Politics
Obasanjo Warns Youths Against Supporting Bad Leaders
Published
3 years agoon
By
Editor
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, warned Nigerian youths against allowing those who “mess up with their future” to lead them again.
Obasanjo tasked the youths to engage in activities that would change the African narrative by participating fully in all the socio-economic and political activities.
Obasanjo spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the third edition of the presidential youth mentorship retreat organised by the Youth Development Center of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
The former president said that such participation would also guarantee a better future for the young generation as it would not allow those who are messing up their future to succeed.
Obasanjo who spoke on the theme “Removing Barriers against youth,” said, “in most parts of Africa, there are visible barriers and not so discernible barriers militating against the actualization of the latent potentials of the African youth.”
Obasanjo who was represented by the Deputy Chief Coordinator of OOPL, Dr Ayodele Aderinwale said the biggest obstacle to effectively removing the barrier “is the attitudinal disposition and orientation of the young people.”
He challenged youths to, as a matter of strategy, never allow another person to determine or shape their space in society.
According to him, if our youth can be desperate enough to agree to trek through the desert to get menial jobs in Europe, that energy, that spirit, that fortitude should be channelled to eradicate both physical and mental barriers.
Obasanjo said “The villagization of the globe has rendered geographical barriers largely irrelevant. The movement towards a knowledge economy has also meant that proper nuances eliminate barriers. In essence economic opportunities have become transborder in nature and manifestation. There are enormous opportunities for private initiatives in the national and global economic space.
“The young people should demand vociferously that our governments must enhance enabling entrepreneurial environment for young people is also a key to unleashing a culture of entrepreneurship among the youth. As this will have a broader impact in promoting sustainable development and addressing the barriers that specifically hinder young people like yourself to be economically empowered. Such empowerment will not only improve the individual life but also affect their community positively as they will serve as an agent of wealth creation.
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“In conclusion, I am challenging you as young Africans to engage in activities that would change the African narrative by participating fully in all the socio-economic and political activities that guarantee a better future for you and not allowing those who are messing up your future to succeed.”
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of YDC-OOPL, Dr Bisi Kolapo told the youths to consistently improve on leadership skills and development in order to take their rightful positions in governance.
Kolapo also emphasised that the youths have a divine mandate to dominate, be fruitful and replenish in anywhere they find themselves.
She challenged them to be driven by “violence in their spirit in order to possess their possessions.”
The Project Manager of YDC-OOPL, Omolara Kehinde disclosed that the 26 participants drawn from states across Nigeria were selected out of 958 applications received.
She said, “With over 958 applications, received from all across Nigeria, I am glad to call you fortunate to have been selected to represent your state.
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Politics
Ward Leaders Suspend Nasarawa APC Chairman Over Anti-party Activities
Published
6 hours agoon
July 1, 2025By
Editor
The leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Gayam Ward of Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, have suspended the state’s chairman of the party, Aliyu Bello, over alleged anti-party.
The ward leaders who converged in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Tuesday said Bello’s action had caused embarrassment to the party and undermined the credibility of its collective effort to take the party to greater heights.
Speaking with newsmen while announcing his suspension from the party, the chairman of the ward, Ibrahim Iliyasu, narrated that his action constitutes a serious breach of party loyalty and discipline.
He said, “We, the undersigned Executive Members of the All Progressives Congress, Gayam Ward in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, hereby write to formally suspend you, Hon. Aliyu Bello, from the party (All Progressives Congress) with immediate effect.
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“This decision arises as a result an investigation of complaints by ward members of your anti-party activities contrary to Article 21 of the APC Constitution (as amended) which outlines the conduct expected of members and the disciplinary measures to be taken against infractions.
“Specifically, we have credible evidence and reports that you have openly promoted and campaigned for a member of another political party, in direct violation of Article 21 (i), (ii), and (vii) which prohibit; (a)Engaging in acts that tend to bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute; (b)Engaging in anti-party activities; (c) Membership, promotion or support of rival political parties.”
He added, “Your actions have caused embarrassment to the party, undermined the credibility of our collective efforts, and constitute a serious breach of party loyalty and discipline.
“In line with the powers vested in us as ward executives under Article 21 (D) (i)-(iii) of the APC Constitution, and having consulted widely with stakeholders within the ward, we have resolved as follows; That you, Hon. Aliyu Bello, are hereby suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect pending further investigation and disciplinary action by higher party organs.
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“That this resolution shall be communicated to the Lafia Local Government APC Executive Committee, Nasarawa State Executive Committee, and the National Working Committee (NWC) for ratification and further necessary action.
“We urge you to refrain from parading yourself as a member of the party pending the conclusion of this process. Accept the assurances of our highest esteemed regards as always.”
Other leaders of the Gayam Ward who were present during the press briefing and approved his suspension include the Ward Secretary, Ibrahim Kwande; Ward Legal Adviser, Adamu Musa Alkali; Ward Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Dahiru; Ward Women Leader, Fatimah Ibrahim, among others.
Meanwhile, the suspension of the APC Chairman came barely 24hours after the state’s Publicity Secretary of the party, Douglas Otaru, issued a statement alleging plots by a governorship aspirant to remove Aliyu Bello from his position.
“For clarity, the ward officials lack the constitutional authority to pass a vote of no confidence, suspend, or expel a State Executive Committee Member. We strongly caution that any party official found to be involved will face disciplinary action in accordance with the party’s constitution,” Otaru said in his statement.
Politics
2027 Coalition: Atiku, Secondus, Other PDP Leaders Meet In Abuja
Published
6 hours agoon
July 1, 2025By
Editor
Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a former Senate President, David Mark, a former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and several other prominent figures of the Peoples Democratic Party have commenced a high-level, closed-door critical meeting in Abuja.
The strategic gathering, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, is part of ongoing consultations ahead of the formal unveiling of a coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In addition to Atiku and Lamido, other PDP stalwarts present at the meeting include a former PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, ex-Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi).
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Sources at the venue confirmed that the meeting presided over by Mark is focused on determining whether the PDP leaders will fully integrate into the proposed 2027 coalition party or maintain their positions within the party while forming an electoral alliance.
Earlier reports by The PUNCH revealed that the coalition has chosen the African Democratic Congress as its political platform and has selected Senator Mark to serve as interim chairman, with an official unveiling scheduled for Wednesday.
Other PDP figures in attendance include Senator Ben Obi, former PDP National Women Leader Josephine Anenih, former National Organising Secretary Senator Austin Akobundu, ex-National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, and former National Youth Leader Abdullahi Maibasira, among others.
Details shortly…
Politics
INEC Unveils 2025-2026 Election Timetable, Resumes Voter Registration
Published
10 hours agoon
July 1, 2025By
Editor
The Independent National Electoral Commission has unveiled a comprehensive electoral timetable for 2025 and 2026, including five major elections and the nationwide resumption of Continuous Voter Registration.
This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The electoral body, in a statement on its official X handle, said it is gearing up for a busy period, with a series of crucial polls scheduled across various states.
In the statement, the INEC Chairman said, “The five major elections highlighted in the new timetable include bye-elections in 12 states, slated for August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra State Governorship election on November 8, 2025. Looking into 2026, the schedule includes Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti State Governorship election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun State Governorship election on August 8, 2026.”
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Yakubu also announced the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. “Online pre-registration will commence on August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration across the country from August 25, 2025. For Anambra State, ahead of its governorship election, the CVR will begin earlier, next week, and will be conducted simultaneously in all 326 wards to ensure the compilation of a new voters’ register at least 90 days before the election, as required by law”, he said.
During the meeting, Yakubu welcomed two newly appointed National Commissioners, Professor Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, as well as six recently sworn-in RECs attending the meeting for the first time.
He emphasised the critical role of RECs in election management, urging them to proactively implement policy and procedural issues without constant prompting from the Headquarters.
Addressing concerns regarding the interpretation of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 on the review of election results, the INEC Chairman stated that the Commission is working on a supplementary regulation and guidelines to provide clarity.
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He assured that this document would be uploaded to INEC’s official platforms for public information as early as this week.
“I wish to remind you that your work does not begin as the General Election approaches. You are full-time Commissioners,” Professor Yakubu remarked, underscoring the continuous nature of electoral duties and the need for sustained commitment from all officials.
“You can only effectively discharge your responsibilities when you are knowledgeable and committed”, he said.
The meeting, which followed extensive consultations with political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and election security agencies, aimed to address key issues arising from these engagements and strategise for improved electoral service delivery across Nigeria.
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