Former Minister of Transportation and two-time Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed openness to contesting the 2027 presidential election, citing the nation’s escalating economic difficulties as a driving factor.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Amaechi emphasized the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, saying, “If the government is failing the country, you don’t just go along because you are in the same party. You know that is not right. People are dying. People are starving. I myself, I am feeling the effects of hunger. The truth is, I’m also feeling the hunger.”*

While not currently planning a presidential bid, Amaechi did not rule out the possibility, suggesting that time would reveal his decision.

He highlighted ongoing discussions with other concerned Nigerians to form a united front aimed at bringing about change.

“We are thinking that if we come together and win the election, the country will certainly witness change,” he remarked.

Amaechi’s comments come amid a broader political realignment, with opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, exploring avenues to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election .

In a related development, a coalition of youth activists and entertainment figures, under the banner of Igbo Youth Celebrities for Rotimi Amaechi, has called on President Tinubu and Obi to step aside and support Amaechi’s potential candidacy.

The group argues that Amaechi’s extensive experience in governance makes him the most qualified candidate to lead Nigeria into a new era of economic growth and stability .

Elder statesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, has renewed calls for Nigeria to return to a parliamentary system of government, arguing that it is better suited for a multi-ethnic and diverse nation like Nigeria.

Speaking on Arise Tv on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, Chief Falae emphasized that the current presidential system has proven to be expensive, divisive, and unsuitable for Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

“The parliamentary system is far more better than the presidential system in a country like Nigeria, which is made up of multiple ethnic nationalities and cultures,” he said.

The former Minister of Finance said that under the parliamentary model, power is more decentralized and fosters greater accountability, inclusion, and collaboration, especially among minority groups.

“In a parliamentary system, government is formed from the legislature, which means a ruling coalition must reflect the diversity of the country. This helps in managing ethnic tensions and ensuring wider representation,” Falae added.

He lamented that the current presidential system concentrates too much power at the center, encourages political godfatherism, and breeds corruption due to weak checks and balances.

“The presidential system has created an overbearing executive that is hard to check. It’s expensive, inefficient, and has failed to meet the developmental needs of Nigerians,” he argued.

Chief Falae, who once ran for president in 1999, noted that Nigeria’s First Republic, under the parliamentary system, achieved more in terms of infrastructure, education, and economic growth than what has been witnessed in recent decades.

He called on the National Assembly and constitutional reform committees to seriously consider restructuring the country’s governance system to ensure long-term peace and development.

“We must stop pretending that the structure we have now is working. It is not. We need to go back to a system that reflects our reality and can accommodate our differences,” he stressed.

The elder statesman urged political leaders, especially at the federal level, to show courage and foresight in pushing for systemic reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s unity and progress.

June 12, 1993, stands as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, the day millions of citizens cast their ballots in what is still widely seen as the country’s most credible and peaceful presidential election.

M.K.O. Abiola, the charismatic candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was poised for victory over his rival, Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Nigerians, across ethnic and religious lines, voted in hope for progress, unity, and change.

But that hope was soon dashed. The military government, led by General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the election results, plunging the nation into uncertainty and outrage.

The move triggered widespread protests and catalyzed the rise of a broad pro-democracy movement, forever altering Nigeria’s political direction.

Though Abiola never assumed office, and tragically died in detention five years later, his name and the events of that day continue to echo through the corridors of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Over 30 years later, June 12 has become more than a date; it is a national symbol of resilience, of a people’s desire to choose their leaders freely, and a reminder of a democracy long delayed — but never forgotten.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has expressed confidence that the party remains the dominant political force ahead of the November 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Ezeokenwa stated that the current APGA-led administration, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has earned widespread approval from residents due to its performance over the past three years.

“Anambra people can say, ‘We’ve never had it this good in just three years by any elected officials in the past.’ That is the consensus opinion on the streets of Anambra. And in that context, I can tell you, well, there is no contest really,” Ezeokenwa said.

He maintained that the development achieved so far under APGA leadership has solidified the party’s place in the hearts of the people, adding that the electorate sees no reason to change direction.

“On the streets of Anambra, the general opinion is clear, and that is that the state is still very much with APGA. They have not seen any reason to change the trajectory of development that they have witnessed from 2006 to date,” he added.

The APGA chairman’s remarks come shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released its final list of candidates for the upcoming November polls.

While acknowledging that elections by nature involve competition, Ezeokenwa stressed that the prevailing political sentiment across the state strongly favours APGA.

He argued that the party’s unbroken legacy since assuming power in 2006, combined with the achievements of the current administration, gives it a significant edge.

“It appears in Anambra we are tilting towards a consensus candidate, because there is a consensus of opinion, given the massive and excellent performance of the incumbent and APGA-driven ideology,” he said.

Ezeokenwa also highlighted the party’s guiding philosophy of inclusive governance.

“APGA’s ideology of ‘leaving no one behind’ resonates deeply with voters across Anambra,” he said.

With official campaigns set to begin in the coming weeks, the APGA leadership is confident that the party will retain control of Anambra State in the forthcoming governorship election.

Hon. Ogbodo

As Nigeria commemorates its 26th Democracy Day, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has charged Nigerian youths to remain committed to the ideals of democracy and national development.

In a statement on Thursday, Hon. Ogbodo emphasized the critical role young people play in shaping the future of the country.

He urged them not to lose hope in the democratic process, but to continue contributing meaningfully to nation-building through civic participation, innovation, and leadership.

“Democracy is a collective responsibility. I urge our youth to remain steadfast in their commitment to national development. The future of this country rests heavily on your shoulders,” he said.

Hon. Ogbodo described June 12 as more than just a public holiday, calling it “a symbol of sacrifice, resistance, and the collective yearning for a better Nigeria.”

“The journey to democracy has not been easy. It has been watered by the blood, courage, and resilience of those who fought for the right to vote and be heard.”

“Let us honour their legacy by protecting and strengthening our democratic institutions,” he added.

He stressed the importance of active youth involvement in governance, policy advocacy, and community development.

According to him, young people must go beyond social media activism and take practical steps to influence change at the grassroots.

“You must not wait for the perfect conditions before you start. Be the change in your community. Volunteer, engage in dialogue, and most importantly, participate in elections,” Ogbodo said.

He also assured the youth of his administration’s continued support in creating enabling environments for skills development, education, and job creation.

He noted that several youth-focused empowerment programs were already underway in the local government.

“We are working tirelessly to provide platforms that will empower our young people economically and socially. Our goal is to make Nkanu West a model for inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.

On June 12, 1994, Chief M.K.O. Abiola took a bold and fateful step in Nigeria’s political history.

Speaking to a crowd gathered in the Epetedo area of Lagos, he proclaimed himself the rightful president of Nigeria, almost a year after the June 12, 1993 election, which many Nigerians still regard as the most credible in the nation’s history.

This act of defiance, now known as the Epetedo Declaration, was a direct rebuke to the military regime that had annulled the democratic will of the people.

Abiola’s statement was not just a claim to office, it was a passionate appeal for justice, democracy, and the return of civilian rule.

The consequences were swift and severe. His declaration led to his arrest and prolonged detention, during which he died under controversial circumstances in 1998.

Yet, his stand became a symbol of resistance and a rallying point for pro-democracy movements across Nigeria.

Today, more than 30 years later, the legacy of June 12 continues to shape Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.

The date is now officially recognized as Democracy Day, a tribute to the enduring struggle for free and fair governance, and to the man who dared to speak for millions.