A significant political gathering involving prominent Nigerian figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party leader Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, experienced a disruption on Saturday due to a dispute over delegation representation from Jigawa State. The meeting, convened at the Abuja Continental Hotel by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was interrupted when former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, appointed a representative for Jigawa State. This decision led to immediate protests from Jigawa delegates, who took to the stage, voicing their dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation and rejecting the appointed spokesperson. The situation escalated, necessitating the intervention of security personnel, including members of the Nigerian Police, DSS, and private security, who formed a protective barrier around key figures such as Atiku and Amaechi. Order was eventually restored following appeals from various stakeholders. A resolution was reached by appointing Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, along with another delegate, to represent the state. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges within the coalition efforts, highlighting the complexities of regional dynamics as political leaders strategize for future alignments.
Lere Olayinka Criticizes Atiku Over 2023 Election Loss, Says Wike Will Continue to Oppose Him Atiku’s Decision on Running Mate Sparks New Controversy Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding his recent statement on why he did not select Nyesom Wike as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election. Atiku, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently reaffirmed that he had no regrets about his decision to overlook Wike, the former governor of Rivers State. However, Olayinka was quick to dismiss Atiku’s explanation, arguing that his decision was a key factor in the PDP’s defeat in 2023. Olayinka: Wike Will Continue to Oppose Atiku Reacting in a Twitter post, Olayinka criticized Atiku for justifying his choice two years after the election loss. He insisted that Wike had no regrets about opposing Atiku’s presidential ambition and would continue to be a strong obstacle to his political future. “Two years after making the PDP lose a presidential election it could have won, Atiku is now explaining why he didn’t pick Wike as his running mate. He says he has no regrets, but Wike also has no regrets for ensuring that Atiku lost—and he will make sure Atiku fails again and again,” Olayinka remarked. The Atiku-Wike Rift and PDP’s Internal Crisis The ongoing feud between Atiku and Wike has deepened the internal crisis within the PDP. Wike, who led the G5 governors in resisting Atiku’s candidacy, played a significant role in weakening the party’s chances in the 2023 general elections. His opposition contributed to the internal divisions that cost the PDP a potential victory. Political analysts believe that unless the party resolves its internal conflicts, future elections may yield similar outcomes. Meanwhile, Atiku remains a persistent contender, having run for president multiple times without success. For more on the political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party, visit Vanguard for in-depth analysis. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Atiku Abubakar Calls for Urgent Restructuring, Signals Political Shift Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reiterated the urgent need for restructuring in Nigeria. Speaking at a coalition meeting in Yola, he emphasized that restructuring is essential for the nation’s stability and democracy to thrive. Atiku expressed deep concerns about the country’s trajectory, warning that failure to implement necessary reforms could leave future generations feeling alienated in their homeland. He urged political leaders and citizens alike to take decisive action to prevent further national decline. Hints at a Major Political Announcement During his address, Atiku subtly indicated that he might be making a significant political declaration soon. While he refrained from providing details, he assured Nigerians that he would soon break his silence on critical national matters. His remarks have sparked speculation about a potential new political movement or candidacy ahead of the next election cycle. Political Support and Cross-Party Influence The gathering witnessed attendance from influential politicians across party lines, including Senator Ishaku Abbo. Abbo reaffirmed Atiku’s leadership, emphasizing that his influence extends beyond partisan affiliations. He also praised Atiku’s tenure as Vice President, highlighting his commitment to democratic principles and governance reforms. Notably, representatives from all 21 local government areas in Adamawa State were present, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) affiliated with Senator Aishatu Binani, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate. This cross-party attendance underscores Atiku’s enduring political relevance and the widespread support for restructuring. The Road Ahead for Nigeria’s Political Landscape As Nigeria grapples with economic and governance challenges, Atiku’s call for restructuring reignites the national debate on federalism and equitable resource distribution. His potential political move could reshape the country’s political dynamics ahead of the next elections. For further insights into Nigeria’s restructuring discourse, read this comprehensive analysis from a reputable think tank. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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A Surprising Shift in Perspective More than a decade after accusing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of corruption in his book, The Accidental Public Servant (2013), former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made an unexpected reversal. He now acknowledges Atiku’s instrumental role in driving economic reforms during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. This change of stance emerged during a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark, where El-Rufai highlighted Atiku’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic policies. The Previous Allegations Against Atiku El-Rufai had previously accused Atiku of corruption, claiming he was involved in dubious dealings during his tenure as vice president (1999–2007). Atiku, in response, refuted these allegations in a 2016 interview with Zero Tolerance, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) publication. He also accused El-Rufai of offering him shares in Transcorp Plc, a claim El-Rufai dismissed, stating that he himself had rejected similar offers. During Atiku’s tenure as vice president, he oversaw the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), which was responsible for Nigeria’s privatization efforts. El-Rufai, who led the agency at the time, had previously questioned Atiku’s integrity, citing various alleged financial irregularities. El-Rufai’s Acknowledgment of Atiku’s Economic Impact However, speaking at the condolence visit, El-Rufai stated that Atiku had been instrumental in shaping economic policies under Obasanjo’s administration. “Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policymaking under Obasanjo’s administration. Many of the things we did were under his leadership. Maybe because we don’t document our history, people tend to forget,” El-Rufai remarked. Political Controversy Surrounding the Condolence Visit The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) criticized both Atiku and El-Rufai for allegedly turning the condolence visit into a political spectacle. The group’s National Coordinator, Michael Briggs, described their remarks as disrespectful to the late Chief Clark’s family, accusing them of using the moment to promote political narratives rather than honoring the deceased. “What should have been a solemn visit became a political charade. It was a clear display of insensitivity to the grieving family,” TAN stated. The group further accused El-Rufai of leveraging the occasion to praise Atiku’s economic policies rather than focusing on the essence of the visit. Conclusion El-Rufai’s change in tone regarding Atiku’s economic influence marks a notable shift in Nigerian political dynamics. While some see it as a genuine acknowledgment of past contributions, others interpret it as a strategic political move. Regardless, this development underscores the evolving nature of political alliances and narratives in Nigeria. For further insights into Nigeria’s political history, visit BBC Africa. READ ALSO; Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Former Vice President and 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Senator John Azuta-Mbata on his election as the new President-General of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Azuta-Mbata, a former Senator representing Rivers East from 1999 to 2007 under the PDP, emerged as the 13th President-General of the organisation in an election held in Enugu on Friday. He succeeds Fidelis Chukwu, whose tenure concluded the same day. Azuta-Mbata, originally from the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, will lead the group alongside other newly elected executives. Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State was elected as the National Deputy President, while former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Emeka Sibeidu, will serve as the new Secretary-General. Fourteen additional executives were also elected during the process. Commending the Election ProcessIn a press statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku praised the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election, emphasizing the crucial role played by the South-East Governors’ Forum in ensuring fairness and a smooth leadership transition. Atiku lauded Azuta-Mbata’s extensive experience as a lawmaker and administrator, expressing confidence that the combined expertise of the newly elected executives will help advance the organisation’s mission. Call for Unity and CollaborationHighlighting the importance of unity, Atiku stressed the need for the new leadership to promote peace and tolerance across ethnic and socio-political lines. He encouraged the executives to not only strengthen Igbo solidarity but also collaborate with other cultural groups across Nigeria. Atiku described Azuta-Mbata’s election as a pivotal moment for the organisation, signaling a new phase of progress, unity, and development. He urged the new leadership to work towards national peace, stability, and socioeconomic advancement through intercommunal cooperation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Bola Tinubu administration has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern presidential hopefuls to exercise patience and consider the 2031 election for their ambitions. This recommendation follows speculation about Atiku’s potential plans to contest in 2027, despite no official declaration. Government’s Stance Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), shared this perspective during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, hosted by Femi Akande. Akume emphasized the importance of allowing President Tinubu to complete his current term and potentially seek re-election in 2027 before northern aspirants make their bid. “President Tinubu should be allowed to serve a second term. Those from the North, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, should look beyond 2027 and consider 2031,” Akume stated. He added that if it aligns with divine will, Atiku could still become president, even at the age of 90. “For now, they should let President Tinubu continue his work of repositioning the nation,” he urged. Economic Reforms in Focus Akume highlighted critical economic reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration, including: “These reforms are steps toward rebuilding a Nigeria that was damaged by past administrations,” Akume explained. He expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon see tangible benefits from these policies, restoring confidence in the nation’s economy. Atiku’s Political Ambitions Despite widespread speculation, Atiku Abubakar has not formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. However, his actions and public appearances suggest he may be preparing for a third consecutive run. A former spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign, Segun Sowunmi, stated that the former vice president has yet to respond definitively to inquiries about his plans. Conclusion The Tinubu administration’s message to Atiku and other northern aspirants reflects a desire for continuity in governance and the consolidation of ongoing reforms. With the government confident in its economic strategies, the political spotlight remains on Atiku and other aspirants to determine their next steps as the 2027 elections approach. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The House of Representatives has rejected a bill proposing a six-year single term for the presidency of Nigeria. The constitutional amendment bill, initially introduced in June by Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and 33 other lawmakers, was debated and subsequently dismissed on Thursday during a session on its general principles. The bill also included provisions to rotate the presidency between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions and create two vice presidents—one for succession and another responsible for managing the economy. According to the proposal, the first vice president would assume the presidency if the sitting president becomes incapacitated, while the second vice president would serve as a minister overseeing economic affairs. In addition, the bill suggested that the president and the first vice president must hail from the same region (either the North or South), and both vice presidents would serve as ministers within the cabinet. The second vice president would be tasked with economic management. Rejection of the Bill During the plenary session, Ugochinyere was not permitted to lead the debate before his bill was put to vote. Despite his motion to read the bill a second time, the House overwhelmingly voted against it when Speaker Abbas Tajudeen called for a vote. Atiku’s Support for the Bill Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had expressed support for some aspects of the rejected bill, particularly the idea of rotating the presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the proposed single six-year term. In August, Atiku submitted a memo to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, advocating for similar reforms. The 2014 National Conference had previously recommended a power rotation model that included rotating governorship positions among the three senatorial districts in each state. However, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan did not act on these recommendations before leaving office. READ ALSO:
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed that he harbors no envy toward President Bola Tinubu, whom he accuses of causing suffering for Nigerians. Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, was responding to recent statements from the presidency, which alleged that he was envious of Tinubu. On Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, criticized Abubakar for his consistent disapproval of Tinubu’s economic strategies. Abubakar has frequently condemned Tinubu’s economic measures, describing them as a “collection of policies” lacking clear plans for effective implementation. In a statement released on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, his special assistant on public communication, Abubakar asserted that Tinubu tends to implement policies without adequately considering their potential impact. “On July 8, 2024, Tinubu declared that import duties on essential goods such as food would be suspended for 150 days. Yet, over 120 days have passed without the policy taking effect, while Nigerians continue to suffer from escalating costs, including food inflation, which now exceeds 40 percent, the highest in decades,” the statement noted. The statement continued, “The blatant disregard for government policy by Tinubu’s appointees, coupled with the finance ministry’s failure to issue a gazette even after four months, highlights the ineptitude and lack of seriousness that typifies the Tinubu administration. “Regrettably, instead of prioritizing governance, they focus on attacking opponents—Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi—while using compromised courts to create discord within the opposition. It’s disgraceful. “Tinubu came to office ill-prepared. He makes decisions first and contemplates the outcomes later. This is evident in the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy without adequate safety measures. “When he witnessed the resulting impact, he hastily proposed a CNG initiative that neither he nor his ministers have fully embraced, which explains their reluctance to utilize it. The CNG initiative remains stalled due to the absence of necessary gas infrastructure in many states. “It is absurd to suggest that Atiku is envious of Tinubu. Absolutely not—Atiku could never be jealous of Tinubu’s actions that inflict pain on Nigerians. READ ALSO: NAF Airstrikes Free Hostages, Devastate Bandit Camps in Zamfara and Kebbi “Cruelty seems to be the unique trait of Tinubu. No leader who genuinely prioritizes the welfare of Nigerians would covet such an attribute.” Abubakar also highlighted that Nigeria currently has the “worst-performing currency in Africa” and ranks as the fifth-largest economy on the continent, a significant decline from its top position when the All Progressives Congress (APC) took power in 2015.
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu, whom he labeled “T-Pain,” alleging that Tinubu unlawfully took the 2023 presidential election. Abubakar contends that the election was “criminally stolen” from him, asserting that the outcome does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people. This statement comes over a year after the Nigerian Supreme Court upheld Tinubu’s victory, confirming him as the legitimate winner of the 2023 presidential election.Abubakar’s response was triggered by remarks from Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for President Tinubu, who claimed that the 2023 election results clearly demonstrated that voters had rejected Abubakar. In a post on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Abubakar countered these claims, arguing that he did not truly lose the election. Instead, he alleged that electoral misconduct was responsible for the outcome, which he believes has led to an unjust outcome for the Nigerian electorate.“The citizens who voted in the 2023 presidential election know that I did not lose. We’re in this position because the election was criminally stolen from the Nigerian people,” Abubakar said, expressing a belief that the election was manipulated to deny him victory.Beyond election-related grievances, Abubakar extended his critique to Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of operating without a structured or coherent governance strategy. He suggested that Tinubu’s policies are superficial, coining the term “Tea-plan” to imply that the administration’s plans are weak and ineffective. According to Abubakar, such an approach has led to economic distress, which he referred to as “T-pain.”Abubakar stated, “Like many Nigerians, I believe that we’re facing these severe economic challenges because of the Tinubu administration’s hurried rise to power, which lacked any solid, well-thought-out plan.” READ ALSO: Just In: Ekiti Cheif Judge Adeyeye Dies At 64 This statement is the latest in a series of exchanges between Abubakar’s supporters and Tinubu’s administration, highlighting a growing divide over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation. Abubakar and his camp argue that Tinubu’s administration has contributed to economic hardship by failing to develop and implement effective policies to address the nation’s pressing challenges. Meanwhile, Tinubu’s supporters maintain that Abubakar lost the election fairly and claim that his criticisms are rooted in frustration over his defeat.
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Atiku Abubakar, a former PDP presidential candidate, criticized President Bola Tinubu on Monday for his economic policies. Atiku expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s chaotic “bolekaja” economic policy recommendations. According to him, Tinubu’s government is based on a “Tea-plan, which can only lead to a T-pain.” “I have taken note of the initial responses highlighting the striking disparity between President Tinubu’s faltering economic policies and the alternatives I have proposed,” Atiku stated in a statement that he personally signed. It is thrilling to see such a heated discussion on these important issues, and I genuinely hope that Nigeria and its people will gain something from this discussion in the end. Like many of my fellow Nigerians, I am convinced that the reason we are currently experiencing economic unrest is to the Tinubu administration’s fast rise to power without a clear strategy. In sharp contrast, my team made sure that our strategy was inclusive and well-thought-out by not only creating a thorough Recovery Plan but also soliciting valuable feedback from Nigerians. Isn’t it intriguing that the First Lady and the NSA appear to be leading a national prayer as the sole policy response from the so-called “tested” Tinubu administration? Only twenty-four hours after I put forth my substitute solutions! What a daring plan. According to my modest reading of the Bible, prayer is a noble course of action. Nonetheless, the sacred books also advise us to work hard and diligently. Therefore, it is uncharitable for Tinubu’s staff to assert that my recommendations are still relevant. not tested. Our current situation is explained by the unpredictable, trial-and-error character of the policies this administration has so far put into place. Remember that Nigeria skyrocketed to the top of Africa’s economies under our economic leadership from 1999 to 2003, but their administration has demoted us to a depressing fourth place. READ ALSO: Scandal Rocks Equatorial Guinea: Financial Crime Chief Allegedly Linked to Leaked Intimate Tapes In contrast to the pitiful 2.8% of the so-called “tested” Tinubu era, the average GDP rate under the Obasanjo government, which I worked in, was 6.59% and reached a pinnacle of 15% in 2002; it was 7.98% during the late Yar’Adua administration and 4.8% during Jonathan’s. The chaotic “bolekaja” economic policy recommendations are enough.
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Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, has urged the judiciary to refrain from burning Rivers State by issuing contradictory verdicts on the state. Following a ruling on Wednesday by a Federal High Court in Abuja that directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop all payments to the state, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the general elections of 2023 issued the warning. The former vice president voiced concerns that some federal government loyalists were behind the scenes pulling the strings in a statement released late Wednesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe. Additionally, Atiku questioned why Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the judge, granted the ruling given that Rivers State had has already contested the Court of Appeal’s decision over the validity of Rivers State’s budget for 2024. The former PDP leader said in a statement headed “Don’t Set Rivers on Fire, @atiku Urges Judiciary”: Because the Rivers State budget was approved by an inchoate assembly, the Court of Appeal ruled last week that it was unlawful. Governor Siminalayi Fubara was directed by the court to submit a new budget proposal. In order for the Supreme Court to consider the case, the Rivers State Government has already submitted a notice of appeal. Nonetheless, a ruling meant to weaken the Supreme Court was obtained by certain members of the Bola Tinubu administration. READ ALSO: Atiku calls for decentralization of electricity and denounces the northern outage Before the verdict was handed out, renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) had warned Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, of a potential compromise following the presentation of house gifts to Abuja judges. Unfortunately, Falana’s caution went unheeded. “Since the Tinubu administration came to power, Nigeria has plunged into the realm of the ridiculous. “Courts are increasingly contributing to political crises within governments and even within political parties in an ignoble manner. From the Kano State emirship dispute to the Rivers scandal, where judges are even halting elections, Nigeria is being transported back to the gloomy June 12, 1993, when voting was canceled. Regretfully, Nigeria is devolving into anarchy under the direction of people who say they have battled for its democracy, with contradictory directives from Coordinating jurisdiction courts are dispersed around the country, and judges are being persuaded to serve in the name of empowerment and housing provision. READ ALSO Nigerians are consequently steadily losing faith in an organization that takes pride in being the last resort for the average person. Any location where verdicts may be purchased by the highest bidder will be avoided by foreign investors. Nigeria should avoid becoming like Hobes, where people choose self-help and life is short, cruel, and brutish. Rivers State is responsible for over 25% of Nigeria’s oil reserves. “In a nation where banditry and vandalism have made the economic situation worse, Tinubu should put Nigeria’s interests ahead of his 2027 goals. “We urge Nigeria’s judiciary to reinstate its reputation before it’s too late,” he continued. its reputation before it’s too late,” he continued. We Love To Have You Back. Pease kindly Provide Us With Your Email.
