Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to spend over ₦142 billion on building bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, calling it a glaring case of “misplaced priorities.”

The project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on August 14, aims to construct ultra-modern bus terminals as part of what the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, described as the government’s first direct investment in transport infrastructure outside of road construction.

But in a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi condemned the move as irresponsible and reflective of poor leadership judgment.

“The recent announcement that ₦142 billion has been approved for the construction of one bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones further affirms the lack of competence, lack of focus, and poor leadership,” Obi wrote.

Drawing a sharp contrast, the former Anambra governor pointed out that Nigeria’s entire 2024 federal allocation for all teaching hospitals and psychiatric centres nationwide is less than ₦100 billion, highlighting what he sees as deeply flawed priorities.

“In the 2024 budget, the combined funding for all federal teaching hospitals and psychiatric centres is under ₦100 billion. Yet, the government found it fit to approve ₦142 billion for bus terminals,” Obi said.

He emphasized that healthcare, especially mental health, remains one of the most neglected sectors in Nigeria, despite growing concerns.

Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report, Obi noted that over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health challenges, an issue he believes should command more attention and resources.

Describing the approval as a “tragic irony,” Obi said it illustrates the government’s ongoing failure to invest in critical areas that directly impact the well-being of citizens.

“The difference between success and failure in any nation is how you choose to allocate your scarce resources,” he said.

“Health is a foundational element of development, yet we underfund it, while overspending on less urgent projects.”

Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have drawn a firm line in the sand, declaring their unwavering commitment to the party’s scheduled national convention on November 15, 2025, despite opposition from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Rising from their 7th official meeting in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, the PDP Governors’ Forum issued a communiqué urging party members nationwide to stand united and resist efforts aimed at derailing the convention.

“The Forum reaffirms its full commitment to the resolutions of the 101st NEC meeting of July 2025 regarding the November 15 convention,” the governors stated.

“We urge members to resist all attempts to derail the convention by anti-party forces and to continue to view the PDP as Nigeria’s most viable platform for good governance and national development.”

The meeting, chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, also addressed the worsening security situation in the country and what the governors described as the erosion of democratic principles under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Forum accused the APC of deepening hardship and division across the country through “reckless policies” and reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria.

The statement from the governors comes amid rising tension between party loyalists and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who had criticized the PDP’s internal processes and decisions in recent weeks.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on August 19, Wike openly rejected the South-South caretaker committee set up by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and insisted that his ally, Chief Dan Orbih, emerged legitimately as National Vice Chairman (South-South) in a congress held in Calabar.

“Our congress was held, and Dan Orbih emerged. If they don’t accept that outcome, then they’re inviting another crisis,” Wike warned.

He further criticized the party’s Acting National Chairman for writing to INEC claiming the congress had been postponed, calling the move unacceptable and a trigger for potential instability within the party.

Wike’s hardline stance deepened divisions within the PDP.

Once aligned with other influential figures in the now-defunct G5 group, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Wike now finds himself increasingly isolated, with many party members accusing him of working against the PDP while serving in an APC-led federal cabinet, a charge he continues to deny.

Wike also rejected the PDP zoning committee led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, further fueling speculation about a growing rift between him and mainstream PDP leadership.

Despite these internal tensions, the PDP governors remain resolute.

They commended party members for remaining loyal in the face of defections and distractions, affirming their focus on delivering a successful convention in November.

They urged members to avoid divisive narratives and instead channel their energies into rebuilding a stronger opposition capable of returning Nigeria to stability, progress, and inclusive governance.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the Labour Party (LP).

Chukwu announced his defection on Saturday at his hometown in Nkporo, where a large crowd of supporters and political allies gathered to witness what he described as the start of “a new political chapter.”

“All Nkporo people are here today,” he declared during the event.

“The implication is that Nkporo is now in the Labour Party. PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today.”

Explaining his decision to join the LP, Chukwu lauded the performance of Governor Alex Otti, describing his leadership style as sincere and people-centered.

“You have treated governance as a personal mission,” he told the governor.

“You’ve done well. Today, we can say with pride that we are truly Abians.”

Governor Otti, who was present to welcome the former deputy governor, described Chukwu as a principled man and praised his boldness in making the move.

“You’re a man who deserves respect, and you’ll get it here,” the governor said, assuring that key infrastructure projects in Nkporo, including the already awarded road project, would receive the same attention as those in major cities like Aba and Umuahia.

The defection of Chukwu has triggered a ripple effect.

The Labour Party’s state chairman, Sir Emmanuel Otti, hailed the development as a political awakening for the state, emphasizing that it would open doors to fresh opportunities and greater development for Nkporo and surrounding communities.

The Ohafia Local Government LP chairman, Godwin Kalu echoed similar sentiments, stressing the party’s commitment to unity and progress.

In a dramatic twist, the PDP chairman of Ohafia LGA, Egesi Eze Azu, also announced his defection alongside Chukwu.

Chukwu had resigned from the PDP several weeks earlier, citing “personal reasons,” though many had speculated that his next political move was imminent.

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has dismissed the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as deceptive and incapable of delivering meaningful change to Nigeria.

Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed said:

“They are deceiving us,” referring to the coalition involving political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola.

Although Peter Obi, who ran with Baba-Ahmed in the 2023 presidential election, has shown signs of aligning with the ADC coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, Baba-Ahmed expressed his hope that Obi would remain with the Labour Party and seek the presidency again on that platform.

“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” he said.

The economist and political figure also confirmed his willingness to run again as Obi’s running mate in 2027 if circumstances permit.

“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow… I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals who are like-minded and genuinely committed to restoring Nigeria,” he said.

Pressed further on who he would consider running with in 2027, Baba-Ahmed mentioned two individuals, though only named Obi:

“The first one has not said anything. The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi—until he decides not to.”

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has firmly denied any involvement in the alleged plot to impeach the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh.

The governor’s position was made clear in a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, and shared with journalists in Makurdi.

According to the statement, Governor Alia “is not aware of, and has no involvement whatsoever in, any purported attempt to remove the Speaker or in any activities currently taking place in the Benue State House of Assembly.”

The governor reaffirmed his respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers, stating that he holds the legislature in high regard and has consistently responded to communications and resolutions forwarded by the Assembly.

Governor Alia also cited recent instances where he promptly implemented key resolutions passed by the House, underscoring his commitment to lawful governance and cooperation with the legislative arm.

He emphasized that his working relationship with the Speaker and members of the Assembly remains cordial and productive and pledged continued support for their efforts toward the development of Benue State.

Efforts to tackle the lingering waste disposal crisis in Rivers State may soon see a turnaround, following the formal inauguration of seven key agency boards by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

Leading the list of inaugurated bodies is the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), a critical institution tasked with addressing the state’s mounting sanitation challenges.

During the inauguration ceremony held on Friday evening, Ibas charged the new board members to approach their responsibilities with discipline, innovation, and commitment.

He particularly emphasized the urgency of overhauling the state’s waste management system, warning that poor sanitation poses serious health risks to the public.

“We must move away from the culture of indiscriminate waste disposal,” Ibas said.

“The public should understand that poor sanitation isn’t just unsightly, it’s dangerous.”

The ceremony also saw the swearing-in of board chairpersons and members of six other state agencies, although their names were not disclosed in the official statement.

Ibas made the remarks earlier in the day when he received members of the Senate Committee on Works, who paid him a courtesy visit at the State Government House.