2027: The rise of a megaparty and potential internal strife leading to Tinubu and Kashim Shettima’s triumph

By Dr. James Bwala

The oppositions are still at odds in their meetings about what the year 2027 will hold for them; therefore, the entire narrative revolves around the storms they are coming face to face with in the buildup for 2027. We understand where they are coming from, and the questions in their brains have already shown the worries in their eyes. In actuality, they are attempting to insert flimsy concrete into the pillars that are supposed to support the structure they are assembling to construct. We know that they are simply exposing their fears if they keep pushing the narrative that there is a schism in the presidency. These are the characteristics of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice president, Kashim Shettima: people with tranquil hearts don’t talk louder. 

I have been keeping a close eye on our political landscape lately, particularly with regard to the emergence of a megaparty and the growing momentum to unseat Tinubu and Kashim Shettima in 2027. I recalled those days when I used to sneak into our neighbors’ house as a kid to watch cowboy movies. It was fascinating to watch a group of criminals band together specifically to rob a bank, but in the end, a certain interest stemming from personal ambition exposes the groups into intoxicating situations, which causes the earlier agreements to give the Sheriffs an advantage when the group falls apart.

I’m not sure if the earlier report about Ahmed El-rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, joining the megaparty is accurate. Politics is interesting, of course, but I believe that given the recent smokescreen surrounding him, he should have proceeded with greater caution when pursuing his political goals. They used to say that hasty decisions are made in the devil’s way. If that is the case, based on his remarks prior to the general election on February 25, 2022, and his subsequent boasting about his love for Mr. President and the APC, I believe he may be playing politics to suit himself.

I also followed the lines on some pages and discussions ongoing between the former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, the Madugu of the NNPP and its presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the almighty Peter Obi in drawing yet another mathematical formula for trunketting the APC administration come 2027. And I hope the figures to be brought by Peter Obi in these new arrangements will be looked at carefully and not through the magnifying lenses of the Labour Party presidential candidate, so that no madman can bring any advice to the table again. 

In this rhetoric, who may drop their ambition for the common good? Who would be willing to sacrifice his interest in the race so that Obi, Atiku, or Kwankwaso may lead the team? Peter Obi may be very comfortable in the ongoing meetings, hoping that the table may turn for him and he may never settle for a VP position. We have seen this ambition in the past. Atiku has said he would run again and may need the support of Obi. Kwankwaso is no pushover, having established himself on many fronts as a spoiler in the past. And Atiku may never support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket because he loves to run and runs himself out. 

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As the clock ticks, only the fastest hand can pull the trigger first in this cowboy-like arrangement from the buildup. Amongst these gladiators, who is El-rufai’s interested in? That is to say that if he is not also ambitious of becoming an aspirant for the presidential race. Other gladiators with such ambition to go into the race may be aligning their cards to see the possibility of displaying their talents in the political murky water, as it is already ahead of the serious calculations at the table where the hearts are beating and only the eyes could explain the true state of the mind for a choice of coffee or wine. 

Ambition knows no friend or brother of the same cross when it comes to choice. Therefore, the possibility for these ongoing arrangements to fail is rather louder for the things I know for now. I could go into debate over and again along the path of former governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido, on his statement over what President Tinubu stands and on matters of the 2027 presidential race. I stand with Alhaji Sule Lamido on this ground to say it is Tinubu and Kashim Shettima again that will decide the race in 2027. But that is not to say that the race will be easy. 

I believe the trio of Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso knows very well the position of the race, as stated by Alhaji Sule Lamido. They know who Tinubu and his partner stand for. They know that the two lion hearts are living not only by their past achievements but also on their daily experiences in dealing with situations as confrontational as they come. El-rufai is a wounded tiger. His mistake would be to fight Tinubu and Kashim Shettima with a drafted heart. I will not speak about the Wike angles—that may be too early to say. However, those in the opposition who think Wike is done may yet be walking on hot coal. 

Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: The rise of a megaparty and potential internal strife leading to Tinubu and Kashim Shettima’s triumph

We are going to make sure Okpebholo is elected governor – Edo Elders

By: Our Reporter

Edo elders on Tuesday outlined the priorities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

‘’We need a governor who cares about public education, health and the environment. We need a governor who cares about women, youths and elderly. Senator Monday Okpebholo understands Edo voters’ economic struggles and will work every day to make our state a better place to live. We are going to make sure that he is elected governor. We shall make the APC governorship candidate to succeed. This is the project of the Edo people. God willing, we shall succeed”.

They also described Okpebholo as the soul of a new Edo State.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo has vowed to serve the good people of Edo State faithfully and diligently. Thus, a vote for APC is a vote for transparency, accountability, due process, prudent management of scarce resources and development’’

The elders in a statement shortly after meeting in Benin City urged the electorate to reject political extremism, unremarkable politicians, brutal dictatorship and administrative incompetence.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo’s vision is virtually limitless. He will build structures for real, concrete development, translate our hopes to viable reality, fight for honest, transparent government, protect the interest of Edo people, build the infrastructure base of the state, appoint people from the three senatorial zones into key positions, create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish without official policy impediments and protect the wealth of the people in all parts of the state”

The statement issued by the Chairman of Edo Elders Forum (EEF), Chief Efua Abudu accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of failing to improve the state.

‘’Edo State needs a visionary leader, who can think out of the box, come up with solutions that will address the paucity of development in the state. Senator Monday Okpebholo has what it takes in terms of exposure, education and vision to take Edo State to the next level of development’’

Okpebholo joined the gubernatorial race to bring in the much-needed investment to develop the state, harness the huge resources, shore up revenue and fill the gap in infrastructure. He is favored to defeat Ighodalo and Akpata.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to building a state where there would be economic buoyancy, a hub of modern development and beehive of business investments and employment generation activities. He will create new jobs, ensure proper training and enabling environment for the civil servants in the state, lead an all-inclusive government, bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, provide developmental initiatives and encourage women by reserving thirty five percent of appointment for them’’

We are going to make sure Okpebholo is elected governor – Edo Elders

EDO YOUTHS COME OUT HARD AGAINST PDP, REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR APC, OKPEBHOLO

· LIST TERRIBLE CONDITION OF THE STATE, BETRAYAL, BOGUS CONTRACTS AS PDP KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

By: Our Reporter

Edo youths on Sunday reaffirmed their unflinching support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo remains an outstanding leader. He will improve the healthcare delivery system, allow the people to decide what types of programmes and policies to implement, channel more resources to poor communities, design appropriate institutional management and control mechanisms to ensure that funds are well spent and transform the state from its current state of economic distress to a more economically viable and prosperous state.

They also urged eligible voters in the state to reject the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) candidates in the September 21 governorship election.

‘’The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo will raise the standard of living of Edo people. His agenda is shaped with different goals in mind. First, he wants to protect the lives, property and rights of Edo people. Secondly, he wants to make the government more efficient and better, improve the state’s civil service and build railroads. Thirdly, he has interest in better education, youth development, industry and commerce’’

The highly intelligent and spirited men and women urged Edo people to make Okpebholo’s cause their own.

‘’Our long nightmare is over. Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man of principle, courage and an inspiration to the good people of Edo State. His words are sharp and emphatic. The other candidates lack dynamics, political skill, wisdom and experience’’.

In a statement issued by the Youth Alliance for Edo Unity and Progress (YAEUP) in Ekpoma, the youths approved Okpebholo/Idahosa ticket for the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

‘’What is needed at a time like this are men of honour and integrity who will promote peace, diligence, commitment and selfless service to the state’’

The statement titled Common Sense was signed by YAEUP Director of Mobilization, Dr. Matthew Agbonifo.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will make life comfortable for the people of Edo State, appoint more youths and women to major posts, bring millions into the state’s social security system, provide funds for medical research, hospitals and urban renewal’’

The statement underscored Okpebholo’s ease of expression, gentlemanly nature and impeccable character.

The youths listed terrible condition of the state, widespread poverty, neglect of the economic wellbeing of the people, squandering the state’s meagre resources on bogus contracts and stunted growth as key achievements of the current PDP administration in the state.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is more interested in improving the lot of Edo people. He will put in place a dynamic cabinet, contribute to the growth of an industrial economy, create millions of jobs, build roads, provide good housing for Edo people, help the urban and rural poor and make other internal improvements’’

EDO YOUTHS COME OUT HARD AGAINST PDP, REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR APC, OKPEBHOLO