Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have exchanged verbal jabs over Obi’s ambition to run for president again in 2027 and his ability to govern Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Obi reaffirmed his decision to contest the next presidential election, expressing confidence in his qualifications and readiness to lead.

“I am contesting, and I am sure I will be on the ballot,” Obi declared. “People will have to look at who has the capacity and competence to do the job. I believe I am qualified, and I can change the trajectory of Nigeria positively within four years.”

He added that while he remains a member of the Labour Party, he is also working with leaders of other opposition parties through a coalition platform recently linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Obi dismissed rumours of his return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the effort to “rescue Nigeria” must be a collective, non-partisan one involving all patriotic citizens.

Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike took a swipe at Obi while commissioning two newly constructed roads in the Mabushi District of Abuja.

Reacting to Obi’s recent criticism of poor infrastructure in the FCT, Wike described Obi’s presidential ambition as unrealistic, branding it a “social media campaign.”

“You run as president under a party, and you cannot manage the party, ordinary party,” Wike said.

“You want to manage a country of over 200 million people? You can’t hold a party together, but you want to manage a complex nation like Nigeria? It is not available for people like you.”

Wike further accused Obi of hypocrisy, questioning the sincerity behind his public gestures such as celebrating birthdays at IDP camps.

“You cannot be President of Nigeria just because you go to an IDP camp for a birthday party,” Wike added.

“When you were governor, why didn’t you do your birthday party in an IDP camp? Now that you want to be president, you go there every day. Who are you trying to deceive? Enough is enough.”

In every generation, Providence raises men whose vision transcends the politics of the moment; leaders who do not merely govern but chart new courses through the fog of uncertainty.

In Enugu State today, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah stands tall among such rare breed of leaders. He is not just a governor; he is a pathfinder; one whose compass points toward a future of boundless possibilities for Ndi Enugu.

From the very first day he assumed office, Governor Mbah made it clear that his mission was not to perpetuate the familiar cycles of mediocrity and complacency that have long held our state hostage.

Instead, he envisioned an Enugu that works for all; an Enugu driven by innovation, enterprise, technology, and sustainable development.

His vision of making Enugu one of the top three states in Nigeria in GDP and eliminating poverty within his tenure was not political poetry—it was a bold declaration of intent by a man determined to redefine governance.

Every great reformer must wrestle with misunderstanding. Many of history’s most transformative leaders were first derided by cynics who could not see beyond the horizon of their own fears.

So it is with Gov. Peter Mbah. To the impatient, his methods may seem unconventional; to the politically timid, his decisions may appear risky.

But to those who understand the anatomy of progress, his every move, whether economic, political, or strategic, reveals a mind fixed firmly on the long game.

His recent political recalibrations, far from being acts of desperation, are the marks of a visionary navigating complex national currents to secure Enugu’s rightful place in the new political order.

The pathfinder knows when to turn, when to pause, and when to surge forward. Mbah’s political decisions are not about personal gain; they are about positioning Enugu where her voice will be heard, her interests protected, and her growth accelerated.

Leadership, after all, is not about clinging to comfort zones but about charting new waters for the collective good.

To the cynics who sneer from the sidelines, quick to misconstrue vision as ambition, it must be said: history has never been kind to those who doubted the pathfinders of their time. It is easy to criticize from the comfort of ignorance, but it takes wisdom to discern the deeper logic of foresight.

Rather than hurl stones, now is the time to build with Peter Mbah; to lend hands, hearts, and voices to his grand project of transformation.

Enugu is on the cusp of something extraordinary. The foundations are being laid for a future of industrial growth, modern infrastructure, efficient governance, and renewed hope.

The path may be steep, but the destination is glorious. And at the helm of this journey stands a man who has refused to be swayed by the noise of detractors; a man whose eyes remain fixed on the horizon of destiny.

Gov. Peter Mbah is not just leading; he is lighting the way. Let the doubters pause and look again, for the path he treads today is the one generations yet unborn will thank him for discovering. Enugu has found its pathfinder. The wise will follow.

The Senate has postponed further discussion on the Electoral Bill 2025, citing the need for more consultations and detailed deliberations.

The move came shortly after Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, concluded his presentation on the general principles of the proposed legislation.

Presiding over Thursday’s session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that the presentation lacked sufficient detail and suggested the matter be considered in a closed executive session.

However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) advised against holding an executive session on the bill that day, describing it as “inauspicious.” Instead, he proposed stepping down the debate to a later legislative date.

Following a voice vote, the senators agreed to step down the debate on the bill until further notice.

The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled the ₦134 billion contract awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation and furnishing of the state’s secretariat complex.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara presided over the council meeting on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where the decision was taken.

The council also ordered the immediate refund of the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee earlier paid to the contractor.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, told journalists that the contract was hastily awarded without following due process.

He said the council has now approved a fresh bidding process for four key projects initially cancelled by the previous administration.

The revalidated projects include Renovation and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, Construction of 4.8km shoreline protection and reclamation in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities (Opobo/Nkoro LGA), 2.5km shoreline protection in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities as well as 2.5km shoreline protection in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA).

Advertisements for prequalification and bidding will be placed in national newspapers to attract qualified contractors.

Meanwhile, the council also approved the formation of a committee to propose the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and ICT labs across the three senatorial districts.

This follows the federal directive that all WAEC and NECO exams be computer-based from 2026.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, said the initiative is aimed at preparing Rivers youth for a digital future.

On employment, Commissioner for Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed strategies to boost youth job creation.

He promised a “rising tide” of job opportunities, reaffirming Governor Fubara’s commitment to delivering on promises.

In response to recent flash floods, the council also mandated urgent action to clear drainage systems and warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste and construction on waterways.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the administration remains focused on sustainable development and repositioning the state for long-term growth.

The Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr. Olushola Odusanya, has assured the public that the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is functioning efficiently despite the absence of a minister.

His comments come in the wake of the resignation of the former minister, Chief Uche Nnaji, who stepped down following a certificate scandal.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, Odusanya noted that the ministry continues to operate without disruption, crediting the strength of existing institutional structures and leadership within the civil service.

“In public service, we have both political and system leadership. While political leaders drive government’s agenda, core public servants and agencies ensure continuity,” he explained.

He pointed out that parastatals under the ministry function semi-autonomously, allowing them to maintain operations regardless of changes in political leadership.

“For the two years Chief Uche served, he focused on advancing the President’s eight-point agenda,” Odusanya said. “Now, as we await a new minister, the ministry’s policies, structures, and operations remain fully in motion.”

The NACETEM boss emphasized that nothing has been disrupted in the ministry since Nnaji’s departure, thanks to well-established systems already in place.

Still, he acknowledged that having a political head provides strategic direction and momentum.

“While the ministry continues to function, a new minister would bring renewed leadership and further drive national innovation goals,” he added.