PRESIDENCY DISMISSES PETER OBI’S SAFETY CLAIMS, SAYS TINUBU GOVERNMENT NOT TARGETING OPPOSITION FIGURE

PRESIDENCY DISMISSES PETER OBI’S SAFETY CLAIMS, SAYS TINUBU GOVERNMENT NOT TARGETING OPPOSITION FIGURE

The Presidency has dismissed claims by the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that his life is under threat and that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deliberately targeting him.

Reacting to Obi's recent remarks that the Federal Government was frustrating his activities and intimidating opposition figures, the Presidency described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the claims were aimed at attracting public sympathy while diverting attention from challenges facing Obi's political platform.

According to Onanuga, Obi has developed a pattern of blaming the government for personal inconveniences, including an airport incident in which he alleged officials locked his vehicle. He argued that the situation may have resulted from a violation of parking regulations rather than any form of political persecution.

The presidential aide also addressed concerns surrounding Fidelity Bank Plc, in which he said Obi has a substantial interest, insisting that the bank has continued to perform well under the current administration's economic reforms.

He maintained that the Tinubu administration has no interest in targeting either Obi or the bank, stressing that the government remains focused on implementing reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

Onanuga concluded that the Presidency would not be distracted by what he described as "self-serving narratives," insisting that the administration remains committed to governance and national development.

'I MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE TO CONTEST 2027 ELECTION' — PETER OBI ALLEGES INTIMIDATION

 

'I MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE TO CONTEST 2027 ELECTION' — PETER OBI ALLEGES INTIMIDATION

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as persistent intimidation and frustration allegedly targeted at him and other opposition figures, saying there is no guarantee he will still be alive to contest the election.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on With Chude, hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo.

Responding to a question on whether he could emerge as a candidate in the 2027 presidential race, Obi said, "Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. Every single thing I do, this government is frustrating. There is even a possibility that, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive."

He maintained that he was not making direct accusations but insisted that he regularly encountered actions he believed were designed to hinder his activities.

According to him, "It's not an accusation. I experience frustration every day. Things that should be normal are no longer normal, and you can see their hand in virtually everything."

The former Anambra State governor further alleged that members of the opposition were being singled out, claiming he had been denied privileges he was ordinarily entitled to.

Obi also recounted an incident at an airport where he said officials locked his vehicle while leaving others untouched, despite identifying himself. He added that some acquaintances now avoid greeting him publicly for fear of being associated with him, while others have reportedly asked him not to attend their family events to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

As of the time of his remarks, Obi did not present evidence to substantiate the allegations. The Federal Government had not issued an official response to the claims.

This version is concise, balanced, and written in a professional news style while clearly attributing all allegations to Peter Obi.

INEC CHAIRMAN MAHMOOD YAKUBU STEPS DOWN, AGBAMUCHE-MBU TAKES OVER

 INEC CHAIRMAN MAHMOOD YAKUBU STEPS DOWN, AGBAMUCHE-MBU TAKES OVER

Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially stepped down as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the end of his second and final five-year term, which was set to expire in November 2025. In a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Tuesday, Yakubu announced his decision to leave, paving the way for Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a veteran legal practitioner and INEC National Commissioner, to assume the role of Acting Chairman.

Agbamuche-Mbu, who chairs INEC's Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC), will oversee the Commission's operations until a substantive chairman is appointed. With her extensive experience, she is well-positioned to lead INEC during this transition period.

During his tenure, Yakubu oversaw significant electoral reforms and the conduct of major elections across the country. He reflected on his time at INEC, describing it as a period of "significant challenges and accomplishments" and thanked INEC staff and Resident Electoral Commissioners for their dedication and commitment.

As INEC embarks on this new chapter, Agbamuche-Mbu's leadership will be crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the Commission and preparing for the upcoming electoral cycles.

FUEL SUBSIDY: DUMEBI KACHIKWU VOWS TO RESTORE FUEL SUBSIDY IF ELECTED PRESIDENT IN 2027

FUEL SUBSIDY: DUMEBI KACHIKWU VOWS TO RESTORE FUEL SUBSIDY IF ELECTED PRESIDENT IN 2027

The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has pledged to revisit and revise key policies of the Tinubu administration if elected President in 2027, including the controversial removal of fuel subsidy.

In an exclusive interview with _Vanguard_, Kachikwu argued that fuel subsidy is not inherently a bad policy, emphasizing that poor Nigerians should not be burdened with the “price of inefficiencies or the government’s inability to properly manage the subsidy system.” He asserted that only a few individuals have abused the scheme and called for their prosecution to restore order and transparency.

“The right thing to do is not to stop the scheme but to go after the corrupt individuals, prosecute them to the full extent of the law, and bring sanity into the system. That’s what we ought to have done,” Kachikwu said.

Critiquing the narrative surrounding the removal of fuel subsidy, Kachikwu clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not initiate the removal. Instead, he explained that the policy was effectively scrapped by the previous administration under late President Muhammadu Buhari, who excluded provisions for subsidy in the budget.

“President Tinubu didn’t remove the fuel subsidy. We must be careful about saying that the President removed fuel subsidies on the day of inauguration. Late President Buhari removed the fuel subsidy. He didn’t provide for it in the budget. President Tinubu came in, saw that there was no provision for fuel subsidy, and merely made the announcement,” Kachikwu stated.

He added that many Nigerians mistakenly attribute the removal of subsidies to Tinubu, when in reality, it was a continuation of Buhari’s policy decision.

Kachikwu’s stance comes as Nigeria grapples with rising inflation and economic hardship, exacerbated by the removal of subsidies. His promise to restore the scheme and prosecute corrupt actors is likely to resonate with citizens seeking relief from the high cost of living. As the 2027 elections approach, Kachikwu’s policy revision pledge sets the stage for a fierce debate on the future of Nigeria’s economic strategy.