Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has disclosed that his daughter encouraged him to collaborate with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the build-up to the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. Kwankwaso made the revelation during an interview on ARISE News on Monday while discussing the changing political mindset among Nigerian youths and the growing influence of social media in shaping political decisions across the country. According to the former governor, the younger generation is gradually moving away from politics centered on ethnicity and religion. Instead, many young Nigerians are now paying more attention to competence, accountability, and leadership qualities when choosing political leaders. Speaking during the interview, Kwankwaso explained that the political opinions of younger citizens are becoming increasingly different from those of the older generation. He noted that many youths are now focused on leaders capable of solving the country’s economic and social problems rather than leaders who rely on ethnic or religious sentiments to gain support. “Even during the 2023 general election, in my own house, my daughter advised me to go and work with Peter Obi,” Kwankwaso stated. The former Kano State governor further emphasized that many political leaders in Nigeria have failed to properly engage with young people despite their growing population and influence in national politics. According to him, a significant number of politicians rarely interact with young men and women, making it difficult for them to fully understand the priorities and expectations of the younger generation. Kwankwaso stressed that the emergence of digital platforms and social media has transformed the country’s political environment. He explained that Nigerian youths are now more politically informed and are actively participating in conversations about governance, economic development, insecurity, and national unity. He added that younger voters are increasingly demanding transparent and credible leadership that can effectively tackle the country’s challenges. “Some people are talking about religion, while others are focused on ethnicity, but many young people are searching for the right leadership for this country, and I believe they are correct,” he added. Political observers believe the statement reflects the growing political awareness among Nigerian youths, especially after the 2023 elections, where young voters played a major role in political discussions both online and offline. The 2023 presidential election witnessed increased participation from young Nigerians who used social media platforms to campaign, share political opinions, and mobilize support for preferred candidates. Analysts say this trend may continue to shape future elections in the country. Experts have also pointed out that the increasing political consciousness among youths could influence how political parties select candidates and design campaign strategies ahead of future elections. For many Nigerians, the comments from Kwankwaso highlight the widening shift in political priorities among the younger generation, with more attention now being placed on governance, economic growth, security, job creation, and national development.
Dan Ulasi, the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, has called on the party to consider reaching out to former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to rejoin the party. Obi, who served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2019 elections alongside Atiku Abubakar, saw the party lose to the then-President Muhammadu Buhari. In the 2023 presidential race, Obi left the PDP to join LP, where he became the party’s flagbearer. Although Obi garnered significant support, coming third in the election, he trailed behind the winner, President Bola Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP. Recently, the PDP has faced challenges of disintegration, with key figures like Ifeanyi Okowa, the former vice-presidential running mate, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). These defections have fueled speculations about the possible collapse of the opposition party, which had already faced a series of internal conflicts. Before their defection, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders had planned to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu’s administration in 2027. However, the PDP Governors Forum has made it clear that it will not be part of Atiku’s proposed coalition. Despite the political turmoil, Ulasi believes that Obi’s return to the PDP could be a positive move. On Arise Television’s Morning Show, he emphasized: “Peter Obi is a progressive figure. He received over six million votes in the last presidential election, and if the PDP is free of internal power struggles, Obi should be openly approached.” Ulasi further remarked that what Nigeria needs is competent leadership with integrity and honor, qualities that he believes Obi exemplifies. He also expressed his confidence in his ability to facilitate discussions with Obi, should the PDP decide to engage him in talks about the country’s future. Addressing the issue of governors defecting to the APC, Ulasi stated that it would be disgraceful for PDP governors to leave the party without being held accountable for their governance. “I would like to see them explain their accomplishments after eight years in office,” Ulasi said. BUY ANYTHING ON KONG BUY NOW Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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In a significant victory for justice and human rights, a Lagos Magistrate Court has officially discharged and released Alabi Quadri, the teenager who gained national attention during the 2023 general election campaign after he boldly stood in front of Peter Obi’s convoy. Background: A Symbol of Protest and Courage Quadri’s brave act, captured in viral videos in the buildup to the 2023 presidential election, turned him into a symbol of youthful courage and political awareness. During the campaign trail, he stood in front of the convoy of then-presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Labour Party, earning widespread admiration across Nigeria. However, this symbolic gesture came at a great personal cost. The teenager was later arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery, which led to his detention at Kirikiri Prison for several months. Court Clears All Charges Against Alabi Quadri On Thursday, Quadri finally got his day in court. Appearing before Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi at the Apapa Magistrate Court, he was declared free of all charges. The ruling followed legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who stated that there was no substantial evidence to support the claims of armed robbery. According to court records, the DPP emphasized that there was no case to answer, which led to an immediate order for Quadri’s release. “There is no proof that the minor committed any criminal offense,” the DPP affirmed in the legal report submitted to the court. How the Date Was Fast-Tracked by Legal Advocates Initially, Quadri’s next hearing was scheduled for April 28, 2025, but human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong intervened. Effiong, known for his commitment to justice and civil liberties, worked alongside the DPP to request an earlier date. The court approved the motion, enabling a quicker resolution of the case. Effiong revealed on his social media channels that Quadri’s arrest and imprisonment were largely due to harassment from area boys—local gangs or thugs in his neighborhood—rather than any proven criminal activity. He further stressed that the teenager had no ties to crime but was caught in a web of social injustice and systemic abuse. A Call for Nigerian Prison Reform Quadri’s story once again highlights the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s correctional and judicial systems. His wrongful imprisonment points to deeper issues of youth profiling, abuse of power, and the mistreatment of minors within the justice system. According to a report from Amnesty International, thousands of Nigerian detainees, particularly minors, are held without trial for long periods due to systemic failures. Conclusion: Justice Served, But More Work Needed While the court’s decision to free Quadri is a step in the right direction, it also underscores the need for continuous advocacy, legal intervention, and reform. The brave teenager is now free, but his experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable youths in Nigeria. As the country moves forward, voices like Effiong’s and actions like those of the DPP are vital in ensuring that justice prevails for every Nigerian—regardless of age, status, or background. Related Articles You May Like BUY ANYTHING ON KONGA BUY NOW 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 President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the dismissal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, and all other commission officials, as part of necessary reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system. Obasanjo made this statement in a paper he presented at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in the United States. The annual forum honors the late Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe. Obasanjo’s address, titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” was delivered via a pre-recorded video at the event. In his speech, Obasanjo described the 2023 general elections as a “travesty” and emphasized that reforming the electoral process must be a top priority for Nigeria. He called for shorter tenures for INEC officials and a more thorough vetting process to ensure that only impartial and credible individuals are appointed to the commission. “We must ensure that the INEC Chairperson and their staff undergo a rigorous vetting process. This exercise should result in the appointment of non-partisan individuals with impeccable reputations,” Obasanjo said. He also advocated for appointing credible leadership at all levels—federal, state, local government, and municipal—with short terms of office to reduce political influence and corruption, and to restore public trust in the electoral system. Obasanjo further stated that the INEC Chairperson must be “above board,” and not only independent but also incorruptible. He accused the commission of failing to properly utilize key technological tools, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV), during the 2023 presidential election, despite previous promises from Yakubu. “These technologies were touted as innovations that would enhance the accuracy and transparency of election results, eliminate the possibility of election rigging, and increase public trust. However, INEC deliberately failed to use them, leading to widespread irregularities,” Obasanjo argued. He likened the failure to “inviting the fox into the henhouse.” INEC came under heavy criticism after the 2023 elections, particularly over the malfunctioning of the IReV platform during the presidential election, which INEC attributed to a technical glitch. This platform was central to post-election legal challenges, though the cases were dismissed by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and the Supreme Court. Obasanjo also supported Labour Party candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 election and had previously called for the cancellation of certain results due to concerns over their credibility and transparency. His calls, especially during the results collation process, were widely criticized. INEC has also faced criticism for its handling of the Edo State off-cycle governorship election and concerns over the appointment of politically affiliated individuals to leadership roles within the commission. Recent appointments by President Bola Tinubu included several individuals with strong ties to his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), raising questions about the commission’s impartiality. While Obasanjo made strong arguments for electoral reform, it is worth noting that his own record in overseeing elections during his presidency has been criticized. The 2003 and 2007 elections under his leadership were widely condemned as some of the worst in Nigeria’s history. The 2007 election, won by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was acknowledged by Yar’Adua himself as flawed, leading to subsequent calls for reform, which continued under his successor, Goodluck Jonathan. Yakubu, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, is expected to complete his tenure next year. In a separate remark, Cajetan Iheka, head of the Yale Africa Initiative, discussed the continued relevance of the questions raised by Chinua Achebe in his book The Trouble with Nigeria. Iheka emphasized the need for intellectuals to move beyond asking questions and start providing solutions, calling for a frank, respectful discussion about leadership and political power in Africa, in the spirit of Achebe’s own leadership and dignity. The spokesperson for INEC, Sam Olumekun, was contacted for a response to Obasanjo’s call but did not respond to calls or text messages. READ ALSO:
