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Obi and His Supporters Nearly Tore Labour Party Apart, Learn From Our Mistake —- Abure Sends Strong Warning to Dickson

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Julius Abure, factional national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has advised Seriake Dickson, national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to be cautious in his alliance with Peter Obi and his supporters.

Obi is the presidential candidate of the NDC. He secured the party’s ticket on May 30 after he was ratified at its national convention held in Abuja.

In a statement he personally signed on Monday, Abure said Dickson appeared to have learnt from the recent crisis in the LP, describing the NDC leader’s alleged refusal to concede all elective positions in the party to Obi’s supporters as commendable.

Abure alleged that Obi and Alex Otti, governor of Abia, and many of their supporters who won elections on the platform of the LP in 2023 have since turned against the party’s leadership.

“They say, history usually repeats itself. Senator Dickson and Co have seen their trajectory and learnt from what happened to us, that a lot of them after they have won and now in government, turned round and were struggling with the leadership of the party,” the statement reads.

“I want to say that Obi and his followers are ingrates who will never remember the sacrifices you made for them. It is even dangerous for the leadership of the NDC to wholly hand over the elective positions to Obi and his followers.

“We did it in 2022/23, immediately they saw that Obi was interested in the leadership of the party, all those elected under the platform of the party simply followed Obi, forgetting all the sacrifices and suffering we made for them.”

Abure claimed that the crisis in the LP worsened when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) obeyed a court ruling which said the tenure of the party’s leadership had lapsed, giving rise to the Nenadi Usman-led interim national committee.

“They fell into the trap of INEC, when the commission deceived them to say that the tenure of the executive has expired. We had expected them to reject that position,” Abure said.

He noted in the light of what transpired in the LP, “it is strategically” important for Dickson to retain some control within the NDC by ensuring that his own supporters occupied positions in the party.

“He needed to bring his own people so that when the chips are down, he will also have people that will speak and defend him,” Abure said.

Abure further claimed that Obi’s supporters joined the NDC to dominate the party’s structure as they allegedly did in the LP.

“They trooped into NDC with Obi, hoping to occupy every space like they did in the Labour Party. No leader of any political party, seeing what Obi did to the Labour Party, along with his followers, will make that mistake again,” he said.

He noted that his comments were prompted by questions about how the LP managed Obi and his supporters during the 2022/2023 election cycle.

According to him, the party made significant sacrifices to accommodate Obi’s interests, including granting many tickets to his supporters free of charge.

“We ensured that Obi’s interests were adequately taken care of. We only looked at his body language, and we obliged most of his supporters’ tickets,” he said.

“Most of the tickets were for free, believing that we were investing in those persons in line with the philosophy of the party, expecting that when they win, they will bring along the necessary support that will help in the growth of the party.

“But ironically, when they came into power, they went after the leadership of the party.”

Abure also accused Obi and Otti of attempting to take over the party’s leadership following disputes over the tenure of its executives.

“The leaders, particularly, Peter Obi and Alex Otti decided to take over the leadership of the party,” he said.

He added that elected officials who emerged on the party’s platform failed to support it financially, urging the NDC to learn from the LP’s experience.

BACKGROUND

Usman, a former minister of finance, was appointed as the LP’s national caretaker committee chairperson on September 4, 2024.

INEC officially recognised Usman’s leadership in January 2026, following a federal high court ruling that affirmed the caretaker committee.

On April 21, the court of appeal in Abuja upheld the ruling of the federal high court and dismissed Abure’s appeal seeking to overturn his removal as the party’s national chairman.

 

BIG STORY

Obi Fabricating Stories to Gain Undue Sympathy — Tinubu Doesn’t Have Time for Him —- Onanuga

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Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, says Peter Obi’s claims that he may not be alive for the 2027 elections were designed to “attract undue sympathy”.

In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accused the federal government of deliberately frustrating his means of livelihood and targeting opposition figures.

The former Anambra governor alleged that everything he does for a living is being deliberately obstructed by the government.

“The way they are going… not even as a candidate, I might not even be alive. I’m telling you,” Obi said.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Onanuga said Obi’s claim “is nothing more than a fabricated narrative, a page from his book of lies and propaganda”.

The presidential spokesperson accused the former governor of making the claims to deflect attention from the challenges facing the NDC.

“His claim that he may not be alive for the January 2027 election and that people are being pressured not to invite him to social events is nothing more than a fabricated narrative, a page from his book of lies and propaganda,” the statement reads.

“These claims lack substance and are designed to attract undue sympathy and deflect attention from his credibility deficit and the problems faced by his SPV and his adopted political association, the NDC.

“It is important to note that Mr Obi has a substantial interest in Fidelity Bank. The institution continues to thrive as a result of the current administration’s robust economic reforms.

“The government is certainly not targeting the bank. Rather than being “haunted” by the government, Mr Obi appears to be grappling with the consequences of his litany of unfounded statements.”

Onanuga said Tinubu is “fully focused” on consolidating his reforms and does not have the time for “Obi’s self-serving narratives and lies”.

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POLITICS

Buy One, Get Two? Why the Alli–Adedeji Ticket Is Reshaping Political Conversations in Oyo State —-Seun Oloketuyi

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Every election season comes with a defining narrative. Sometimes it is a candidate’s track record. Sometimes it is the promise of change. At other times, it is the strategic combination of personalities assembled to lead a campaign.
In Oyo State, one phrase has increasingly found its way into political conversations following the unveiling of Prince Adedeji as the running mate to Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli in the forthcoming governorship election: “Buy One, Get Two.
Ordinarily associated with the world of commerce, the phrase has been adopted by supporters of the APC ticket to convey what they believe is a partnership that offers more than the conventional relationship between a governor and deputy governor. In their view, the ticket combines two different leadership profiles—one rooted in years of political and legislative experience, the other in administration, professional exposure, and institutional engagement.
Whether that description ultimately convinces the electorate remains an open question. Yet one thing is undeniable: the choice of Prince Adedeji has shifted the conversation beyond the identity of the governorship candidate to the value of the partnership itself.
In modern Nigerian politics, the selection of a running mate is rarely a ceremonial exercise. It is one of the most consequential decisions a gubernatorial candidate makes. Beyond satisfying constitutional requirements, it signals the type of government a candidate hopes to build. Political parties increasingly seek running mates who complement—not duplicate—the strengths of the principal candidate.

Senator Alli: Experience at the Centre of the Ticket
For Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the governorship ambition represents another chapter in a political career that has spanned executive and legislative responsibilities. Over the years, Alli has occupied positions that exposed him to both policy formulation and governance. His tenure as Secretary to the State Government placed him at the heart of government coordination, while his service in the National Assembly has further strengthened his understanding of legislation, constituency representation, and federal-state relations.
Supporters argue that these experiences have equipped him with a practical understanding of the machinery of government. They point to his familiarity with public administration, political negotiation, and stakeholder management as qualities that distinguish him from many first-time contenders.

Another attribute frequently associated with Senator Alli is his connection with grassroots politics. Throughout his political career, he has maintained visibility across communities in Oyo State, building relationships with party leaders, community associations, artisans, professionals, market groups, and traditional institutions. To his supporters, this network reflects an understanding of local realities and the everyday concerns of ordinary residents.
Those who have followed Oyo politics over the years also note that Alli’s appeal has often extended beyond election periods. His political style has been described as one that prioritises consultation and consensus-building, qualities many believe are essential for governing a politically vibrant state such as Oyo. While critics, like those of every major political figure, may hold different views about his record, even many neutral observers acknowledge that Senator Alli brings considerable experience to the governorship contest.

Prince Adedeji: A Different Dimension
If Senator Alli represents political experience, Prince Adedeji is widely viewed as introducing a different dimension to the ticket. His emergence immediately attracted attention because it broadened discussions beyond politics alone. Rather than selecting another career politician, the APC chose someone whose profile is associated with administration, professional management, and institutional engagement.
Supporters believe this is where the “Buy One, Get Two” narrative derives much of its strength. They argue that governance in today’s Nigeria requires more than political popularity. It also demands administrative competence, strategic planning, efficient coordination of government institutions, and an appreciation of how public policy affects investment, economic development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Prince Adedeji’s supporters contend that his professional background positions him to contribute in these areas. His royal heritage is also seen by admirers as an added advantage, particularly in a state where traditional institutions continue to play meaningful roles in community development, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.

For them, his emergence broadens the ticket’s appeal beyond conventional political structures, reaching professionals, young voters, and stakeholders who increasingly expect governance to be driven by competence as much as political experience.

Why Supporters Call It ‘Buy One, Get Two’
Political partnerships are often judged by whether the strengths of both candidates complement one another. In the case of the Alli–Adedeji ticket, supporters argue that this complementarity is exactly what distinguishes the alliance. They see Senator Alli providing political leadership, legislative experience, institutional memory, and an understanding of governance, while Prince Adedeji contributes administrative insight, organisational discipline, and a fresh perspective on public management.

The argument is not that one leader possesses all the answers, but that together they bring different competencies that could strengthen decision-making and improve the overall functioning of government. This is why the phrase “Buy One, Get Two” has resonated among many supporters. Rather than portraying the deputy governorship position as secondary, the narrative presents both men as individuals whose respective strengths could work in tandem if entrusted with the responsibility of governing the state.
The message is also strategic. Across Nigeria, voters increasingly pay attention not only to governorship candidates but also to those who may eventually serve as deputy governors. The expectation is that governance should be a collaborative effort rather than one centred solely on a single individual.

The Road Ahead

Political narratives can generate excitement, shape public perception, and influence campaign momentum. They can define how candidates are introduced to voters and frame the issues that dominate public debate.

Ultimately, however, elections are not decided by slogans alone. As campaigns gather pace across Oyo State, Senator Alli and Prince Adedeji will have to convince voters that the qualities attributed to them can be translated into practical solutions for the challenges confronting the state. Issues such as economic growth, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth employment, security, and social welfare will remain central to the campaign conversation.
The “Buy One, Get Two” description has undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about themes surrounding the APC ticket. Whether it remains a memorable political slogan or evolves into a message that resonates at the ballot box will depend on how effectively the candidates communicate their vision and how the electorate responds. For now, the partnership has achieved one notable objective: it has sparked a conversation about leadership, teamwork, and what Oyo State should expect from those seeking its highest offices.

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POLITICS

Atiku Appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as Spokesperson For 2027 Election

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Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Kenneth Okonkwo, Nollywood actor and politician, as his spokesperson for the 2027 presidential election campaign.

A snapshot of the appointment letter, shared by Okonkwo on his X page on Thursday, said the appointment followed Atiku’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the general election.

“I am pleased to offer you an appointment as my Spokesperson for the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, following my victory as the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the letter reads.

The letter said the appointment reflected Atiku’s confidence in Okonkwo’s “competence, public communication skills, integrity, political judgment, and ability to represent” the public positions of the ex-vice-president professionally and responsibly.

“While congratulating you on this appointment, I look forward to your valuable contribution to the campaign and to the advancement of democratic engagement in Nigeria,” the letter added.

Reacting, Okonkwo thanked Atiku for the appointment, describing it as a reflection of his democratic credentials.

“I give God all the glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his Spokesperson. I thank HE AA for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he said.

“This appointment speaks volume of the democratic credentials of HE AA. Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations of any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender a solution to problems.”

Okonkwo said discussions with Atiku and other members of the ADC had addressed and guaranteed the interests of the south-east “within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground”.

He also thanked Ralph Nwosu, former national chairman of the ADC, and Ekene Onwuka, senior special assistant to Atiku on special duties, for their roles in the coalition and his appointment.

Okonkwo expressed gratitude to his family, friends and supporters, asking for prayers for “wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out the challenging post which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria”.

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