Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has strongly rebuked Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following remarks Obi made at Johns Hopkins University comparing Nigeria’s poverty levels with those of China and Vietnam.

Speaking during the event, Obi said, “The question then is, what exactly did these countries do to be able to achieve the desired growth and development? That is where political leadership comes in.”

“These comparable nations, and, indeed, other progressive nations, unlike Nigeria, have competent leadership with character, capacity and compassion, committed to prioritising investment in critical areas of developmental measures: education, health, and pulling people out of poverty.”

Reacting, Governor Sanwo-Olu issued a statement titled “Factually Addressing Mr. Peter Obi’s Criticism of Nigeria at Johns Hopkins University,” where he took issue with Obi’s assertions, accusing him of worsening poverty during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

Sanwo-Olu said, “On Thursday, April 24, 2025, former Governor Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 election, was at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he made several disparaging comments about Nigeria.”

“He made unflattering remarks not just about the incumbent Nigerian government, but also about Nigeria. I also find Mr. Obi’s pattern of behaviour disturbing. When prominent Nigerians go overseas, they ought to project Nigeria positively.”

He added, “They do not have to do that for the government. But we all owe a duty to market Nigeria on the global stage rather than de-market her. That is what true patriotism is about.”

Sanwo-Olu questioned Obi’s record on poverty alleviation, particularly investments in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

He argued, “Now, I find it somewhat ironic that a man like Mr. Obi, who did not build a single school or a stand-alone hospital throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra or sustainably provide credit facilities, would criticise the government of Nigeria, which is actively doing that.”

Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s record both as governor of Lagos State and now as president, Sanwo-Olu noted, “I say this because the president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is my predecessor, and as governor of Lagos and now President of Nigeria, has built over 200 schools and provided student loans to more than 200,000 undergraduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions.”

“In less than two years, he has provided over half a billion dollars in credit facilities to small and medium-scale enterprises.”

According to Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu’s governance significantly reduced poverty: “Tinubu, during his tenure as Lagos governor, reduced poverty by over 46 per cent, arguing that ‘the best predictor of the future is the past.’”

Turning attention back to Obi, Sanwo-Olu stated, “But let us examine the messenger, not just the message, and look at the issuer as well as the issues.”

“Mr. Obi talks a good game. But was he able to reduce poverty while he governed Anambra? Perhaps we can let the facts speak for themselves.”

Sanwo-Olu cited statistics to support his position: “Under Peter Obi as a two-term Anambra Governor, poverty in Anambra increased. It did not reduce. Before Peter Obi became Anambra Governor on Thursday, June 14, 2007, the poverty rate in Anambra was 41.4 per cent.”

“But after only two years in office, the poverty rate in Anambra jumped to 53.7 per cent. But the interesting thing is that five years after Peter Obi left office, his successor, Willie Obiano, reduced the poverty rate in Anambra from almost 60 per cent to 14.8 per cent.”

Concluding his response, Sanwo-Olu declared, “As such, I am not sure that Mr. Obi is morally well placed to make the alarming claims he made about Nigeria at Johns Hopkins.”

“Mr. Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria. Governor Tinubu, as he then was, was responsible for lifting millions out of poverty. Being that that is the case, who should criticise who?”

Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign for 2027.

At the same time, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association (YYSA) has advised former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to disregard calls from certain political leaders urging him to join efforts to unseat Tinubu.

Speaking in an interview with Arise Television yesterday, Tompolo said it would be unjust to demand a return of power to the North so soon after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year administration.

He stated: “We don’t want anybody to cause problems. He should be allowed to complete his two constitutional terms, then we will vote for another person to take over in 2031.”

“Tinubu is a good person. He has the experience to do everything and carry this country to a higher level.”

Tompolo called for respect for Tinubu’s four-year mandate and the constitutional opportunity for a second term.

He praised Tinubu as a seasoned and capable leader who can steer Nigeria to greater achievements.

Revealing plans for a national mobilisation, Tompolo said he intends to tour various parts of the country, including the North, to campaign for Tinubu’s re-election.

“We will do our part, even go out of our boundary to the northern part of Nigeria to talk to our brothers and compatriots, so that he will get a second tenure,” he affirmed.

He also disclosed that traditional rulers from the South South region had already given their endorsement for Tinubu’s second term bid, expressing strong confidence that nationwide support would guarantee his continued presidency.

On the Rivers political situation, Tompolo expressed optimism that the dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, would be resolved.

He said: “The duly elected governor of Rivers is coming back. Our President is someone who has been protecting democracy for a very long time. There is no way he will truncate it,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association issued a statement from Ibadan yesterday, urging Kwankwaso to stay away from coalitions aimed at opposing Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions.

The YYSA National President, Olalekan Hammed, described Kwankwaso as “a heavyweight politician who is too big to stay long in an opposition party.”

Hammed further argued: “Looking at the situation, that coalition has no trait of formidability to dislodge the ruling party in 2027.”

“The political alliance that strategically removed former President Goodluck Jonathan from office in 2015 had many sitting governors from both the North and the South. It was a merger of about four to five political parties, which comprised ACN, CPC, nPDP and part of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).”

“It is that type of mega-colossal alliance that could be referred to as a coalition, not aggrieved party chieftains’ unionism being led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai.”

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its ideological arm, the Kwankwasiyya movement, are currently navigating turbulent waters as waves of defections unsettle their ranks.

Central to the unfolding drama is the party’s 2023 presidential candidate and national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose political future is now under intense scrutiny.

The most recent high-profile defection is that of Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South.

Although Sumaila has not officially announced his next political destination, a social media post showing him with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, coupled with his recent meeting with Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC national chairman, points strongly toward his imminent entry into the ruling party.

Sumaila’s move followed calls from his constituents urging him to join the APC.

This trend aligns with Ganduje’s earlier claim that the APC was poised to receive several NNPP lawmakers from Kano State.

“They’ve seen the handwriting on the wall,” Ganduje said.

“The APC is the only viable platform for serious politicians who want to deliver real governance.”

On Thursday, Ganduje hosted a reception for a batch of former NNPP/Kwankwasiyya leaders who had defected.

The group included Senator Kawu Sumaila; Hon. Kabiru Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure); Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo (Karaye/Rogo); former Kano SSG Dr. Baffa Bichi; former House members Hon. Badamasi Ayuba and Hon. Sha’aban Sharada; ex-State Assembly member Zubairu Hamza Masu; and former NNPP commissioners Muhammad Diggol and Abbas Sani Abbas.

Except for Sharada, most had deep roots in the Kwankwasiyya movement but cited “injustice” within the group as the reason for their departure.

Ganduje indicated that a formal ceremony to officially welcome them into the APC would be announced soon.

The defections are not entirely unexpected.

Earlier in March, the NNPP’s Kano chapter suspended Sumaila along with three House of Representatives members—Aliyu Sani Madaki, Kabiru Alhasan Rurum, and Abdullahi Sani Rogo—for alleged anti-party activities.

Around the same time, the party also lost its only House of Representatives member from Jigawa State, Yusuf Galambi, who decamped to the APC.

These political developments have triggered widespread speculation about the future of Kwankwaso and his movement.

Some observers predict that he might rejoin the APC, perhaps positioning himself for a vice-presidential slot in 2027.

Others believe he could explore alliances with other parties, such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Still, the biggest sticking point remains: would Kwankwaso be willing to work under Ganduje’s leadership? Or would President Tinubu intervene to create a smoother pathway?

One scenario reportedly under consideration would involve offering Ganduje an ambassadorial role to diminish his dominance in Kano politics, thereby easing Kwankwaso’s potential return to the APC.

Kwankwaso’s political journey began in 1992 when he won a House of Representatives seat under the SDP.

He later became Deputy Speaker. Following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, he was elected Governor of Kano State under the PDP with Ganduje as his deputy.

After a stint as Minister of Defence and a federal envoy to Darfur, he returned as governor in 2011.

Their alliance frayed during Ganduje’s first term as governor, culminating in Kwankwaso’s move from the APC back to the PDP.

In 2019, Kwankwaso backed Abba Kabir Yusuf’s unsuccessful gubernatorial bid.

He later left the PDP and revived the little-known NNPP, under which he ran for president in 2023.

Though he only carried Kano State, the NNPP performed strongly, winning the governorship, two Senate seats, 18 House of Representatives seats, and a majority in the Kano House of Assembly.

After the 2023 election, President Tinubu sought to lure Kwankwaso into his government.

However, after Kwankwaso’s name was absent from the ministerial list, it became clear that talks had broken down.

Still, Tinubu instructed Ganduje to keep working on Kwankwaso’s return to the APC. Ganduje later claimed the collapse of the NNPP made Kwankwaso’s return inevitable.

“The truth is, Kwankwaso has no political future outside the APC,” Ganduje said.

“We are ready to receive him, but on our terms, not his.”

Attempts to get an official comment from Kwankwaso’s team were unsuccessful.

An anonymous source said: “Politics is about timing. We will speak when it matters most. Right now, it’s about studying the moves on the board.”

Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, NNPP Chairman in Kano and a close ally of Kwankwaso, downplayed the defections.

“To the best of our knowledge, only one person has left,” he said, referring to Senator Kawu Sumaila.

“Even he hasn’t officially told us. If he thinks the APC is his salvation, time will tell.”

Dungurawa added, “We dismissed him and others last month because, frankly, they brought no value to the movement anymore.”

However, he declined to comment on Kwankwaso’s next political move.

Engineer Buba Galadima, a longtime Kwankwaso associate, was more explicit.

He flatly dismissed suggestions that Kwankwaso might rejoin the APC.

“Kwankwaso has nothing to do with Ganduje’s APC. That’s a political circus,” Galadima said.

He added, “Even if there were talks, do you think Ganduje would be the one to announce it? He’s clinging to media relevance through our name.”

Galadima also scoffed at the idea of Kwankwaso joining forces with ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai under the SDP.

“Our ideology is different. We stand for the poor, and we reject politicians who enrich themselves at the expense of the people,” he said.

“God willing, our time will come. The 2023 elections were only a test. The real verdict is yet to be delivered by the people—and by God,” Galadima added.

Political analyst Dr. Kabiru Sufi from Skyline University, Kano, believes Kwankwaso is facing a defining moment.

“If he stays, he’ll need to rebuild his grassroots from scratch in some areas,” Dr. Sufi said, noting that many defectors played major roles in securing electoral victories.

“But if he defects—especially to a party other than APC—he will have to justify the move to both new allies and old enemies,” he said.

Even if Kwankwaso rejoins the APC, reconciling with Ganduje’s camp would be challenging.

“He must convincingly explain why he’s returning to a party he once criticised, or risk losing part of his base,” Dr. Sufi warned.

Kenneth Okonkwo, a former presidential spokesperson for the Labour Party, has stated that the formation of an opposition coalition is the only viable way to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo expressed confidence that such a coalition would be formed, although he could not predict who would lead it.

He emphasized the importance of the coalition, stating, “Moving to 2027, I know that there will be a coalition. Whether it is going to be between Peter Obi and Atiku, I don’t know, but there will be a coalition. Why? Because that will be the only choice the opposition has to make any impact.”

When pressed on whether a failure to form the coalition would result in an easy victory for Tinubu, Okonkwo replied, “Outrightly, he will just walk into it.”

He explained that no single candidate could defeat Tinubu in 2027, given the current political landscape.

“In Nigeria, we have entered into the unfortunacy that you will not only win but you have to secure your victory,” he added.

He also drew parallels with the coalition formed by elites in 2014 to unseat then-President Goodluck Jonathan, saying, “If the elites can come together like they did in 2014 to confront Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, they will unseat Tinubu in 2027.”

Addressing the recent wave of defections to the APC, Okonkwo claimed that many defectors believe the APC will rig the 2027 election in their favor.

“It is an absurdity that people will see a sinking house and be running into it for shelter,” he remarked.

While reaffirming his resignation from the Labour Party, Okonkwo clarified that he has not joined another political party and prefers to carefully analyze the situation before deciding his next steps.

The Enugu State-born politician, however, reiterated that his focus is on ensuring the formation of a broad coalition among opposition parties.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken a swipe at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, issuing a mock apology over her earlier allegations of sexual harassment.

In a letter shared late Sunday on her official Facebook page, Natasha, adopting a heavily sarcastic tone, apologised for what she called the “grievous crime” of maintaining dignity and self-respect in Akpabio’s presence.

She insinuated that legislative success in certain circles seemed to depend more on personal compliance than on merit. Natasha also mocked the idea that her refusal to entertain alleged advances had somehow disrupted an established political order.

The senator went further to criticise what she described as a culture of entitlement among some male politicians, suggesting that personal submission often appeared to outweigh competence and electoral mandate.

She reaffirmed her commitment to integrity, declaring herself “unafraid, unbought, and unbroken.”

The satirical letter reads:

SATIRICAL APOLOGY LETTER
From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

“Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio,
It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… ‘requests’ was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of ‘quid pro quo,’ I bow my head in fictional shame.

Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.

I remain,
Yours in eternal resistance,
Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan
Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken.”

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Senator Natasha, had on February, accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her both in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom State.

She alleged that her refusal to comply led to deliberate efforts to frustrate her legislative attempts, particularly motions relating to the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State.

Senate President Akpabio, however, has strongly denied the accusations.

He insisted that he had never harassed any woman and described himself as a longtime advocate for women’s rights, citing his record as a gender-friendly governor during his tenure.

Senator Adeola,

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola (popularly known as Yayi), has alleged that the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari borrowed over $400 billion in an effort to stabilise the naira against the US dollar.

Speaking during the 2nd Edition of the Town Hall Meeting, Mega Empowerment, and Thank You Tour held in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, also stated that trillions of naira were spent on fuel subsidy payments, benefitting only a tiny fraction of Nigerians.

The Senator praised President Bola Tinubu for the bold policy moves of removing fuel subsidy and floating the naira, describing them as critical steps that saved the nation’s economy from collapse.

“When the president assumed office, he carried out two major policies that hit Nigerians hard. We now heave a sigh of relief,” he said.

Adeola explained that under the previous administration, large sums were borrowed annually to fund fuel subsidies.

He said, “First, he removed the fuel subsidy. He removed the fuel subsidy because the subsidy payment ended up in the hands of people who are less than 1% of Nigerians. Yearly, the former president would have to borrow huge amount of money in the tune of trillions of naira in order to pay fuel subsidy.”

“But when the current President, my father, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assumed office, the payment of subsidy elapsed the day the immediate past president handed over power to Tinubu. So, there was no fund budgeted for the continuous payment of the subsidy.”

“The government that left had stopped subsidy payment and when our father (referring to Tinubu) got to power, he said he could no longer afford to be borrowing huge amount of money that will end up in the hands of less than 1 percent of the country’s population, whereas the payment is made for all Nigerians.”

“Today, anyone can bring in fuel and sell it at your own price as far as it pays off. One person can own ten cars and the country is expected to pay subsidy on all the cars. But if there is no subsidy, your cars won’t be more than one or two.”

Addressing the second major policy shift, Adeola said, “The second policy has to do with the floating of the naira. Before, in order to stabilise the dollar to naira rate, we have to borrow money. We borrowed to suppress it.”

“By the time this government assumed office, the amount borrowed is well above 400billion dollars. In order to stabilise dollar to naira rate, we were also paying subsidy. That President had to stop that.”

Senator Adeola commended Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the policies have begun to steer the Nigerian economy in the right direction.

He urged Nigerians to be patient, assuring that the benefits of the tough decisions will become more evident over time.

On the empowerment event, Adeola explained that it was organized to thank and support the constituents of Yewa North for their loyalty during the 2023 general elections.

He added that similar programmes had already been held in Imeko-Afon LGA and would be extended to Yewa South, Ipokia, and Ado-Odo/Ota LGAs.

Highlighting his achievements, Adeola said he has used his role as Appropriation Committee Chairman to facilitate numerous developmental projects for Ogun West.

These include road construction, installation of power transformers and solar lights, establishment of ICT centres, construction of healthcare facilities, modern markets, and police stations.

He also announced that 3,000 students from across the six local government areas in Ogun West would receive scholarships and bursaries worth N200,000 and N100,000 each.

Adeola expressed gratitude to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for consistently supporting his initiatives and encouraged the people to continue backing the current state administration.

Earlier, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, in his remarks, described President Tinubu as a leader committed to the welfare of Nigerians.

He called for continued support for Tinubu’s administration and praised Senator Adeola’s efforts, saying, “In less than two years in office, the Senator has fulfilled his campaign promises.”

A pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the South West Stakeholders Forum, has reaffirmed that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the authentic National Secretary of the party.

The forum based its position on the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the dispute over the national scribe seat.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Alhaji Kola Ajayi, Coordinator of the South West PDP Stakeholders Forum, maintained that there is no ambiguity in the Supreme Court’s judgment.

He blamed the controversy on individuals he described as having biased, self-serving interpretations of the ruling.

The forum stated that it does not recognise the appointment of any other person as PDP National Secretary.

Ajayi’s statement read: “We members of the South West Stakeholders Forum, as a group interested in the growth of our great party, are concerned in the recent development relating to the position of the National Secretary.”

“We are convinced that there is no crisis as far as the position is concerned because Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the authentic National Secretary of the party.”

“Any other person is an impostor.”

The forum emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision had vindicated Senator Anyanwu.

“The Supreme Court judgement has vindicated Senator Anyanwu. So, we do not recognize Hon. Sunday Ude Okoye or anyone in acting capacity by the name Arc. Setonji Koshedo,” the forum declared.

They further criticised the party leadership, accusing them of not being firm enough in implementing the apex court’s ruling.

“We blame the misunderstanding on this position on the leadership of the party who are not firm enough in implementing the Supreme Court judgement,” Ajayi stated.

The forum appealed to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to allow Senator Anyanwu to remain in office until the expiration of the current NWC’s tenure.

“The national convention is around the corner, we are appealing to the party leadership not to aggravate the crisis within the party but allow the status quo remain while working internally to resolve differences at the national level and state chapters,” Ajayi said.

Expressing optimism about the party’s future, the forum said it was confident that the PDP would emerge stronger after the national convention and be well-positioned ahead of the 2027 general elections.