The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has assured his supporters of his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, urging Nigerians to unite in rescuing the country for future generations.

Obi made the declaration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the OBIDIENT Conference and the official launch of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) initiative themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.”

He warned that decades of mismanagement could negatively impact the youth and the nation’s future.

He alleged that the Federal Government is opposed to his candidacy but insisted he would contest even if elections were held figuratively “in their bedroom.”

Obi criticized the current administration for accumulating significant loans, noting that most will be repaid between 2045 and 2050, long after the officials responsible have left office.

On leaving the Labour Party, Obi explained that the party’s leadership issues hindered his recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Democracy must work. I left the Labour Party when I learned that as long as I remained, INEC would not recognise its leadership.

The Federal Government doesn’t want me on the ballot paper, but I will contest the coming election regardless,” he said.

He stressed the importance of real-time online transmission of election results in 2027.

Obi promised that, if elected, his administration would prioritize investments in education and health, emphasizing that intentional investment in human capital is key to national development.

He also pledged to tackle poverty and reduce criminality through strategic policies.

He further stated that he plans to tour the entire country and visit higher institutions to understand grassroots challenges firsthand, asserting that the focus of his campaign is the well-being and future of Nigerians.

Regarding corruption, Obi highlighted his personal example, noting that during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, neither he nor his family benefited from government allocations.

“If you find any misuse, petition me to the appropriate authority,” he said.

Addressing participants, Tanko Yunusa, coordinator of the Obidient Movement worldwide, urged Nigerians to mobilize nationwide for the 2027 elections and to unite under the ADC as the vehicle for political transformation.

Ben Smith, Akwa Ibom State coordinator, added that internal divisions could undermine the collective goal of a new Nigeria.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has raised concerns over what it described as “secessionist” efforts aimed at destabilising the second-term bid of Gov. Peter Mbah.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in the state, Dr Ben Nwoye, made the allegation while receiving the state chapter of Asiwaju Renewed Mandate South East (ARMSE) led by its leader, Chief Josef Onoh, at his office in Enugu on Monday.

Nwoye clarified that the so-called secessionists are not advocating for a separate country from Nigeria but are groups within Enugu State pushing for the creation of a new state.

He noted that “there are different groups of new State agitators in Enugu State who are itching for a new state to be created from the state and some in combination with other parts of others states from the South-East.”

He added that such agitators have been “going round, making efforts to field some other candidates for the 2027 governorship election, sometimes from the same Senatorial district as Gov. Mbah and sometimes from outside the East Senatorial District which the rotation understanding in the state currently favours.”

On the implications of these efforts, Nwoye warned, “Those in opposition to Gov. Peter Mbah want to destabilise the state. There are those who are secessionists even though they are not Biafra agitators, but elder statesmen recruiting others from Enugu East Senatorial Zone to run for governorship in 2027. There are also external factors from outside Enugu State. They said that they want a new state, but they should not destabilise the state before leaving to anywhere. We are in support of creation of additional state but you cannot come and destabilise the one that we are already into. Don’t create stories to damage the one we have for now.”

Chief Onoh, addressing the meeting, said that attempts to truncate Gov. Mbah’s re-election “would erode the tripod rotational agreement entrenched by the founding fathers of Enugu State.”

Explaining the purpose of the visit, Onoh said, “Though the Asiwaju Renewed Hope Mandate was designed to promote President Tinubu’s re-election, we sought for his permission to also use it for Gov. Mbah for Enugu State to remain great. If we support Gov. Mbah for the next four years, it will be doing the right thing. It is safer for Gov. Mbah to complete two terms so as not to destabilise the ongoing process of rotation that has stabilized the state. It is to curtail disaster in the state that made us come because such instability had affected other states in Nigeria. So, we came to pledge all the support to ensure that the understanding in the state is kept.”

Onoh also highlighted the historical context of the rotational agreement, tracing it from 1999 and citing the contributions of founding fathers such as Sen. Jim Nwobodo, late Chief C.C. Onoh, and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, which he said has maintained uninterrupted two-term governorships in Enugu State.

A United States-based Nigerian activist, Baba Adam, has written to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the ambassadorial nomination reportedly given to Reno Omokri over concerns about credibility, loyalty and Nigeria’s international image.

In the petition dated February 15, 2026, Adam argued that Omokri’s past public remarks and social media posts raise questions about his suitability for diplomatic service.

He maintained that ambassadors act as direct representatives of the President and the Nigerian state, and any perceived ambiguity in allegiance could undermine the country’s foreign policy posture.

The petition was addressed to the President and copied to Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, among other senior diplomats and public figures.

Adam cited a television interview in which Omokri reportedly said he “works for Nigeria” and not for the President, describing the statement as one capable of creating uncertainty about diplomatic coherence.

He also alleged that posts on Omokri’s verified Facebook page referring to the President in harsh terms remain publicly accessible, which he said could weaken Nigeria’s global standing if left unaddressed.

According to the activist, permitting a nominee who had previously criticised the sitting President to serve as ambassador could expose the country to ridicule and damage its diplomatic credibility.

Copies of the petition were also forwarded to notable figures including former Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari, ex-Foreign Affairs Minister Bolaji Akinyemi, and media personalities Seun Okinbaloye and Reuben Abati.

As of the time of reporting, the Presidency had not issued an official response, while Omokri had yet to publicly react to the call for the withdrawal of his nomination.

The development follows earlier controversy involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who had presented a video in which Omokri allegedly made strong allegations against the President during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Sowore is currently facing trial over alleged cyberstalking of the President in a case instituted by the Department of State Services.

During the proceedings before Justice Mohammed Umar, defence counsel Abubakar Marshal questioned a DSS operative, Cyril Nosike, on whether the agency conducts background checks on nominees for sensitive public offices such as ambassadors, ministers and judges.

The witness reportedly said he was not aware whether such vetting processes were carried out, a development that has further stirred debate around the nomination and screening of individuals for diplomatic roles.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24, 2026, to hear a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and several other political parties over alleged violations of constitutional provisions.

The case, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, lists the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants alongside five political parties, including the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance.

The matter, assigned to Justice Peter Lifu, was initially slated for mention but did not proceed.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to February 24 for hearing.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba, said the suit seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions guiding the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the action is aimed at determining whether some parties have acted contrary to the Constitution and whether the electoral body is obligated to enforce compliance.

Court documents indicate that the suit was initiated through an originating summons based on relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

At the centre of the dispute is whether INEC is constitutionally required to deregister political parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds.

These benchmarks include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election, winning a local government area in a governorship election, or obtaining at least one elective seat from councillorship to the National Assembly.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether INEC is empowered or compelled to enforce these standards against parties that allegedly failed to win any ward, legislative seat or elective office in previous elections.

They are also seeking clarity on whether such parties remain eligible for legal recognition and participation in political activities, including primaries, congresses, campaigns and the 2027 general elections.

Among the reliefs sought are declaratory orders affirming that INEC must enforce constitutional benchmarks as a condition for party registration and participation in elections.

The plaintiffs also want the court to compel the commission to deregister the affected parties and restrain it from recognising their activities unless they comply fully with constitutional and statutory requirements.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, deposed to by Igbokwe Nnanna, the forum accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional responsibilities by continuing to recognise parties that allegedly failed to meet required performance thresholds.

The group claimed that the parties have not won elective seats at any level of government and failed to secure the stipulated 25 per cent votes in at least one state during presidential elections.

The plaintiffs further argued that continued recognition of such parties could overcrowd ballot papers, strain administrative resources and mislead voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Describing the case as a public interest action, the forum urged the court to compel strict enforcement of constitutional provisions to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process and uphold the rule of law.

Justice Lifu adjourned proceedings to February 24, 2026, for further hearing.

A Nigerian lawmaker, Kenneth Eze, has called for a nationwide conversation on replacing the country’s current two-term presidential system with a single 16-year tenure, arguing that longer leadership cycles could strengthen policy continuity and national development.

Speaking with journalists at his country home in Ohigbo-Amagu, Ezza South Local Government Area, the senator said the frequent election cycle disrupts governance and slows implementation of major policies.

He maintained that by the third year of every administration, attention often shifts to re-election campaigns, leaving critical projects unfinished.

According to him, Nigeria’s constitution currently provides for a four-year presidential term renewable once, but a single extended tenure could allow administrations to fully execute long-term reforms and stabilise governance structures.

He described the idea as controversial but necessary for serious national reflection.

Eze noted that sectors such as power, infrastructure, agriculture, and fiscal policy require sustained commitment beyond short political cycles.

He said programmes like irrigation schemes, mechanised farming, and energy reforms need time and continuity to produce meaningful results.

He also defended recent economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, describing them as difficult but unavoidable decisions aimed at preventing fiscal collapse and strengthening long-term stability.

The senator stressed that his proposal should not be viewed as a threat to democracy but as part of a broader governance conversation.

He called for a transparent and participatory constitutional reform process involving the National Assembly and state legislatures.

He added that any constitutional amendment must follow due process and reflect the will of the people.

Beyond tenure reform, Eze urged Nigerians to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism, saying national transformation requires both institutional reforms and citizens’ commitment to shared values.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has arraigned former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting telephone communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to court filings, the former governor appeared on Arise TV on February 13, 2026, where he was alleged to have admitted involvement in the interception of the NSA’s communications.

He was also said to have acknowledged knowing those responsible for the act but failed to report them to relevant security authorities.

The charge, filed under suit number TABU/DET/CR/99/2026, contains three counts.

The first count alleges that El-Rufai admitted during the televised interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the National Security Adviser’s phone communications, an offence said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act.

The second count accuses him of failing to report individuals who carried out the alleged interception, also under the same law.

The third count alleges that he deployed technical systems in a way that compromised public safety and national security and instilled fear among citizens, contrary to the Nigerian Communications Act.

The prosecution team is led by M.E. Ernest, alongside O.M. Owan, U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze, and V.E.G. Orubor, all representing the Federal Government.

Officials said the case falls within the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the former governor is expected to enter his plea as trial proceedings begin.

The case is anticipated to attract significant public attention given the prominence of the accused and the national security concerns surrounding the allegations.

Protesters staged a renewed demonstration at the National Assembly on Monday, calling for the compulsory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026.

Civil society organizations, including Situation Room and Action Aid, led the protests, insisting that manual collation be fully eliminated to prevent result manipulation.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that security operatives blocked access to the Assembly complex, forcing demonstrators to hold their rally outside the gates.

The demonstrators argued that full transparency must be ensured, pointing out that the election budget already covers the necessary technological infrastructure.

They stressed that manual backups are unnecessary and could compromise the integrity of the results.

The protest follows last week’s Senate emergency plenary, where Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was revisited.

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), moved to remove the term “real-time” and replace “transmission” with “transfer,” triggering objections from senators including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), who repeatedly raised points of order.

At the conclusion of the deliberations, the Senate approved electronic transmission to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal but retained manual collation as a contingency for technical failures.

The Senate is expected to reconvene on Tuesday, February 17, at 11 a.m. to further deliberate on national issues.

Protesters have vowed to continue their advocacy until real-time e-transmission is guaranteed.