Politics
Obi Declares For LP As Akpata Emerges Edo Guber Candidate
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election has declared that he has not left the party.
This is coming just as the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister Olumide Akpata (SAN) has emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the LP in Edo State.
There were reports of Obi parting ways with the Labour Party, only for the presidential candidate to rebuffed, stating that his ways with the Labour Party is still intact, adding that such insinuations are coming from mischief makers.
The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) through the Chief Spokesman of the defunct Obi-Datti campaign council, Dr Yunusa Tanko said they are out to outrightly dismiss trending fake and fallacious news stories suggesting that On was parting ways with the Labour Party.
“This is not true and it did not originate from Obi or the Obidient Movement but from mischief makers bent on sowing the seed of discord in the party,” Tanko said, adding that the rising misdemeanors on the party did not start today as they set out to destroy and disorganize the party all to get at Obi and derail the inevitable journey of rescuing Nigeria.
“Presently our principal is preoccupied with making Nigeria work not on partisan politics which ended on October 26, 2023, when the Supreme Court of the land took their final decision on the general elections.
“Those bent on creating a crisis in the Labour Party are clearly enemies of democracy wishing for the failed status quo to remain. Obi’s focus at the moment is on creating an environment where democracy is to be practiced according to the defined tenets not the rascality and all forms of impunity prevalent in the country today,” Tanko said while assuring Nigerians, particularly the Obidient family that Obi ways with Labour is unshaken and intact and that the struggle to rescue Nigeria from the criminal gangs holding it down will not stop until it’s achieved through the will of the Nigerian people.
In a related development, the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barr Olumide Akpata (SAN) has emerged as the candidate of the Labour Party for the September 2024 governorship election in Edo state.
The one sided contest had Akpata scoring 316 out of 340 votes while Kenneth Imasuagbon scored 7; Sam Eromosele Eboh – 7; Angela Enimien Aburime Asom – 0; Abegbe Ernest Osabhuohien – 3; Blessing Akele – 3; Loretta Oduware Ogboroko – 0 and Sergius Ogun – 4.
A statement issued by LP spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, said one of the aspirants, Prince Tom Tseghohi withdrew from the contest citing personal reasons.
“The Chairman of the Primary Election Committee and the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Emetu Ikechukwu who declared Akpata winner of the primary election praised the aspirants for the maturity exhibited during the election. He pleaded with the aspirants to rally round the candidate to ensure that the party wins the September 2024 election,” Obiora said.
In his acceptance speech, Akpata appreciated the aspirants and pleaded for their cooperation for the coming election.
He said that the victory was for the party and that a lot more work is needed to achieve a positive result for the party and the state. He also said that he is in a hurry to occupy the Osadebe Avenue Government House as he intends to change the face of the state.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging his efforts and calling him “Mr Infrastructure.”
Speaking to State House correspondents after the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage at the Presidential Villa, Wike described the President’s praise as a strong vote of confidence and a motivation to keep delivering results for residents of the FCT.
“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me,” Wike said. “If your boss, in public, says you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned.”
The Minister, who has spearheaded a series of infrastructure and service delivery reforms across Abuja, said he remains committed to meeting the expectations of both the President and the people of the territory.
“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration, and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with,” he said. “So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done. That means he’s watching, and we will not disappoint him.”
When asked about the next wave of infrastructure projects expected as the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, Wike confirmed that a fresh round of projects is already in the works.
“The committee is working,” he revealed. “You can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time.”
The Senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani has declared interest for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Shehu Sani made the declaration on Sunday while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.
He said, “any politician who is going to contest election will be dependent on political equation which will determine what position is going to contest. I would say that if the conditions are rights and equations favourable, I will offer myself to contest but specifically on the central senatorial district”.
“If the people of Kaduna central want us to provide our own kind of leadership and representation at the NASS, you should expect me back to Senate in 2027”.
According to him, his ambition is secondary while that of re-electing governor Sani for second term is primary.
He reiterated that his priority is to see governor Uba Sani re-elected in 2027.
“For now, we want to see that incumbent governor, Uba Sani is re-elected. We are going to do it with all our mights and strengths, we know that they are going to be challenges and opposition but we are well prepared for all the forces”.
Shehu Sani however, urged Muslims to pray for peace and unity of Nigeria during the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
Sani who also reacted to killing of hunters in Edo State condemned the act and urged security agencies to fish-out the perpetrators.
He said, “If any citizen of this country cannot move from one part of the country to another, then we are not a nation.
“If someone will use one reason or another to take laws into his/her hand then it means there is no government or authority”.
He added that Nigerians who desire good for the country should work for peace and unity for the preservation of our democracy in the phase of challenges that is being experienced by our people, he said.
Sani however, called on government to save Nigeria, saying that there should be respect for fundamental rights and most importantly is respect to right to life, he added.
Politics
SSAP-SDGs Felicitates with Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Calls for Unity and Sustainable Development
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement released in Abuja in her behalf by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs emphasized the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for gratitude, reflection, and unity. She highlighted the values of compassion, generosity, and solidarity, which define the season and align with the principles of sustainable development.
“Eid-el-Fitr is not only a period of celebration but also a moment for renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society where no one is left behind. The teachings of Ramadan inspire us to uphold peace, unity, and selflessness. These are values that are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she stated.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire called on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote harmony, foster mutual understanding, and work together in addressing socio-economic challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating progress on key SDGs targets, including poverty eradication, access to quality education, gender equality, and economic empowerment.
“As we mark this joyous occasion, let us remember those in need and extend kindness to the less privileged. Together, through collective action and a shared vision, we can advance sustainable development and create a better future for all,” she added.
The SSAP-SDGs concluded by wishing all Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid celebration, urging them to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.