Politics
Muslim-Muslim Ticket: Ezekwesili Knocks APC, PDP For Insensitivity

Former Minister of Information, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has knocked the ruling All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party for not considering Nigeria’s cultural diversity and ethnoreligious factors before settling for their choice of presidential candidates.
A livid Ezekwesili aired her grievance when she appeared on Politics Today, a popular programme on Channels Television on Sunday night.
The presidential primaries of both parties, which were conducted in the second quarter of this year have produced former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the flagbearer of the APC and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as candidate of the PDP.
But Ezekwesili believed the situation could have been better if both parties give conscientious consideration to the feelings of Nigerians and agreed to follow due process.
READ ALSO: Muslim-Muslim Ticket Suicide Mission, Says APC Christian Group
She said, “Look at what APC and PDP did. It is utterly contemptible. First, you have got APC. How could you possibly be fielding Muslim-Muslim candidates in a society that has always found a way to ensure a balance, even in the time of the military?
“We are a diverse society and it is important that we manage our diverse ethnicity in such a way that it won’t breed conflict. The military was smart to always have the northern head of state get a younger deputy from the South that is a Christian. Then you come to democracy and you are not even sensitive to that? It is like being contemptible of a section of the population, which is not right.
“And then you look at the PDP. This is a party that says it tends to build around inclusion to make it easier for rotational principles for the emergence of their candidate.
“Suddenly, a candidate emerged who has been running for the same office on many occasions. Why would that happen? The time for a candidate from the South East as you always clamour is now.
“But they upstaged that and yet have the arrogance to tell them they have no reason to complain. This is the season of character, competence and capacity. My God! It is sophistry. Within the South East, they could have found someone with the character, competence and capacity we are talking about.
“And by the way, Mr Obi who is now the candidate of Labour Party, was in your party. If you really needed the triple character, competence and capacity in a way that is just, equitable and inclusive in your PDP, you could have made Peter Obi your candidate.”
The former minister stated that it was the unfair manner the two major political parties behaved that is fuelling the kind of support that Obi is receiving at the moment.
This is even she predicted that the 2023 general elections may either work in favour of the political elite who are always eager to cling to power or clinched by young Nigerians who are eager to do away with the Old Order.
“There are two possible outcomes in the 2023 elections. This extant political class in their ruthlessness can blatantly say ‘we are not going anywhere and blatantly do anything to take the nation down in order to retain the status quo. That’s a possible outcome. But it is an outcome we can possibly mitigate by our collective effort.
“The other outcome is the current mobilisation of people to come out en-mass and vote with their PVCs. And not just vote but stay there as a guardian angel, especially to make sure that the credible process that the INEC has promised us is done.
“The INEC as the regulator of the process has to be above board and beyond reproach. Anything that is contrary will not be welcome by the citizen,” she said.
Politics
2027: Wike Refuses To Confirm Or Deny Chinda’s Governorship Bid
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to reports that a federal lawmaker, Okey Chinda, has obtained forms to contest the Rivers State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Speaking during a media chat on Wednesday, Wike neither confirmed nor denied the reports about Chinda’s alleged ambition.
However, he maintained that the PDP in Rivers State will participate in the upcoming election.
READ ALSO:How Wike Rescued Me From Political Oblivion — Oshiomhole
Responding to Dax George-Kelly, who is also said to have obtained a governorship nomination form under the All Progressives Congress, APC, Wike said George-Kelly is a member of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State.
He stated that the coalition will collectively decide which candidate to support when the time comes.
Politics
Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027
Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.
Obi made this known via his X handle.
READ ALSO:NDC Speaks On Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Joining Party
He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.
“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.
“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”
Politics
BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC
About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.
This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.
Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up
Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.
This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.
Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.
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