The group took the decision at a national summit of opposition political parties held on Saturday, 25 April 2026, in the Oyo State capital.

The opposition political parties which participated in the summit included the PDP, ADC, PRP, NNPP, NDC, LP, APP, Accord, APM, AA, DLA, YP, ADP, and ZLP.

Reading the communiqué on behalf of the participating chairmen, the factional National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Taminu Turaki (SAN), declared that the move was an existential necessity to rescue Nigeria from the stranglehold of the APC.

“We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long-suffering masses,” the communiqué stated.

The summit also slammed the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It passed a vote of no confidence on the INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, accusing him of blatant partisanship toward the ruling party.

The declaration warned that Amupitan’s continued stay in office is vexatious and could trigger a national crisis. The summit demanded that Amupitan be replaced by a neutral figure to guarantee a credible process.

The post Opposition parties set to present joint presidential candidate appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo addressed growing speculation that Obi could exit the ADC if he fails to secure the party’s presidential ticket. He cautioned that such a move would raise serious concerns about Obi’s political consistency and long-term commitment.

According to Okonkwo, any aspirant who leaves the ADC after witnessing ongoing coalition-building efforts risks being labeled politically unstable. He argued that repeatedly switching political platforms in pursuit of ambition could damage public perception, describing such politicians as “political wanderers.”

Okonkwo further claimed that abandoning the ADC project at this stage could indirectly strengthen the re-election chances of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He suggested that such an action might be interpreted by observers as working against opposition unity or even being compromised.

The comments come amid ongoing discussions about opposition alliances and the search for a strong platform capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027. While Obi has not confirmed any intention to leave the ADC, the speculation continues to generate reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape.

With opposition unity seen as a critical factor in the upcoming elections, Okonkwo’s remarks highlight the growing tensions and strategic calculations shaping the race toward 2027.

The post If Obi Dumps ADC Over Ticket Loss, He’s Working for Tinubu — Okonkwo appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Was it not David Mark and Abacha that planned the coup that ousted Ernest Shonekan on November 17, 1993?

When David Mark and other disgruntled factional members of the ADC bought a jalopy political party, did they consult foreign governments or diaspora Nigerians? But now that their second-hand vehicle is predictably giving them the usual Tokunbo engine problems, they want to report Nigeria and its institutions to foreign governments.

Reporting the Independent National Electoral Commission to foreign governments, as the factional ADC just announced they plan to do, is a waste of time and effort. The David Mark faction of the African Democratic Congress should understand that Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We are not governed from foreign capitals.

And the Independent National Electoral Commission should not be beholden to a disgruntled former coup plotter. Their only loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

David Mark and his fellow power-hungry discontents in the ADC should stop chasing shadows. Go to court and resolve your factional issues. Thankfully, the Court of Appeals has granted your faction an accelerated hearing. Take advantage of it to prove your case.

That their faction of the ADC does not want to do that speaks volumes. Why are they afraid of the court?

Reno Omokri is an Ambassador Designate to Mexico. Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year, 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.

The post INEC Should Not Lose Sleep Over A Disgruntled Career Coup Plotter and Anti-Democratic Element appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

AT

THE 4TH ELECTIVE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)

FRIDAY, 27TH MARCH 2026
EAGLES SQUARE, ABUJA

PROTOCOLS:

Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and hope. Gratitude to God Almighty for His grace upon our nation and our party. Pride in what we have built together as a party since 2013, and optimistic about a bright future for our nation, despite the challenges we face.

2. This 4th Elective National Convention of our great party is not merely a gathering. It is a defining chapter in the story of our democracy and our party. As a party, this Convention offers us the platform to renew our bond, strengthen our resolve, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that brought us together in the first place.

3. We gather under an inspiring and powerful theme, “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda. Unity in Progress, as the main theme, is a potent and timely reminder that progress is impossible without unity.

Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda

4. Thirteen years ago, we dared to dream differently and to act boldly when, as patriots, we set aside our political differences and came together for national redemption and to save our country from the economic doldrums into which the then-ruling party had plunged it.

5. We are united around a shared belief: that our country can be greater and better served; that democracy must work for every Nigerian; that leadership must be anchored in vision, discipline, justice, and development.

6. That historic unity gave birth to a movement that changed Nigeria’s political landscape forever. Today, as we reflect, we do so with deep appreciation for the founding fathers, women, youth, and party faithful who built this platform with sweat, courage, and conviction.

7. Let us stand and observe a moment of silence in memory of our first leader and the first elected president produced by our party, President Muhammadu Buhari.

(May Allah continue to keep his soul in Aljana Firdaus).

8. Let us also stand and observe another moment of silence in memory of other leaders and members, with whom we started this journey together and who have passed on to eternal glory:

(May their souls rest in perfect peace).

9. All the departed members and those of us still alive bearing the torch did not build this party for division and selfishness. Together, we have the duty to ensure that the vision of our founding fathers is not diminished. We must deepen it.

10. Let me say this clearly and sincerely: Our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity. Political parties do not fail only through electoral defeats. Often, they falter when ego overrides ideology or when ambition replaces discipline. They fail when individual interests threaten the collective good. We must guard against those tendencies at all costs.

11. Therefore, this Convention must send one clear message to Nigerians and the world: Our party is strong, united, focused and ready for the future.

12. We must also remind ourselves that this party is not merely a vehicle specially built to carry ambitious politicians to electoral victories. It was founded as a vehicle for national transformation, a home for anybody who wants to build a Nigeria where governance works, institutions function, opportunities abound, security reigns, poverty declines, and every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region or social status, can live with dignity and hope.

13. Let me reiterate, especially to those who often lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state. Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition. As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition—one that can challenge, question and help refine policies. That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved. That is how nations advance.

14. While we welcome criticism, the constant attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 are a disservice to the Nigerian people. It is public knowledge that the processes leading to the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act passed through the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings. The Electoral Act was passed by the National Assembly, elected by the Nigerian people in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.

The Act reflects our collective quest as a nation to strengthen our electoral system and consolidate democratic rule. Therefore, our commitment is to uphold the rule of law, conduct credible elections and protect the integrity of our elections, and continue building a stronger, secure, and united nation.

15. When Nigerians reaffirmed our leadership of the country as the governing party in 2023, we made a solemn promise to chart a new course for national renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda. That agenda was not conceived as just another campaign slogan. It was conceived as a governing philosophy.

16. We knew the road to reform would be tough. We knew rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions. But we also knew: no nation rises by hiding from the truth. No economy grows by sustaining wasteful subsidies or dysfunctional priorities. No future is built on perpetual self-denial.

17. That is why we chose the path of reform, And I assure you: The sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow. Our leaders, party members, and supporters can take pride in the success we have achieved in redirecting our country.

18. Fellow compatriots, since assuming office, our government has remained focused on delivering on its mandate to the Nigerian people. Despite the complex global economic and political environment and the fact that we are currently experiencing another unanticipated blowout arising from the US-Israeli-Iranian War, we have made notable strides. We have made strides in infrastructure development, including the construction of superhighways and concrete-and-steel roads.

19. Apart from roads, we are modernising our seaports and airports. We have begun the implementation of a historic tax and fiscal policy reforms. We are implementing social investment programmes, and have embarked on efforts to strengthen our national security.

20. We have further built up foreign exchange buffers to protect the economy against external shocks. Our stock market is booming, and listed companies are recording mega profits. Our GDP is growing. We have successively recorded trade surpluses. Inflation has declined steadily for eight consecutive months to 14.45%, while food prices are easing, bringing gradual relief to households. Business confidence is returning, with 12 consecutive months of economic activity expansion.

21. Investor confidence has vastly improved. Our oil and gas sector has once more become attractive to foreign investment, following our reforms. Our Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 400%, and Nigeria exited the FATF Grey List, marking a decisive return to global financial credibility.

22. Despite these achievements, we continue to face legacy issues such as electricity supply, debts to GENCOs and gas suppliers, and antiquated transmission infrastructure. Recently, we announced plans to address this by establishing the Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO), which will inject approximately 1,600 megawatts into a new grid corridor.

23. Tonight, you heard testimonies from beneficiaries of some of our programmes. Our programmes are real, visible, feasible, impactful, measurable, and not mere rhetoric, as some opposition elements like to say. We are moving from survival mode to stability and steadily towards an era of prosperity.

24. To the young people of our party and our nation, let me speak directly to you. You are not only the future of Nigeria. You are our hope for a more glorious and assured future. Your creativity, innovation, digital fluency, enterprising spirit, and courage are our greatest national assets. This party must continue to open more doors for youth participation, not as props, but as decision makers. We must nurture a generation of young progressives who are not only politically active but intellectually grounded, morally disciplined, and nationally committed. The future we seek cannot be built without you at its centre.

25. To the women of Nigeria and our party, I say: Your role in our growth and stability is essential. This party must continue to open wider spaces for women to lead, influence policy, and shape Nigeria’s democracy. A party that excludes women weakens itself; a party that empowers women will be stronger and more resilient. We have heard your calls, and we will act to ensure more women occupy leadership roles in party organs and government at all levels.

26. As we continue the programme of this Convention, let us do so with maturity, mutual respect, and fidelity to due process. Conventions are not just observance of periodic party rituals. They are for institutional renewal. They present opportunities to deepen internal democracy, strengthen the party platform, reorganise our structure, and reaffirm our collective direction.

27. I call on every delegate, aspirant, leader, and stakeholder to conduct themselves with integrity. Let no contest divide us. Let no outcome embitter us. At the end of this convention, our party must be the victor. We are one family, marching forward with clarity, discipline, and purpose.

28. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Convention Planning Committee, led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, and His Excellency, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON. Your dedication and excellence have set a new standard for organisation and service.

29. I must take a moment to specially appreciate our Governors for the pivotal roles they played in the organisation of this Convention. I commend Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who served as Vice Chairman II; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who served as Secretary; and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who served as Treasurer, for their dedication and leadership.

30. I also wish to recognise Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of the APC National Convention Venue Sub-Committee, for his remarkable commitment, including the funding and delivery of the venue setup.

31. I equally extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our Governors and Ministers whose collective efforts, unity of purpose, and commitment ensured the seamless planning and resounding success of this Convention.

32. To all those who will be elected today: carry this trust with humility, fairness, and unwavering commitment to our party’s ideals. The future of APC, and Nigeria’s democracy, depends on your leadership. Lead with courage, lead with integrity, and lead with vision.

33. May your leadership inspire confidence, strengthen unity, and deliver progress worthy of the faith our members have placed in you.

34. May you continue to win more converts into the party as we have done in the last two years, when an unprecedented number of new members, governors, senators, representatives, old and current, join our party from other political parties.

35. This growth demonstrates the strength of our beliefs and Nigerians’ trust in our Party. My charge to you is to sustain this expansive political structure through credible leadership and transparent party management, anchored in a reliable, verifiable database of our members nationwide.

36. May God bless our great party. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you all.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

The post Tinubu’s Speech at the APC’s National Convention appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

According to an official statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, both Fubara and Ordu are required to present all relevant documents and records regarding the appointments, including justifications and the procedures followed during their time in office.

The inquiry session is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room of the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt. Attendance is mandatory.

The session will also provide Fubara with an opportunity to present a detailed explanation as to why he believes he should be reinstated to office.

This move is part of the Sole Administrator’s broader initiative to restore transparency, accountability, and lasting peace in the governance of Rivers State.

The post Breaking News: Ibas Summons Suspended Gov. Fubara for Appointment Inquiry appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Also appointed is the APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola as the board chairman of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

The Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointment in a statement on Friday.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services,” the statement read.

“The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).”

He said Tinubu appointed former deputy governor of Kebbi State, Sulaiman Argungu, as the Chairman, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company.

Similarly, a long time ally of the President and former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Magnus Abe, made the list as the Chairman, National Agency For Great Green Wall.

According to the presidential spokesman, Tinubu directed the “board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.”

The post Tinubu Appoints APC Chairman Ganduje, Others As Board Chairpersons, CEOs appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the State APC Campaign Council, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the Council said though the party’s agenda is to win well, a new record will be set with an unprecedented margin.

“Our Governor and the leader of the party in the state, alongside other leaders of the party have been meeting with critical stakeholders within and outside the party to ensure we set an unprecedented record of victory.

“What we are doing now is activating our lawful winning strategies. Since 2016 under the leadership of Alh. Yahaya Bello, the party has become a fortress in Kogi State, winning virtually all elections.

“In 2019, we delivered massively for President Muhammadu Buhari. We also won all the Senatorial Seats and seven of the nine House of Representatives seats, before we lost one of the seats at the tribunal.

“It is on record that for the first time in the political history of Kogi State, we have a one-party House of Assembly, as our party won all the 25 available seats.

“In November 2019, we won both the Governorship Poll and the re-run election for Kogi West senatorial seat. So when the oppositions embark on blistering propaganda and cheap blackmail, it is understandable. They have received enough defeats to condition them into a team of wailing losers.

“In 2023, GYB will show why he remains the political tactician that is trusted by the Kogi people”, he said.

The post Yahaya Bello Vows To Deliver Kogi to APC Massively appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Permit me to begin with the following.

Would the Afenifere of old ever have supported a non-Yoruba candidate in a presidential election?

Why do we have to cut our nose to spite our face?

Simply because you hate or envy Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not mean we must deny the entire Yoruba race a crack at the Presidency.

And even if Tinubu offended you in the past can we not forgive?

You know very well that Peter Obi cannot win the presidential election and by supporting him in the West you are splitting our base and opening the door for an Atiku Presidency.

Is that what you want?

Do Nigeria and the Yoruba, whose interest you are supposed to further and protect, not deserve better than that?
.

Can you fathom or appreciate the implications of an Atiku Abubakar Presidency for our people and for the nation generally?

Have you thought it through?

Do you understand what that would mean for us all?

I am a great supporter of the handshake across the Niger but the following question must be asked: would Ohanaeze ever support and back a Yoruba presidential candidate over and above an Igbo one?

You attempt to justify your position by saying that you base it on fairness, justice and equity but do they not say he who comes to equity must come with clean hands?

Are Obi’s hands clean?

Does he even like the Yoruba?

Has he, throughout his distinctly uninspiring period in public office as Governor of Anambra state, shown any respect to any tribe or ethnic nationality, including his own?

If we were talking about an Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, an Orji Uzor Kalu, a Chimaroke Nnamani or a David Umahi, all of whom have proved themselves to be true nationalists, who have always put the national interest before the tribal one and who have shown immense sensitivity and respect to people from other parts of the South and the North, you may have a point but Obi does not fit that bill and is far below that level.

He is essentially provincial and insular and he has little understanding of the history and complexities of a wider Nigeria.

With him everything begins and ends in Anambra state and of course his containers.

Apart from that you know what his real agenda is and those he takes orders from.

You also know that the divisive and sinister agenda that they have is not in our interest as a people or a nation.

To tread such a path will have grievous consequences for the unity abd stability of Nigeria and we can barely afford a second civil war in an attempt to “keep Nigeria one”.

In any case to attempt to subvert the will of the APC, the largest political party on the African continent, by denying support to its legitimate and only presidential candidate on the basis of microzoning or regional and ethnic considerations is unjust and inequitable.

This is especially so given the fact that the South West is one of the two pillars which the party rests on and which has provided a solid foundation for its success.

Are we to throw all that away and jettison the aspirations of our people on the alter of micro-zoning and wanting to right what many have described (including yours truly) as a historical wrong?

When the courageous Southern Governors met ACROSS PARTY LINES in Asaba last year and demanded a power shift they did not say it must go to the South West, South South or South East.

They did not micro-zone it and they did not say that only South Eastern candidates should be considered.

They opened it up to every son and daughter of the South including the Yoruba.

And neither did they say the candidate must be a Christian or a Muslim: they opened it up to both.

Again when the selfless and gallant Northern Governors of the APC insisted on a power shift to the South, they never said it must go to any particular one of the three Southern zones: they opened it up to the entire South and Bola Tinubu won the nomination in a free and fair election at the party Convention.

Are we, as APC members and leaders, meant to turn our backs on that and betray our party simply because Afenifere says so?

Are we meant to act as if we have no party and that we have no loyalty to our collective and common cause as a political association?

Are we to behave as if we have no loyalty or decency and are we expected to attempt to subvert the will of our party members as enunciated, reflected and established at our National Convention?

Surely not.

And anyone that is waiting for that to happen will wait forever.

I sincerely hope that our beloved leaders in Afenifere will think again.

They know how much we love, revere and respect them and they must nurture and sustain that disposition and affection by displaying a little more flexiblity and respect for the views of others.

The cost of supporting Obi is very high and may end up destroying the unity, efficacy, utility and credibility of the entire organisation itself.

This is especially so when the old leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has staged a comeback and has said he does not accept the decision of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the new.

If there was ever a time for the Yoruba to ‘Ronu’ this is it.

There is nothing that is decent, noble, inspiring or elegant in seeing and hearing elderstatesman who are all over the age of 90 and all of whom we hold in high esteem, disagreeing and fighting publicly over issues that they ought to have been able to establish a broad and amicable consensus.

Do we really want yet another vitriolic, vicious, unending, fratricidal and gargantuan feud and division in our ranks as a people and ethnic nationality as we have had on so many occasions in our beleaguered and chequered past?

Has this insufferable and accursed infighting not been too costly for us over the last 62 years and has such division not ultimately affected the fortunes of not just the Yoruba but also the entire nation?

Anyone that knows the history of our nation can attest to that.

We paid a terrible price for such a feud and division in the First, Second and Third Republics and many lives were lost: now we are preparing to do it all over again in the Fourth.

We cannot afford to continue to tread this ugly, blood-lusting, blood-stained and acrimonious past which is more often than not fuelled by nothing but petty rivalry, envy, bitterness, unforgiveness, ego, bad-belle and vaulting personal ambitions.

We cannot and must not abandon our son Bola Tinubu at a time like this and this is especially so after he has done so much for our people and race over the years.

A defeat and disgrace for Tinubu is a defeat and a disgrace for every Yoruba man in the country and in the wider world.

Is that what Afenifere wants?

To disgrace its own?

Does it give them pleasure to remove the trousers of their own child before the world and humiliate him?

Is a father not meant to protect and nurture the fortunes of his son?

Did the father not forgive and take back even the prodigal son?

Throwing away your own is not a virtue: it is a Vice.

And doing so with pride and arrogance whilst attempting to justify it before the world with some kind of false and fake righteous indignation is unacceptable.

It is not just, it is not right, it is not fair, it is not reasonable, it is not justifiable, it is not defensible and it looks very awkward and ugly.

It is also embarrassing.

We must present a united front and stand in support of our own and we must present him to Nigeria as one and in one accord in order to ensure that they vote for and support him.

We must secure his base and we must build on it by reaching out to every other part of Nigeria.

That is the cause that a reverred and noble institution like Afenifere ought to be pursuing and not any other.

Yet if the truth be told, with or without Afenifere Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu shall prevail and by God’s grace, will win the presidential election.

(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is the former Minister of Aviation and the Director of Public Engagements, Special Media Operations and New Media of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organisation)

The post Questions For Afenifere By Femi Fani-Kayode appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Bojo-Bodinga, a PDP stalwart from Sokoto South Senatorial District was received by the APC leader in the state, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North) at his residence, on Friday in Sokoto.

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday by Bashar Abubakar, the Special Adviser, New Media to Wamakko.

Abubakar said the event was witnessed by Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, the APC governorship candidate in the state and many other prominent APC loyalists.

He quoted the State APC Chairman, Alhaji Isa Sadiq-Achida while speaking on behalf of the party assured the new member and his supporters of equal treatment with all other members.

On his part, Bojo-Bodinga said that he and his teeming PDP supporters across the state had left the party for APC for good.

The post PDP Chieftain In Sokoto, Bojo-Bodinga Defects To APC appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

I knew Atiku Abubakar in 1991 during the time of SDP and NRC, the two political parties floated and financed by the then federal military government headed by General Ibrahim Babangida, popularly called “Maradona” in those days. During that time, I was the internal auditor of SDP at the national headquarters in Lagos which was later moved to Abuja.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar got his political tutelage under the late General Shehu Musa Yar-Adua of blessed memory. The late General was a man of the people. He was humble, calm, and always mean with his words. He won the hearts of many and was accepted by all ethnic groups. Call him a political guru because he knew all the political mathematics that is needed to win an election. No wonder, he kept winning the SDP primaries even though the powers that be kept cancelling the same for reasons best known to them.

Atiku’s political fame started when he locked horns with his home political rival, Alhaji Bala Takaya when they both contested for governorship primaries in Adamawa state under SDP. While late General Shehu Yar-Adua supported Atiku, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, the then national Chairman of SDP rooted for Bala Takaya. Note that both godfathers had presidential ambitions at that time. The contest was so hot that it generated a lot of controversies and both candidates were disqualified and a neutral candidate was anointed. Since then, Atiku’s desire to rule his state became stronger and he used his training to put his political machinery and strategies in place hoping to fight another day. When the military under late General Sani Abacha struck in 1993, all political structures were dismantled and the politicians were sent packing. Atiku saw this development as an opportunity to re-strategize and he did it perfectly.

In 1999, an opportunity presented itself again and he had fewer problems. He clinched the PDP ticket and eventually won the governorship election in Adamawa State. However, when a running mate was being sourced for Chief Obasanjo, who was a boss to Atiku’s mentor, Atiku’s name featured prominently. The reason was that Obasanjo was not a politician and he just came out of prison yard with his eyes still dazed and there was a need to get him a running mate that was not just loyal but also politically vibrant. Atiku at that time had a firm hold on the political structures of PDM which were subsequently inherited by the PDP. In fact, after the death of Gen. Shehu Musa Yar Adua, Atiku became the leader of the PDM which was a strong political movement. He was finally anointed the Vice President and his political vibrancy and intellectualism were proven beyond reasonable doubt in their first term in office. He was completely in charge, presiding over the economy and restructuring it through privatization. Meanwhile, Chief Obasanjo, his Oga, having been out of prison was behaving like a chicken or dog that had been caged for days. Obasanjo became a touring President and forgot about his mandate and Atiku became the de facto President. In fact, during that period it was like the fear of Atiku was the beginning of wisdom, especially among the Governors. Atiku had all the economic and political machinery under his control which almost sack Obasanjo in 2003. But for his loyalty, Atiku refused to succumb to pressure especially from Governors to take over.

Atiku was the only man who fought and stopped Obasanjo when he discovered that Nigerians were about to get what they did not bargain for – third term. He took the risk not minding whether he lost his position as a Vice President and fought till Baba lyabo was technically knocked out and sent packing out of Aso Rock. They too vowed to take a pound of flesh and frustrated every move by the former VP to achieve his presidential ambition. This did not deter him as he decamped to AC to continue with the battle. He finally lost the Presidency to Umoru Musa Yar-Adua of blessed memory. As a man of political battles, he once again saw the development as an opportunity to re-strategize, overhaul, oil his political machinery and sharpen his political tools for another day.

In 2011, another opportunity presented itself again and Atiku dusted his political bag but there was a hurdle. He needed to be born again in PDP where he chose to pursue his Presidential ambition and Governor Nyako was to conduct the mass. Governor Nyako proved tough but trust Atiku, the Professor of politics with his political algebra. He shunned Nyako and bulldozed his way through a higher level throwing panic in Nyako’s camp. I am sure Nyako and his camp must have wondered what manner of man is Atiku. It was not without obstacles but he found his way back to PDP at last and set his political machinery in motion to clinch the PDP ticket.

The Ciroma-led northern political forum found him worthy of service and anointed him consensus candidate of the north with the active support of Generals Babangida and Gusau who conceded defeat. When President Jonathan and his camp saw Atiku’s fame growing, they quickly set in motion machinery to tame the growing popularity knowing that Atiku is a political giant who cannot be underrated or dismissed with a wave of the hand. In the end, the then incumbent President, with all the resources, power, and government machinery at his disposal clinched the PDP Presidential ticket on the 13th of January, 2011 at Eagle’s square by 2700 votes to Atiku’s 805 votes. The President’s victory, it was alleged, was not unconnected with the threats faced by the Governors in leading their delegates to vote otherwise. That is to say if they had voted otherwise they would have been voted otherwise on their “D day”.

Those who felt the Turakin Adamawa and Zege Mule u Tiv was disgraced at the Eagle’s square must have made a serious mistake and I advised them to have a rethink. To those who said he should have forgotten about the Presidency because he made two attempts before and did not succeed, I said they were cowards, short-sighted and people with no future. Those who have the genuine desire to change the system are not supposed to give up easily in spite of hurdles. As a political guru, Atiku lost gallantly and he should have been commended for fighting for peace, unity, justice and fair play. He felt PDP should stick to its zoning arrangement which was agreed upon. By the way, if not Atiku, who would have contested against the then incumbent President? Is it Sarah Jibril who was called to the podium to entertain delegates? I am sure her only campaign expenses were the clothes she wore on that day. I believe that if the PDP primaries were conducted in the manner ANPP did, Atiku would have made a more serious impact. Although Atiku lost in the primaries, he remained a great politician with a great force to reckon with. He remained undaunted and was never shaken nor discouraged. He is indeed a great politician worthy of respect.

At the convention, Atiku’s speech was direct and point blank. He addressed critical issues and this discomfited the then incumbent President and his wife. It took the divine intervention of Baba lyabo, David Mark, Dimeji Bankole, and others to stabilize and organize him. No wonder the clever Master of Ceremony kept thanking the delegates for almost twenty minutes as way to douse tension and clear the coast for the then President’s speech which did not look original when it came. It was hurriedly written on a notebook with pen in contrast to Atiku’s speech which was well arranged and typed. Sure, it was Baba’s handwork. Furthermore, Atiku made the primaries to attract world attention. With his presence in the race, Nigerians of different political parties and indeed the world became deeply interested in the exercise. In fact, President Jonathan was not sure of the outcome until the counting started. Atiku is a politician you cannot fight and sleep with your two eyes closed. I believe the then President must have fasted and had sleepless nights, unlike Baba who fought for the third-term agenda and still enjoyed the comfort of his bed.

In 2015, Atiku again tested his popularity in APC and contested but lost to President Mohammadu Buhari. The Turakin Adamawa got offended by the circumstances that denied him victory at the APC primaries. However, he was prevailed upon to put his political weight behind Muhammadu Buhari who won the primaries. He eventually did that and surrendered all the political machinery and human machines like Shehu Garba to Buhari who subsequently contested and won the presidential election against the then President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Along the line, Atiku was not satisfied with the way he was treated and side-lined by the APC’s hawks and he vowed to take a pound of flesh. This led him back to his root, the PDP like the prodigal son in the Bible. He was accepted back and he re-activated his political structures and machinery, re-strategized, and equipped himself better and stronger than before. He subsequently got the PDP ticket through the primaries and contested in the 2019 general elections under the platform of the PDP. The contest between Atiku and Buhari was hotter than the contest between the God of Elijah and the gods of Baal. As the result kept trickling in at Abuja, it became obvious that Atiku was in the lead. This trend angered the hawks in APC who quickly put in place a plan to change the trend to an “inconclusive election”. This gave room for figures to be doctored in Kano and Kaduna states where a collation was manually processed. This automatically changed the trend of the result and Buhari took the lead. At last, the presidential election was won by the incumbent President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Atiku wept seeing that he was robbed of victory in broad daylight by the powers that be. As it is usual with the Turaki, he sheathed his sword but the fight did not end. He only took a break, and re-strategized believing that he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day.

The Turaki is out this time again. He has already won the PDP primaries in stiff competition with Governor Wike of Rivers State who lost narrowly. The coast now seems to be clearer for him, especially with the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC which is under controversy even among some Muslims. This time it is a fight to finish because the Turaki may not have another opportunity to fight another political battle. Politically, the APC candidate Bola Tinubu may not be a match for the Turaki Adamawa and even with the power of APC incumbency, it may be difficult for Tinubu to win the Presidency. However, the days ahead will be the most interesting period to watch this battle of the titans.

The candidate of the labour party, Peter Obi is becoming more popular especially among the youth by the day but does he have the political structures, national spread, and financial muscle the Turaki has? except by God’s grace.

Wishing Turaki Adamawa the best of luck this time around as he is a man who can be trusted to resolve the present issues the country is facing. He is a political guru and an entrepreneur who has ran many successful businesses across the nation and has proved to have the capacity to turn things around and he is still a political force to reckon with.

Mike Adekaa
Writes from Gboko, Benue state.
M_ adeks2000@yahoo.com

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