical zone is brought back to the centre of activities in the country.
Kalu made this assertion while reacting to allegations that the APC government has polarising Nigeria.
The lawmaker assured Nigerians that he was ready for the task ahead and would work assiduously along with others to build a robust, sensitive 9th National Assembly.
Kalu, who was reminded that on his election to the office of Deputy Speaker he would be the most senior elected politician at the federal level, said he was ready for the task of the office and also willing to work assiduously with stakeholders from the zone to bring back the Southeast geopolitical zone into the frame of things.
He said: “I can assure you that we are bringing South East to the centre. We are going to use it and bring our brothers who are agitating to the centre.
“The youths on the street who are agitating will see a fellow youth who is piloting the affairs of the nation in this capacity. They will see us display spirit of efficiency and excellence and that will encourage them to believe more in Nigeria. This is what these young ones are looking for.”
Kalu, who had earlier addressed top editors and publishers where he unveiled the driving force behind the vision of the incoming leadership, called it a joint task which “is a coloration of various political parties coming together to approach issues affecting Nigeria from their different political ideology,” insisting that to provide solution to the hydra headed needs of Nigerians at all times, “you need to have periscopic view on issues, policy direction, legislative policy, to have a coloration that is not just tied down to one political ideology.”
He noted that: “The solution might come from a minority party that has a better approach, better strategy, better policy architecture that will deliver the expected outcome for our country.
“So we came with this idea and said it is a joint task for nation building. And if you are going to build a nation, all hands must be on deck. Bring your brick, I bring my brick. The colour of your brick might be yellow like of the political parties. It might be green. It might be red, it might be blue, but that is also reflecting the beauty of our diversity, a diversity sensitive organisation.”
That is not ignoring the principles of checks and balances as well as the expectation of separation of powers”, he however noted.
He said: “The relationship with executive should be a joint task. We should not isolate the legislature from the executive and the judiciary in the effort to build a nation. But we should go with the understanding that it is a joint task between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary in building a beautiful nation. So the national objectives set by the executive should be the national objective.
Asked whether he is prepared for the burden of cementing the nation after polarising years, he replied: “Yes, I studied politics and I can confidently inform you that Iam above 50 years. My mates are presidents of countries around the world. Give me the office of the president today, I will run it and I will bring cohesion in this country. Give me the office of the president, highest office of the land, I will bring the diversity, sensitivity in leadership that will make you forget that you are an Igbo man and that you are Hausa and you are Yoruba man but you are a Nigerian. And that is what Nigeria needs now.”
He said: “We are tired of all this coloration that separates us from the whole. My brother in the south east is my brother, my brother in the north is my brother. My brother in the west is my brother. My brother in the east is my brother. That is the mentality of my generation.
“I am more than ready to hold my region. But beyond my region, being the deputy speaker is not for south east alone.”
It is time to bring Southeast into mainstream politics- Kalu
Politics
The Arise TV Interview: Datti Ahmed’s Poor Political Conduct and the Lasting Influence of VP Shettima in Nigeria’s Contemporary Political Landscape

The Arise TV Interview: Datti Ahmed’s Poor Political Conduct and the Lasting Influence of VP Shettima in Nigeria’s Contemporary Political Landscape
By: Dr. James Bwala
The recent Arise TV interview featuring Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed offers a revealing insight into the emotional and psychological underpinnings of his persistent criticisms against Vice President Kashim Shettima. Ahmed’s palpable frustration, stemming from a profound sense of political defeat, underscores much of his rhetoric. This emotional response can be interpreted as more than mere personal grievance; it reflects the broader dynamics of political rivalry and the ways in which loss can provoke vehement opposition. The interview serves as a case study in how individuals navigate political setbacks by redirecting their energies toward vocal dissent.
Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed’s political trajectory following his defeat in the 2023 vice-presidential election vividly illustrates the tension between personal ambition and collective opposition within Nigerian politics. As a prominent figure of the Labour Party, Baba Ahmed’s response to his loss was marked by evident frustration rooted in his perception of systemic challenges facing Nigeria’s opposition coalition. Indeed, Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed embodies an “angry politician” who cannot conceal the pains of electoral defeat because it symbolizes not just personal loss but also a failure to galvanize effective opposition. His critiques offer insightful reflections on Nigeria’s complex political landscape, where ambitions clash with collective action imperatives. Thus, Baba Ahmed’s post-defeat rhetoric serves as both a lamentation and a rallying cry for transformative political engagement. Therefore, I will be kind to him.
Ahmed’s attacks on Shettima are emblematic of the complex interplay between personal ambition and public discourse within Nigerian politics. His frustration reveals an attempt to reclaim relevance and influence by challenging established figures, thereby highlighting the often contentious nature of political engagement. This scenario illustrates how defeat not only shapes individual behavior but also impacts wider political narratives, contributing to an environment where criticism is frequently fueled by underlying emotions rather than solely policy disagreements.
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Ahmed’s approach can be seen as a strategic maneuver to galvanize support among those who feel similarly disenfranchised, thereby forging a collective identity rooted in shared discontent. By doing so, he taps into a reservoir of communal frustration, transforming personal loss into a rallying cry for broader political resistance.
The interview on Arise TV not only exposes Ahmed’s inability to manage political defeat gracefully but also underscores the lingering psychological impact Shettima has on him. Baba Ahmed’s remarks reveal a politician struggling with the aftermath of the 2023 presidential elections, unable to reconcile with his loss. This behavior highlights a weakness in political maturity and resilience, qualities essential for effective leadership. Instead of focusing on constructive political engagement post-defeat, Baba Ahmed’s public outburst suggests an ongoing fixation that detracts from his credibility.
The tactics Baba Ahmed is trying to apply on the road to 2027 not only amplify his voice but also position him as a prominent figure within an opposition movement, eager to challenge the status quo. Through these actions, Ahmed effectively channels his personal grievances into a broader political strategy, seeking to redefine the narrative around leadership and accountability in contemporary Nigerian politics. His rhetoric, therefore, serves as both a personal catharsis and a calculated attempt to reshape the political landscape by questioning the legitimacy and effectiveness of those in power. In doing so, Ahmed not only underscores the emotional dimensions of political rivalry but also invites a critical examination of the mechanisms through which power is contested and maintained.
This dynamic underscores the complexity of political discourse, where personal vendettas often intertwine with genuine calls for reform, blurring the lines between personal animosity and legitimate critique. As such, the intensity of Ahmed’s rhetoric can be seen as a reflection of the broader societal tensions that permeate the political arena. In this context, Ahmed’s vehement critiques of Vice President Kashim Shettima can be perceived as both an expression of his own political ambitions and a mirror to the frustrations felt since the 2023 defeat. The fervor with which Ahmed addresses these issues suggests a deep-seated desire to channel public disillusionment into actionable political change, amplifying the voices of those who feel marginalized by the current administration.
However, what Yusuf Baba Ahmed did not know is that his taking his legs to go and grant further illustrates that Vice President Shettima’s personality continues to “haunt” and affect Baba Ahmed deeply, suggesting a complex dynamic extending beyond mere electoral rivalry. Such personal animosities can undermine democratic discourse by shifting attention from policy issues to personal grievances. In sum, this episode reflects poorly on Datti Baba Ahmed’s political conduct while inadvertently affirming the lasting influence of VP Shettima in Nigeria’s contemporary political landscape.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
The Arise TV Interview: Datti Ahmed’s Poor Political Conduct and the Lasting Influence of VP Shettima in Nigeria’s Contemporary Political Landscape
Politics
Kashim Shettima: Hate him, like him, the vice president is a child of necessity holding the pillars of APC together for greater glory in 2027.

Kashim Shettima: Hate him, like him, the vice president is a child of necessity holding the pillars of APC together for greater glory in 2027.
By: Dr. James Bwala
Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President, embodies a paradoxical figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the 2027 elections approach. His tenure has been met with contrasting sentiments: while some vehemently oppose him, others staunchly support his leadership. The complexities surrounding his political standing arise from internal party divisions and regional dynamics that significantly influence APC’s cohesion. Notably, certain elements pushing for Shettima’s replacement underscore some of the challenges Shettima faces as a true pillar standing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As advocates for Shettima, we shall continue to emphasize his indispensable role in maintaining party unity and stability. His governance during Borno State’s insurgency crisis and subsequent contributions to national peace and economic empowerment have garnered significant regional backing. This support is crucial as the APC grapples with factionalism that threatens its electoral prospects.
Ultimately, Shettima represents a “child of necessity” holding together fragile pillars within the APC. Despite controversies and opposition, he remains pivotal for consolidating northern support essential for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The party’s future cohesion may well depend on reconciling divergent interests around this contentious yet unifying figure.
The Vice President has emerged as a significant figure in Nigerian politics, often regarded as a prophetic voice advocating for unity and progress. His leadership style embodies resilience and foresight, qualities that position him as a steadfast figure likely to maintain influence until at least 2031. This perception stems from his consistent emphasis on national cohesion and socio-economic development, which resonates deeply across diverse communities.

Shettima’s strategic engagement with both grassroots movements and political elites underscores his potential to remain a pivotal actor in Nigeria’s political landscape. His advocacy transcends mere rhetoric; it reflects a commitment to transformative policies aimed at fostering sustainable growth. Such attributes reinforce the belief that his voice will continue to shape discourse well into the next decade.
Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplifies a prophetic leadership model grounded in vision and perseverance. His enduring relevance is not merely speculative but anchored in tangible contributions toward national progress. As Nigeria navigates complex challenges ahead, Shettima’s role as a voice of prophecy remains crucial for guiding collective aspirations through 2031.
The controversy surrounding the potential replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 presidential race has been a focal point of political discourse within Nigeria’s ruling party, the APC. Notably, those advocating for Shettima’s substitution are often identified as opponents of President Tinubu, suggesting that attempts to displace the vice president are politically motivated rather than grounded in governance concerns. This dynamic underscores how internal party disputes frequently manifest as broader conflicts involving key political figures.

Despite mounting speculation and unrest within APC ranks—highlighted by violent reactions at a North-East stakeholders’ meeting—the party leadership has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. Senior officials have denounced rumors of friction or plans to replace Shettima as baseless and detrimental to party unity. These statements emphasize that such rumors often arise from misunderstandings or deliberate attempts to destabilize the administration’s cohesion.
It is, therefore, evident that resistance against President Tinubu correlates with efforts to undermine Vice President Shettima’s position. The official discourse from APC leadership portrays these efforts as distractions fueled by political adversaries rather than genuine policy disagreements. Maintaining unity around the current ticket appears crucial for preserving stability within both the party and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.
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It is high time, therefore, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize the intricate dynamics within his party and government, particularly the emerging coalition of oppositions that could challenge his leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. Despite the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsing Tinubu for a second term, underlying tensions and factionalism within the party merit serious attention. The president’s reforms have elicited mixed reactions, with criticisms regarding economic challenges and insecurity fueling dissent among some APC members.

Today, opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have actively accused Tinubu’s administration of efforts to destabilize their unity while simultaneously consolidating themselves into a formidable coalition aimed at political transformation. This evolving political landscape necessitates that President Tinubu reaffirm his grip on power by addressing internal fractures decisively. Failure to do so may embolden these coalitions and undermine his prospects in 2027.
As coalition dynamics evolve within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima remains central to the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) prospects for success in the 2027 elections. Despite internal contestations and factional disputes, Shettima’s political influence, particularly in Northern Nigeria, positions him as a pivotal figure whose endorsement could consolidate regional support crucial for APC’s electoral strategy. The Northeast bloc’s endorsement of Shettima alongside President Tinubu underscores his significance despite dissent from some party officials.
Official statements from the presidency have sought to quell rumors about Shettima’s potential exclusion from the 2027 ticket, emphasizing that final decisions will be made post-APC convention and dismissing narratives of discord between Tinubu and Shettima. This institutional backing reinforces Shettima’s status as a key player within APC. In sum, while ADC coalitions are still establishing their footing ahead of 2027, VP Kashim Shettima’s political capital remains a cornerstone for APC’s electoral viability.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Kashim Shettima: Hate him, like him, the vice president is a child of necessity holding the pillars of APC together for greater glory in 2027.
Politics
2027: Coalition only way to send APC packing from Gombe, Nigeria- Group

2027: Coalition only way to send APC packing from Gombe, Nigeria- Group
Alliance for Good Governance, a political group comprising 108 other groups within the state has declared support for opposition parties’ move to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state and country.
Hon. Ahmed Usman Haruna, convener of the meeting and Co-ordinator of the Group while speaking during their meeting in Gombe on Tuesday said it had become imperative for political stakeholders to unite for victory in 2027.
Haruna said that the only way to defeat APC in 2027 in the state and country was to unite beyond political differences using a coalition that provide a platform for all well-meaning Nigerians to contribute their efforts towards sending APC out of government.
He said that the APC-led government had failed on its promise to deliver a better Nigeria as majority of citizens had been impoverished by their harsh economic policies and programmes.
The coordinator added that since the coalition was working towards bringing good governance to Nigeria, “we are fully in support of the coalition and we have over 108 groups here and we are going to mobilise more to end the pain-inflicting rule of APC in Gombe State and Nigeria.
“We are here to declare our support for the way out that we are seeing on ground through the movement for the coalition in Nigeria. Of course coalition is the way out.
“If APC is in government, then the only thing that we need is an alternative political party that will get them out from office”, he said.
Haruna urged stakeholders to create more awareness in their communities towards boosting political awareness and participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
2027: Coalition only way to send APC packing from Gombe, Nigeria- Group
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