Former Minister of Information and ex-President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, has issued a stern warning about Nigeria’s political future, saying the country could face breakup before the 2027 general elections if sweeping constitutional reforms are not implemented.

Speaking at the launch of two books authored by veteran journalist Ike Abonyi in Abuja, Nwodo criticized Nigeria’s current system of government, calling it a “unitary constitution disguised as federalism.”

“What we practice today is not federalism but a unitary constitution in disguise,” he said during his keynote address.

Nwodo called for a restructuring of Nigeria’s power structure to give regions greater autonomy over their resources and internal governance.

According to him, this would help ensure a more equitable and efficient system of government.

“Let each region manage its resources and development, while contributing taxes to fund essential federal responsibilities like external defence, foreign affairs, customs, and immigration,” he proposed.

He warned that if these changes are not made before the 2027 elections, the nation might not survive politically intact.

“If we head into 2027 without addressing these structural imbalances, there may be no election, and worse still, no country,” he cautioned.

Highlighting the country’s deteriorating economic conditions, Nwodo pointed to poor infrastructure, youth unemployment, and low life expectancy as signs of systemic failure.

“We are bleeding billions annually due to poor infrastructure. Life expectancy is now one of the lowest globally. Our youth are unemployed and frustrated. Something must give,” he said.

Nwodo advocated for bold reforms in education, digital skills development, and agriculture to tackle unemployment and revive the economy.

“The future lies in education that meets today’s realities. Every Nigerian child should be digitally literate. We must return to agriculture and vocational training,” he urged.

The event was attended by political leaders, academics, and civil society representatives, many of whom echoed Nwodo’s message, calling for urgent restructuring as the only viable path to national stability and growth.

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emerged as one of the most active First Ladies in Nigeria’s recent history, having reportedly donated an estimated N12.9 billion to humanitarian causes over the past two years.

These donations, ranging from support for displaced families, widows, traders, and victims of natural disasters, were made through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and, at times, in her personal capacity.

While many have applauded her generosity and commitment to the underprivileged, others, particularly opposition figures and civil society leaders, are raising red flags about transparency, funding sources, and accountability.

Senator Tinubu is no stranger to philanthropy. As a former First Lady of Lagos State and senator representing Lagos Central, she championed initiatives such as the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) and New Era Foundation, aimed at empowering women and youths.

Since becoming First Lady of Nigeria in 2023, her efforts have scaled nationwide.

Among the many donations made between July 2023 and July 2025 include:

N14.25 million to 57 flood-affected families in Abuja (N250,000 each).

N50 million to 1,000 women traders across Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Edo States.

N427.75 million to 1,709 widows and orphans of fallen military personnel.

N500 million for displaced families in Plateau.

N70 million to women farmers in the North-West.

N150 million on scholarships and diaspora health support.

N95 million in cash and rice to Christian communities across Northern Nigeria.

N1 billion, in both 2024 and 2025, toward tuberculosis eradication efforts.

N1.85 billion for a Disability Empowerment Scheme, disbursed to persons with disabilities nationwide.

N1 billion to victims of attacks in Plateau and Benue States.

N100 million to the Five Cowries Art Education Initiative.

N250,000 each to 200 households in Kogi, plus food relief.

In August 2025 alone, N1 billion and relief materials were distributed to flood victims in Niger State.

She also launched a new empowerment scheme for 500 women in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Senator Tinubu has repeatedly emphasized that the funds used in these initiatives are not from public coffers.

“I do not have vast sums of money, but what I have is meant to bring life… The money I use is not government funds. It is personally raised to help others,” she said.

“The Office of the First Lady has no constitutional allocation. If I kept money for personal gain, it would satisfy my greed. I choose to use what I have for the good of this country. This is not about politics, it’s about love for Nigeria.”

Her Special Adviser on Media, Busola Kukoyi, supported this stance, stating:

“She believes that the most important thing is to build human beings, and she feels the donations will affect human lives directly. She is a lover of humanity, and that is what she has been doing all her life.”

Kukoyi added that funding for the Renewed Hope Initiative comes from a governing board made up of “reputable men and women” across Nigeria, and “friends of the Initiative” who support her vision.

However, not everyone is convinced. Prominent voices in the opposition and civil society are demanding a closer look at the source and legality of the funds.

Tanko Yinusa, spokesman for the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, said:

“We are not opposed to her humanitarian services, they are good and welcome. However, she cannot be spending public funds without proper appropriation in the national budget.”

He warned that: “This is part of the impunity we are talking about, and it is enough to warrant questions, if not impeachment, should her husband’s administration fail to account for such expenditures. Nigerians deserve to know the business or businesses she is running if the funds are from her private purse.”

Yinusa also criticized the silence of the National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB):

“That such a level of spending has not attracted investigation is disturbing. It is a serious matter that must be probed. Yes, humanitarian efforts are commendable, but the public has a right to know the source of the funds being used.”

Ralph Nwosu, former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressed similar concerns:

“The question we are asking is, how many such donations did Mrs Tinubu make before becoming First Lady, that she can now afford to donate billions within a few months?”

He argued that: “As decorated as the programmes may appear, the money wasted on palliatives and donations could have created over 500,000 jobs. The multiplier effects would have benefited over two million Nigerians.”

A senior legal adviser within the ruling party, citing the 1999 Constitution, said the issue is not trivial.

He explained that Part I of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution prohibits public officers from accepting or giving gifts in connection with official functions:

“If she claims the money is from her personal purse, then she needs to show us the business source. Otherwise, if it is from donations, then it runs contrary to the law.”

He emphasized that under the Code of Conduct and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (CPRO) 2000, such transactions must meet strict conditions, particularly where donations come from private entities.

In her defense, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the criticisms as political distractions.

Seye Oladejo, APC Lagos Publicity Secretary, said “These criticisms are not only unfounded, but they also ignore the longstanding track record of Senator Tinubu’s selfless service to Nigerians, especially the underprivileged and marginalised.”

He continued: “What is wrong with a First Lady showing empathy in action? What is wrong with using her platform to mobilise support for the less privileged? In a time when economic challenges weigh heavily on millions of families, any well-meaning initiative aimed at bringing relief and restoring dignity to lives should be encouraged, not condemned.”

The party concluded that: “Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s humanitarian gestures are not only noble, they are necessary. Her initiatives provide tangible relief and renewed hope for thousands of families across the country.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is preparing to return to the presidential race in 2027, according to a close political ally.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE, the ally, also a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) revealed that the move to draft Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate is already in advanced stages, and that the former president has accepted the offer in principle.

According to the source, Jonathan is returning to address Nigeria’s worsening poverty, hardship and growing economic instability.

The push for his return is reportedly driven by senior political figures and elders across the country who believe Jonathan’s leadership brought stability during his time in office.

The source emphasized that PDP leaders began pleading with Jonathan to recontest in an effort to “rescue the country and restore the economy.”

“Many Nigerians have come to realise the mistake they made in not re-electing Dr. Jonathan. They now acknowledge his achievements and are even apologising, pleading with him to return and rescue the country,” said Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

There are reports that Jonathan’s potential return is strategically calculated to allow power shift back to the north by 2031, as he would only be eligible to serve a single four-year term.

“Giving him the opportunity to run for a single term of four years remained the clearest pathway for power to return to the north in 2031,” the source stated.

Jonathan has already begun consultations with key leaders. Last weekend, he reportedly met with former military president General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.) at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State, to brief him on his plans.

Though IBB’s reaction was not disclosed, the source said the meeting was part of a broader plan to gain northern support.

Jonathan is also currently in the South-South, meeting with stakeholders to secure regional backing. It is believed that his base in the region will pose no challenge to his candidacy.

The PDP is actively pursuing Jonathan’s candidacy, sources confirmed to the BBC Hausa Service.

Senior party leaders, including governors, are said to be involved in convincing him to lead the party against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.

“He is a compassionate leader, and as a party that listens to Nigerians, we felt compelled to heed their call,” Abdullahi said.

Sources also confirmed that a PDP delegation recently traveled to The Gambia to meet Jonathan, where they urged him to accept the ticket.

Abdullahi noted that Jonathan has shown interest but has laid down certain conditions.

“He has started listening to the emissaries and is consulting with his inner circle,”
he added.

Jonathan reportedly wants clarity on whether he will face the primaries or be offered the ticket directly and whether the party genuinely values his leadership capacity.

In an exclusive interview, Daniel Woyengikuro, PDP’s National Financial Secretary, described Jonathan as the natural leader of the party and a strong candidate for the presidency.

“Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now. Aside from Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro said.

He added “Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country for our generation and for the generations ahead of us. Someone like Goodluck Jonathan is okay.”

Woyengikuro strongly advocated for an automatic ticket for Jonathan:

“For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere: I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation. If Goodluck finally accepts, you will see that the entire dynamics will change. The entire politics of 2027 will change.”

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as a vibrant southern leader and potential future presidential candidate.

“Now that we are talking about the Presidency remaining in the south, these are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde.”

Jonathan’s rumored return has reignited debate over his eligibility, given the 2018 constitutional amendment that bars anyone sworn in twice from being elected President again.

Section 137(3) of the Constitution states:

“A person, who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as President, shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

However, legal opinions are divided.

Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) argued that the amendment does not apply to Jonathan, who served under the previous constitutional arrangement.

“Sections 182(3) and 137(3) were introduced in 2017 with a commencement date of 7th June, 2018. Thus, President Jonathan is still entitled to contest in my humble view,”
he explained.

Another lawyer, Mr. Elekwachi Nnabuihe, also argued that the amendment has no retroactive effect.

“Jonathan has only been elected once. If he was legally qualified to contest presidential election in 2015, nothing forbids him from doing so again.”

He added: “The amendment will only apply should the Yar’Adua scenario present itself again.”

DAILY GAZETTE recall that a 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, also supported Jonathan’s eligibility.

In the case FHC/YNG/CS/86/2022, the court held that the amendment could not be applied retroactively and did not disqualify him from contesting the 2023 election.

Justice Isa Hamma Dashen ruled that Jonathan’s first oath in 2010 was constitutional and not the result of an election victory.

However, Mr. Johnmary Jideobi, a human rights lawyer, warned that Jonathan could exceed the constitutional eight-year limit if elected in 2027.

“If President Jonathan contests again and eventually wins in 2027, he will have exceeded the maximum number of eight years contemplated by the Constitution for any person to occupy the office of the President.”

He cited the Supreme Court ruling in Marwa & Anor v. Nyako Ors (2012), which clarified that no person should serve more than eight years as governor or president.

Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, said Jonathan is well qualified.

“He is very qualified because he did not leave the party. The more the merrier. All those who say they want to contest should wait till 2035. He is the easiest to sell because he has a track record, especially the economic indices Nigeria witnessed during his tenure.”

On the swearing-in controversy, George added:

“It cannot disqualify him because he was sworn in when Umar Yar’Adua died to continue his tenure, and it was because of the Doctrine of Necessity. He did not contest any election; he was sworn in to complete Yar’Adua’s tenure, who died while in office.”