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Tag: Peter Obi

  • 2027 elections: Labour Party strips Peter Obi, others of automatic ticket

    2027 elections: Labour Party strips Peter Obi, others of automatic ticket

    The Labour Party has said there would be no automatic ticket for Mr Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State in the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.

    Obi was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of the party said this on Monday in Abuja while addressing newsmen. The resolution reached after the NEC meeting was read by the party’s Deputy National Secretary, Mr Innocent Okeke.

    “All tickets of the party from Presidency to the House of assemblies are open to all qualified Nigerians,” he said.

    Recall that Otti convened a stakeholder meeting held in Umuaiha Abia.

    During the meeting, the National Working Committee, the National Executive Council, State Council, Local Government and Ward Executives of the party were dissolved and replaced with a Caretaker Committee.

    But, Okeke said that Otti, who convened the meeting, did not have the power within the party’s Constitution as provided in Article 14 (4) (B).

    According to him, such power is vested in the National Secretary with the approval of National Chairman.

    “NEC in session further reiterates that governor of Abia does not even have the power to call his ward executive meeting without the approval and the consent of his ward chairman.

    “The Labour Party Constitution provides how members of the National Working Committee, State Executive Committee and all other officials of the party can be removed.

    “NEC in session also grants the National Working Committee powers to take disciplinary action against any member that brings the party to disrepute,” Okeke said.

    Okeke, therefore, called on all  members of the party supporters and the general public to disregard Otti’s meeting and its outcome.

    He said that NEC reposed confidence in the leadership of the Mr Julius Abure-led NWC and urged all party members to continue to respect the leadership of the party and obey its lawful directives.

    In a speech, he tagged: “The Beautiful Ones are not Yet Born in Nigeria” the embattled Abure said the Otti’s action was a show of betrayal.

    “Let me be clear; this action was not just illegal, it was a betrayal of everything the Labour Party stands for.

    “The Labour Party has always been a beacon of hope for the oppressed, the marginalised and the voiceless in Nigeria. Our mandate is to unite this country not divide it.

    “Yet, here we are, faced with a situation where individuals who have benefitted from the trust and support of this great party now work to destabilise it from within.

    “This is why I say the beautiful ones are not yet born in Nigeria, but they will be born through our collective effort’’, he said.

  • What Peter Obi would have done if he became president with same structure Tinubu met – Gbenga Adeyinka

    What Peter Obi would have done if he became president with same structure Tinubu met – Gbenga Adeyinka

    Veteran comedian Gbenga Adeyinka has said that the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, would have done nothing if he became president with the structure President Bola Tinubu met.

    On Our 2 Kobo Podcast, Gbenga Adeyinka made his stance clear, throwing his support behind President Tinubu. He urged the public to give Tinubu more time, assuring that he would replicate his transformative economic policies from Lagos on a national scale.

    The veteran comedian highlighted Tinubu’s track record during his tenure as governor of Lagos State as proof of his capacity to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

    Adeyinka, who revealed that he is a card-carrying member of the APC, said in part,

    He said, “If I’m passionate about you, I’m passionate about you. That’s my problem. And I believe that, and please take this to the bank, if Asiwaju (Tinubu) cannot set Nigeria right, then we’re in trouble. With his capacity, with what he knows, with the fact that he has nothing to gain or lose anymore, if he cannot set Nigeria right, then we’re in trouble. I’m scared for Nigeria. 

    “ Am I happy with the policies of the government? I suffer too. People should not forget that I’m a Nigerian too. Now, am I happy with the policies of Asiwaju? Some yes, some no.

    ”Do I believe he should have ended subsidy, although he was not even the one that ended the fuel subsidy thing. I support fuel subsidy removal totally because of the amount of corruption that was in it.

    “Do I think they’ve done a good job by tightening their belts when we need to tighten our belts? No. I believe that those cars that were bought for members of the national assembly was an unnecessary oppression of the people, of the people who are suffering.

    ”There are some people who are professional politicians. That is their job. You now wake up and say you want to come and… they will not even give you ticket. With our current structure, it takes the grace of men for you to become president.

    “That’s why when I see them Sowore, saying they want to be president, Fela Durotoye wants to be president, Peter Obi wants to be president, and there’s one very intelligent guy, Moghalu wants to be president… I think we need to get these young people into the house of reps, into the senate, to rewrite our laws.

    “If Peter Obi becomes president of Nigeria with the same structure we have in place, there’s nothing he’s going to do. Give Asiwaju two more years, that guy is a financial wizard. What is currently happening in Nigeria is universal.”

  • Labour Party crisis: Obi joins forces with Otti, others to remove Abure

    Labour Party crisis: Obi joins forces with Otti, others to remove Abure

    Following the crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP), the sole governor of the party, Dr. Alex Otti and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined others to elect ex-minister of finance, Mrs Nenadi Usman, as caretaker Chairman of the party.

    This was confirmed by Daniel Gambo, member of national transition committee formed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to newsmen on Wednesday.

    He said Usman was elected to chair the party’s 29-member national caretaker committee.

    The meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Abia Government House, Umuahia, the state capital, on Wednesday.

    It was convened by Governor Otti and was attended by Peter Obi; and Datti Baba-Ahmed, his running mate, among others.

    “The stakeholders met at the Banquet hall of Abia state government house during which Hon. Senator Nenadi Usman was unanimously nominated to chair the newly constituted LP caretaker committee to see to the conduct of state congresses and the all inclusive national convention. The secretary is Hon Darlington Onwokocha,” Gambo said.

    He also said that the house endorsed the constitution of 29 member committee drawn from the senate, house of representatives, the six geopolitical zones, NLC and TUC.

    Meanwhile, the embattled national chairman of the LP, Barrister Julius Abure, has rejected the emergence of Nenadi.

    Abure who dismissed the Abia meeting insisted he remains the legitimate national chairman of the party.

    A statement signed by the national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, described Nenadi Usman’s appointment as illegal and unconstitutional.

    “We firmly believe in the leadership of our National Chairman Barrister Julius Abure and the National Working Committee and remain committed to working together with them as a united and focused party to achieve our common goals and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Nigeria,” he said.

    He said the premise on which Governor Otti called the meeting is not only faulty but mischievous.

    “Government business is not transacted verbally but through official communication and correspondences which are done in writing. As we speak, there is no communication whatsoever from INEC to the Party as regards any objection to the conduct of the National Convention.

    “We challenge Alex Otti to produce the official letter addressed to him from INEC on the subject matter. There is no vacuum in the leadership of the Party. Consequently, the so-called caretaker committee set up by the Governor of Abia State is not known to the constitution of the Party and can best be described as a department in Abia State Government House.

    “We are shocked to note that the so-called chairman of the caretaker committee is not a registered member of the Party. She surfaced during the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign to assist Peter Obi in his campaign.”

     

     

  • Peter Obi dragged for kneeling to shake VP Shettima In Kastina (Photo)

    Peter Obi dragged for kneeling to shake VP Shettima In Kastina (Photo)

    A photo of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi with the Nigeria Vice President, Kashim Shettima has caused a stir on social media.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier reported that Shettima, led a delegation of notable dignitaries to the funeral service of the mother of former President, Umar Musa Yar Adua.

    Former presidential candidate Peter Obi and 2023 People Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar were amongst the Nigerian political figures who boarded the same bus with the Nigerian vice president to Kastina.

    Sharing a photo of the former Anambra governor kneeling slightly to shake Shettima, a former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmed wrote; ‘ No Caption needed.’

    The post which gained traction, led to the criticism of Peter Obi, however, supporters of the former presidential candidate came to his defense, stressing that there was nothing wrong with the way Obi greeted Shettima, as Obi has always been known to be a man of peace and humility.

    A user, iam_bmodel wrote: “This one doesn’t know Peter Obi, don’t be surprised when Peter Obi sees Reno Omokri whom has been tackling him all these while, He will walk up to him and greet him. Soludo said a lot of things about Peter Obi, Peter Obi still called him his brother and when he met him at church, he greeted him very well. He doesn’t play politics of bitterness.”

    Another user, sonofnaija wrote: “Malice belongs to the realm of the childish. Civility is the hallmark of adulthood. Peter Obi epitomizes the essence of maturity.”

    proudafricanman wrote: ‘‘Peter Obi is just a free man with good heart, politics or not humanity comes first.”

    poshchenel_ wrote: ‘‘SALUTATION IS NOT LOVE. it’s simple courtesy.”

     

  • Video: Shettima, Peter Obi, Atiku attend Yar’Adua’s mother’s funeral

    Video: Shettima, Peter Obi, Atiku attend Yar’Adua’s mother’s funeral

    The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima on Tuesday led a delegation to the funeral service of the mother of former President, Umar Musa Yar Adua.

    The funeral service was a testament to the unity and respect among Nigerian political figures, with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi; 2023 People Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Governor Umar Dikko Radda, and other notable dignitaries in attendance.

    Others who were in attendance includes, Datti Baba Ahmed, Senator Ahmad Lawal, Former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Senator Adamu Aleiro, business mogul Dahiru Mangal, and emirs of Katsina and Daura.

    The chief imam of GRA central mosque in Katsina, Sheikh Aminu Yammawa, led the funeral prayer of late Dada Yar’Adua at the Katsina township stadium.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the mother of the late President died on Monday at the Katsina Teaching Hospital.

    Hajiya Dada was the mother of Umaru Musa Yar’adua, who served as President of Nigeria from 2007 until his death in 2010. She was known for her strong character and her influence on her son’s life and career.

    Dada was also the mother of the late Shehu Musa Yar’adua and Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the current Chairman Senate Committee on Army.

     

     

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  • Photos: Peter Obi emotional at Onyeka Onwenu’s funeral service in Lagos

    Photos: Peter Obi emotional at Onyeka Onwenu’s funeral service in Lagos

    An emotional photo of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi at the funeral service of the ace singer Onyeka Onwenu in Lagos has surfaced on social media.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the former Anambra State governor was amongst the notable persons who attended the late veteran singer’s funeral service.

    Her service of songs was held on Friday morning at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, and was attended by prominent figures.

    One of the notable persons spotted at the event was Obi, a former presidential candidate who was pictured looking sullen as he joins the rest of the crowd to pay his last respect to the late singer.

    The burial ceremony will be held around 2pm at the Ebony Vaults, James George Street, Off Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Obi had previously recalled how Onwenu collapsed after performing at the event where he was also present.

    Obi, who was amongst the notable guest present at the event said he witnessed the late singer performed, after which collapsed after drinking some water.

    The former Anambra governor noted that it was a beautiful performance, but little did they know it would be her final bow.

    Narrating the experience, he wrote; “Yesterday provided a very devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory. I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song,

    ”One Love Keep Us Together’. It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow. Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital.

    “I followed her to the hospital. I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life , doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone. Despite their valiant efforts,

    “She sadly passed away after over two hours of intense struggle. My heart goes out to her children and family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May we find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”

    See photos from the burial sevice below;

     

    Onwenu collapsed at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company on July 30. She was confirmed dead at Reddington Hospital in Lagos.

  • Peter Obi reacts to mass killing threat by Canadian-based Igbo woman against Yoruba, Edo people

    Peter Obi reacts to mass killing threat by Canadian-based Igbo woman against Yoruba, Edo people

    The presidential candidate of the Labour party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the threat made by a Canada-based woman, Amaka Sunnberger, against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier reported that the chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed Amaka Patience Sunnberger’s identity after a video of her raining threats on Yoruba and Edo people went viral.

    Sunnberger, during the live TikTok session, threatened to poison Nigerians living in Canada.

    She further dared anyone to report her to the Canadian authorities.

    The woman, who spoke mainly in Pidgin English, vowed to take poisonous substances to her workplace and poison any Yoruba or Benin person she came across due to the ‘hate’ against Igbos.

    Following the viral clip, which sparked an outrage, the House of Reps wrote to the Canadian government, calling for her prosecution.

    However, reacting via the microblogging platform X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, the former Anambra governor urged Nigerians to unite and channel their focus on addressing the numerous challenges bedevilling the nation rather than allowing tribalism to divide them.

    He wrote, “I utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a Nigerian woman living in Canada against other Nigerians of diverse origins. Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society.

    “As Nigerians, we should unite and focus on addressing our shared challenges rather than allowing tribalism and hate to tear us apart. I have consistently stood against the polarisation of our country along tribal, religious or political lines.

    “What does a nation achieve through tribal or religious bigotry? Does it contribute positively to development by fixing our numerous health and education challenges and pulling people out of poverty? Does it reduce the price of bread, rice, garri, or yam on the market?

    “Does it improve our transportation system or enhance the electricity supply? Does it ensure good governance? The answer is a resounding NO!! Our priority should be to move Nigeria forward, regardless of tribe or religion.”

    The presidential candidate then called on Nigerians to shun tribalism and religious division and work together towards a new, prosperous, and united nation.

    He added, “We, as Nigerians, must live together in peace and love, and ensure that we enthrone leaders based on integrity, competence, consistency, capacity, character and compassion, so as to overcome our present challenges and move the country forward in the right direction.

    “Let us focus on what truly matters: building a prosperous, united, and equitable Nigeria for all. We must reject tribalism and religious division and embrace our shared humanity, working together towards a new Nigeria that is possible!”

  • Peter Obi mourns tragic death of Heartland FC coach, Christian Obi

    Peter Obi mourns tragic death of Heartland FC coach, Christian Obi

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has commiserated with the management and fans of Heartland Football Club, Owerri, on the death of the club’s head coach, Christian Obi, who was involved in a ghastly motor accident.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the club had, via its verified Facebook page, disclosed that the accident occurred in Okigwe en route to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, where the Naze Millionaires were to participate in Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select preseason tournament.

    The statement said:  “With sadness in our heart and with total submission to the will of God, Heartland FC is announcing the death of Christian Power Obi who died on Friday 23rd August, 2024 from a road accident en route Abakaliki, Ebonyi State to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament.

    “The heartbreaking day saw the Heartland FC team departing the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri for the preseason Tournament with enthusiasm at around 3:30 pm in three vehicles but at about some minutes after 4 pm, one of the vehicles rammed into a carelessly parked truck in its attempt to evade an oncoming vehicle.

    “The driver tried as he could but the impact of the collision caused a sudden shock to our coach, Christian Obi who was unconscious with a slight injury to his right leg upon evacuation from the badly affected part of the bus.“

    Reacting, the former Anambra governor, in his condolence message on Saturday, prayed for the coach’s family and wished players who were injured a quick recovery.

    The statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I received the sad news of a ghastly motor accident involving the Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Imo State. I learnt the Coach of the team lost his life in the unfortunate incident with many players injured and in the hospital receiving treatment.

    “Reports indicate that the accident occurred when the team’s Coaster bus collided with a stationary truck while trying to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.

    “My condolences go to the family of the Coach, Heartland FC, Imo State Government and Nigeria football family. The injured, I pray to God for quick recovery. I pray God to grant the bereaved the fortitude to bear the loss.” 

  • Peter Obi reacts to brutal killing of Sokoto monarch by bandits

    Peter Obi reacts to brutal killing of Sokoto monarch by bandits

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the brutal killing of the District Head of Gatawa District in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa by bandits who kidnapped him earlier.

    The former Anambra governor, in a statement on Wednesday said that incidents like the monarch killing highlights the escalating insecurity in Nigeria where revered figure like the Emir are subjected to inhumane treatment.

    The presidential candidate further urged security agencies to intensify their efforts to address unwanted killings.

    Obi wrote: ”I received with deep shock and sadness, the news of the brutal murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Bawa, who was kidnapped and killed by bandits after a ₦60 million ransom demand was not met. 

    “This incident highlights once again the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, where even a revered figure like the Emir can be subjected to such treatment. 

    “The unchecked killings have gone on for far too long, leading to this tragic point. I urge security agencies to intensify their efforts to address this growing menace.

    “I sincerely commiserate with the family, the people of Gobir, Sokoto State, the dastardly killing of the Sarkin Gobir. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannat al-Firdaus (paradise) as his final abode.”

  • Peter Obi, Osibanjo pose all smiles at democratic national convention in America (Photo)

    Peter Obi, Osibanjo pose all smiles at democratic national convention in America (Photo)

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi and former Nigeria’s Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday were pictured all smiles while attending the International Leaders Forum (ILF) in Chicago on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the forum, in its 11th edition, is held in Illinois and will run from August 19 to 22.

    The Nigerian leaders met and shared a moment to take pictures sandwiched by a lady and a gentleman.

    In another picture, both were pictured seated and smiling in an office.

    Speaking at the event however, Obi via his X.com handle said he was invited “along with two other eminent Nigerians, and about two hundred other distinguished political leaders from over 91 countries, including former Heads of Governments”.

    “We were invited to participate in the 2024 International Leaders Forum (ILF) on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, holding on 19-22 August 2024,” Obi wrote on X.

    He added, “I am honoured and grateful to Senator Thomas Daschle and the Board of NDI for the gracious invitation.”

    Obi said the ILF offered leaders from Africa’s evolving democracies the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others.

    He said, “Over the years, NDI has identified and invited key senior politicians and policymakers from around the world to observe an essential and rich facet of the United States of America’s democratic process.

    “The ILF gathering serves as an opportunity for such leaders drawn from across diverse nationalities, ideologies and geographies to build relationships based on their commonality of shared experiences while identifying, peculiarities as well as common interests and addressing pressing challenges to democratic institutions, values and norms.

    “As President Tamara Wittes stated ‘Democracy is about communities making collective decisions even when people may have real differences of view – and so healthy Democracy relies on fostering open dialogue and trust. Without that trust, every political argument and every election becomes a zero-sum, existential battle’.

    “This issue of trust and value was discussed during presentations and exchanges by participants including DNC Chair Jamie Harrison, former DNC Chair, and now Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Prime Minister of Kosovo, Former Prime Minister of Denmark, former NATO Secretary General, & others.

    “The ILF offer those of us from Africa’s nascent and evolving democracies the opportunity to share our experiences and learn from others, various norms germane to building resilient democracies.

    “I am elated to be part of this process of conversations on global democracy trends and look forward to what promises to be very fruitful deliberations and constructive engagement,” Obi wrote.

    Osinbajo has not made any comments regarding his attendance.