The emergence of a presidential campaign poster for Labaran Maku, the former Minister of Information, has elicited mixed reactions across the country.

The poster, which surfaced on social media platforms on Monday, announces Maku’s intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections.

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Supporters of Maku have lauded his decision to vie for the presidency, citing his extensive experience in government and his commitment to national development.

“Labaran Maku is a seasoned politician with a clear vision for Nigeria’s future. His leadership will bring much-needed reforms,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, a political analyst and one of Maku’s ardent supporters.

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On the other hand, critics have expressed skepticism about his candidacy, questioning his ability to address the country’s pressing challenges.

“Maku’s tenure as Minister of Information was marked by controversies. We need a leader with a proven track record of delivering results,” remarked Nkechi Okeke, a youth activist.

Whether Maku can sway public opinion and secure the necessary backing remains to be seen as the political drama unfolds.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, sharply criticized Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe on Monday, predicting she will lose support in the next election.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja, Wike expressed disappointment over Kingibe’s lack of cooperation with the FCT Administration and her frustration with the residents’ praise for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

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Addressing the crowd, Wike remarked, “I overheard a member of the National Assembly on Arise TV this morning. It’s unfortunate because, with all due respect, it’s clear she doesn’t understand the situation. The honorable minister of state and I have been in office for less than 11 months, yet she is upset that people are praising us. If you don’t know something, you should admit it and learn from those who do.”

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Wike continued by challenging Kingibe’s legislative record, asking, “You claim there are no hospitals or improvements in the health sector. As a legislator, what have you done? How many bills have you sponsored to enhance our education and healthcare?”

He then predicted Kingibe’s political future, saying, “If you think you’re popular, run again in 2027 under Abuja. You will fail. What happened last time won’t happen again. Fortunately for me, I am now the FCT Minister, and this is my territory. I am not afraid.”

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Wike dismissed the need for additional allies, emphasizing, “We’re not begging anyone to be our friend. We have more than enough friends already. If you’re upset about the praise we’re receiving, prepare yourself because it will only increase, and your blood pressure will rise.”

Senator Kingibe had criticized the Wike-led administration during a television appearance, declaring she is not an ally of the minister.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Labour Party, has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Speaking on Arise News TV on Sunday, Kingibe argued that the infrastructure projects initiated by Wike do not benefit the majority of FCT residents.

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Kingibe accused Wike of neglecting critical socio-economic issues affecting the people of the FCT.

She pointed out that the minister’s focus on infrastructure, particularly road construction, has been misplaced.

“The minister may excel in a role that does not directly involve the populace, but the FCT minister’s responsibilities are unique. Beyond infrastructure, he must consider the needs of the local community. This sets him apart from the minister of works or any other ministry,” Kingibe explained.

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She criticized Wike’s approach, comparing his actions to those of a governor who ignores the needs of the people.

“The FCT minister acts almost as a governor for the president. When roads were commissioned in Maitama and the Central District, people asked me, ‘Madam, why celebrate roads where the majority do not live? Show me projects where people actually reside.’

Kingibe highlighted the pressing issues facing FCT residents, including a lack of basic amenities like water.

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She referenced a recent fire in Karu, suggesting it could have been prevented if there had been adequate water supply and access roads.

“The people are not impressed. They still lack water. The fire in Karu could have been avoided if there had been water. Fire trucks had to go all the way to Asokoro to fetch water, and there was no proper access road to the market,” she added.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced that local government elections will be held on October 5. On Monday, the commission released its guidelines for the conduct of these elections.

This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in the local government area councils, with police maintaining a presence at the secretariats due to leadership disputes.

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Following the end of the terms for the elected chairmen and councillors in the 23 local government areas, Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara appointed Caretaker Committees to manage the councils until the elections.

The decision to appoint these committees led to protests from the outgoing chairmen, who are supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.

They argue that the State Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, had extended their tenure by six months under the now-repealed Local Government Administration law.

In preparation for the elections, RSIEC has been engaging with political party leaders and key stakeholders in the state to ensure a smooth electoral process.