Politics
2027 presidency: No Candidate Can Win Without the North Support – Baba-Ahmed
Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has declared that no politician can win the Nigerian presidency in 2027 without the support of the northern region.
Speaking in a video interview obtained by Elanza in Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed, who appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), emphasized that the North would soon define its political direction.
“In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine. If not, we will go our own way. One thing is clear: nobody can become president of Nigeria without northern support,” he asserted.
He lamented the state of the nation and urged northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians ahead of the next general elections.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now, we are in another government, and we are still crying. Is crying all we know how to do?” Baba-Ahmed asked.
Reflecting on past experiences, he said the North had suffered greatly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all groups Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others highlighting the need for unity.
“Before Buhari became president, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That was a time northerners had to unite. Today, no politician can just show up and expect northerners to fall in line. Who are you?” he questioned.
He warned against further marginalization of the North, noting that continued disregard for the region would have consequences.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria. The North is watching. Elders, masses, and interest groups will soon say ‘enough is enough.’ The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also urged the region to look beyond identity politics, stressing that competence and integrity should guide voter decisions.
“We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want a right leader let him falls from heaven, we just want someone who will solve our problems,” he said.
He concluded by asserting that the northern electorate had learned hard lessons from past choices and would approach 2027 with a new mindset.
The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed deep concern over the welfare of workers in the state, calling on the Osun State Government to prioritize the needs and aspirations of civil servants and public workers.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Party, Wole Adedoyin, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.
According to the statement, APGA recognizes and appreciates the indispensable role that Osun workers play in the administration and development of the state. Without the hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice of civil servants, governance would grind to a halt, and public service delivery would be severely impaired.
The party noted that while workers across the country face similar challenges, the plight of Osun workers demands special attention. Delayed salaries, pension arrears, poor working environments, and lack of adequate motivation have continued to diminish the morale of workers in the state.
“Osun workers deserve better,” Adedoyin said. “It is unacceptable that in 2025, workers still struggle with irregular salary payments, inadequate housing, and insufficient health coverage. This is a violation of their rights and a breach of trust between the government and its employees.”
APGA called on the state government to implement a comprehensive worker-friendly policy that includes prompt payment of salaries and pensions, professional training opportunities, and improved infrastructure in public offices. According to the party, a motivated workforce is the bedrock of any successful administration.
The party also urged the state government to engage directly with workers’ unions and associations to identify critical areas of need and to ensure a participatory approach to policy-making regarding labor and employment matters.
APGA used the opportunity to salute the resilience and patriotism of Osun workers, especially teachers, health professionals, law enforcement officers, and local government staff, who continue to discharge their duties in the face of adversity. “Your commitment to the state does not go unnoticed,” the statement read.
Wole Adedoyin reaffirmed APGA’s commitment to the protection of workers’ rights, stressing that the party’s philosophy—Be Your Brother and Sister’s Keeper—would remain its guiding principle in standing with the workforce of Osun State.
Call Mgbeke Comedian
North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.
They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.
“It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women.”
The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.
“The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world.’’
They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.
Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.
They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.
The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.
The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.
“Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash.”
The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.
They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment.’’
The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.
The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.
Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, says political parties should not be the reason for division among people.
Speaking on Comfort 95.1 FM in Uyo on Wednesday, Eno said it is time Nigerians moved past partisan conflicts.
“Why can’t we be peaceful? Why must political parties separate us? Why must we have issues because my brother is in one party? No, we are all Akwa Ibomites first,” he said.
The governor described political parties as mere vehicles to attain power, saying governance should be inclusive once the mandate is secured.
“I see party as a vehicle to get to power — and when you get there, please begin to govern. Govern everyone, relate with everyone,” he said.
Eno lamented what he called the growing culture of misinterpretation, citing a recent controversy about his comments on Ibom Air.
“I know every day, now, I say something, people go to town and misinterpret it. Yesterday, I made an analogy and they say, ‘Oh, the man is demarketing Ibom Air’. That’s far from it. Ibom Air is the best airline,” he said.
“I’m saying that much as I love Ibom Air — it is our airline, it’s a preferred airline. Much as I love it and have it as a state government, if I arrive at the airport and Ibom Air has a technical fault — which is possible — and I have an appointment in Abuja or Lagos, maybe to deliver a talk or meet investors, and there’s an alternative airline… will I not go?
“Will I say, because this is my airline and it is owned by the state government? So when people say, ‘Oh, he was demarketing Ibom Air…’ No! It’s an analogy. Come on, people know better than this.”
Eno reiterated his position that Akwa Ibom people must remain united regardless of party affiliations.
“For me, what I’m saying is that Akwa Ibom is one, political parties are vehicles,” he said.
He said Nigerian politics lacks defined ideological boundaries, unlike in developed democracies.
“I’ve asked the question, and I want you to tell me: What’s the political ideology of this party and that party in this country?” he asked.
“We’re not like the Americans who say, ‘This is the ideology of the Democrats and this is the ideology of the Republicans.’ Everybody keeps going and coming, keeps going and coming.”
Eno said his message was one of unity and maturity, regardless of the platform anyone belongs to.
“Whatever thing I’m doing, I’m saying let us be one. Whether it is any party, any party platform,” he said.
“You have finished the election. We are now in governance. You are sworn into office to be a governor for Akwa Ibom.”
On Tuesday, Eno hinted at a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general election.
He likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, adding that the party is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.
In response, Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the ruling party welcomes the governor’s remarks and agrees with his assessment of the PDP.
“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel,” the APC spokesperson said in a statement.
“We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember.”