LG Polls: Lagos APC Flags Off Campaign, Presents Flags To Candidates

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  The APC in Lagos State on Tuesday officially presented party flags to its 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship candidates for the 12 July Local Government Elections. The party also launched its campaign for the council at the event held at the APC State Secretariat, Ogba. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Abimbola Salu Hundeyin, the Secretary to the State Government, assured the candidates of the government’s support to help them emerge victorious in the election. “The love I have for this party is unquantifiable. I am with all the candidates; this is not just an official flag-off, it symbolises the beginning of hard work and dedication.   “We are solidly behind every aspirant, we are in this together, and all will be successful by God’s grace. “As we raise these flags today, we are proud and happy. Let us remember our values and principles; we are known for being a progressive movement. “We are not only here to win an election, we are here to change the lives of our people and continue the legacy of our President. “We must deliver all our promises to the people. Do all you can as party faithful to ensure victory for this party,” Sanwo-Olu said. Speaking, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), urged the party’s flag bearers to work for the people when elected. “Youths should be on stage now and do the work of the party, because at the moment, you are not yet at the forefront. “This is an opportunity for you to promote the name of our party. It is sad today that those looking for money are many in politics, and not people who really want to serve. “The love of our community and society should be paramount to us. Those who vied for the ticket but could not get it should be patient because there is still time, and tomorrow,” Olusi said. He urged the youth to divide themselves into groups and move into different streets to mobilise support for the party. Olusi said grassroots governance is critical, hence the need for office holders at the local government level to take care of the people and make a positive impact. The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, who noted that everyone must accept the decisions of the party at all times, urged all to support party candidates. “The party is supreme; we must stand by the decision of the party. We must obey the party and support all our candidates. We must not fight amongst ourselves. “The election is a testing ground to return President Bola Tinubu in 2027 with a large majority,” Obasa said. Handing over the flags to candidates alongside other leaders, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, State APC Chairman, applauded party leaders and aspirants for ensuring peace before, during, and after the primaries. Ojelabi, who noted that the party had done a lot to reconcile aggrieved aspirants, urged flag bearers to continue reconciliation and win over those who contested against them. According to him, out of the 475 aspirants who vied for chairmanship tickets, only 57 chairmanship candidates were finally selected. He urged the candidates to strive to meet the needs of the people in education, health, infrastructure development, youth development, and other critical areas if elected. He said that the party would continue to monitor the performance of all its elected officers. “It is a real election. We are going all out in this election. Let us reach out, knock on doors, and solicit support,” Ojelabi said. Speaking, the Chairman of the APC Campaign Committee, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, who welcomed the candidates, expressed confidence that all the flag bearers would be victorious at the polls. Balogun, who urged the party’s campaign Local Organising Committee (LOC) in each council area to start rigorous mobilisation of voters, however, cautioned that no campaign should exceed the 9 June deadline stipulated in the electoral guidelines. “This election is local and at the grassroots, so we need to campaign vigorously at the ward level. There is no limit to the campaign. Let the LOC work tirelessly to ensure victory in the election,” he said. According to him, the LOC should be co-chaired in each council by the APC LGA chairman and the council chairman. “The LOC must work with various groups, including ethnic nationalities, so that we can achieve great results. Let us move across all the wards and garner votes for the party.” The chairmanship candidates who received party flags included: Azeez Babatunde (Agege); Idowu Akinola (Orile-Agege); Johnson Akinpelu (Alimosho); Adunni Akindele (Mosan Okunola); Lukman Abiodun (Ayobo-Ipaja); Abiodun Ejigbadero (Agbado Oke-Odo); and Idris Balogun (Egbe-Idimu). Ayinde Akinsanya (Ikotun-Igando); Usman Hamzat (Ifako-Ijaiye); Oluyemisi Rosiji (Ojokoro); Akeem Dauda (Ikeja); Moyosore Adebanjo (Onigbongbo); Segun Odunmbaku (Ojodu); Tunbosun Aruwe (Mushin); Seyi Jakande (Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye); Kehinde Oloyede-Almaroof (Oshodi). Others are Adebayo Olasoju (Isolo); Taoreed Taiwo (Ejigbo); Babatunde Hunpe (Badagry Central); Rauf Yemaren (Badagry West); Ajose Kumayon; Azeez Kareem (Oto-Awori); Isa Abiola (Iba); Muhibat Adeyemi (Ojo); Rasak Oloyede (Oriade); Lanre Sanusi (Amuwo-Odofin); Olufemi Okeowo (Ifelodun); and Olalekan Akindipe (Ajeromi). Idowu Senbanjo (Apapa); Jimoh Olawale (Apapa Iganmu); Adeola Adetoro (Eti-Osa); Biliaminu Agunbiade (Eti-Osa East); Kolawole Emilagba (Lagos Mainland); Taiwo Oyekan (Lagos Island); Bola Oladunjoye (Ikoyi-Obalende); Aminat Alabi (Iru Victoria Island); Muibi Folawiyo (Lagos Island East); and Sulaiman Bamidele (Surulere) also received the party’s flag. The party’s flags were also presented to Ogidan Owolabi (Coker Aguda), Odunayo Oluwafemi (Itire-Ikate), Bayo Adefuye (Yaba), Surah Animashaun (Epe), Wale Anomo (Ikosi-Ejinrin), Ismail Akinloye (Eredo), Abdullahi Olowa (Ibeju-Lekki), Rasak Kasali (Lekki), Adedayo Ladega (Ikorodu Central), Ameen Olawale (Ikorodu North), and Sulaiman Kazeem (Ikorodu West). Others who received the party’s flags are Sunday Benson (Imota), Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba (Ijede), Hammed Aroyewun (Igbogbo Bayeku), Moyo Ogunlewe (Kosofe), Adetola Abubakar (Agboyi-Ketu), Dammy Bada (Ikosi-Isheri), Lateef Ashimi (Somolu), and Adedeji Omope (Bariga). NAN reports that the party also handed over flags to all the vice-chairmanship and councillorship candidates. The flag-off ceremony was witnessed by party chieftains, elected and appointed officials of the … Read more

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s Delayed Response To National Tragedies

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  Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s delayed visit to crisis-hit regions of the country. Obi warned that selective empathy and “leadership by remote control” send a dangerous message to grieving Nigerians In a post on X handle on Tuesday, Obi hailed Tinubu’s planned visit to Benue massacre communities but noted that similar compassion should be shown to communities in Niger State, particularly Mokwa, where floods reportedly claimed over 200 lives and left more than 1,000 people missing. “It was refreshing news on Monday to a bewildered nation learning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally decided to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State. For this, I thank him. “Even as I make further request that similar gesture should be extended to Niger state that lost more number of human lives in a natural disaster, flood recently. “Given the emergency nature of these incidents, a prompt visit would have delivered the urgency needed instead of giving future dates that make it look like a state visit,” Obi said. Obi stressed that presidential presence in disaster-hit areas can be “very reassuring and uplifting” for grieving communities, adding that the scale of devastation in both Benue and Niger demanded equal national attention. “Both Benue and Niger States have lost over 200 lives each due to recent tragedies. In Mokwa alone, more than 200 people were confirmed dead, and over 1,000 are still missing following the floods. These are not just statistics; they are the lives of Nigerian families torn apart and their communities destroyed,” he wrote. Obi noted that the distances from Abuja to both Makurdi and Mokwa are “not far”, about 282km and 287km, respectively. He contrasted this with a recent trip made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who travelled over 1,800km round trips to visit flood victims in Mthatha, where fewer than 100 people died. Obi said,”If the South African President could do it, we trust that you, as our own President, can do the same for your people. “Let your visit to Mokwa send a strong message, that all Nigerian lives matter, and that no community, no matter how rural, is forgotten.” He concluded by urging Tinubu to not only show up physically but also enhance security and disaster preparedness, especially in vulnerable regions. “We look forward to seeing not leadership by remote control but proactive leadership that responds not just with words, but with compassion and action,” Obi added. Punch  

Customs Deny Extortion Allegations By American Returnee At Lagos Airport

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  The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has refuted allegations of extortion against the GHR Command by an American Returnee, Oke Adhekegba. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdul, said in a statement in Lagos on Monday that the Command had commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the facts of the matter. The Comptroller in charge of the command, Effiong Harrison, said the passenger was accompanied by 10 pieces of luggage containing multiple items, including 15 pairs of footwear, 22 bottles of perfume, 12 pieces of bags, and numerous new clothing. Harrison said that the items were worth N3,113,574 with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,000,004. He said the Adhekegba arrived in Lagos aboard British Airways with a flight Number BA-75 from London on Friday, May 16, 2025, at approximately 18:47 hours at the arrival hall D of the old terminal. “These items were assessed at $1,948.15 USD upon proper valuation. Using the prevailing exchange rate of ₦1,598.22, the value in naira amounted to ₦3,113,574.00. “In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the applicable charges which are Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charge, Import Duty, Surcharge (SUR), ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Levy, and Value Added Tax (VAT) were computed, amounting to ₦1,000,004.00, which has since been duly remitted into the Federal Government’s coffers (Copy attached),” Harrison said. He said the customs examination was carried out by two customs officers named Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) KO Adebayo and Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) CC Ugboma. Harrison explained that NCS was committed to professionalism, transparency, and integrity. “The MMIA Command does not condone unethical behaviour or compromise of standard operational procedures by its personnel or members of the travelling public.” He said that the command had, therefore, begun a full-scale investigation to establish the facts of the matter. While the command remains open to scrutiny and welcomes constructive engagement from stakeholders, Harrison reiterated that duty should be paid on dutiable items as prescribed by the law. He stated that the command would not hesitate to enforce the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, where any passenger was found to have breached the law for personal gain. He added that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport command assured the public of its commitment to facilitating legitimate travel and trade, while upholding zero tolerance for misconduct or abuse of process at all ports of entry. NAN

Benue killings: United Nations Condemns Attacks, Calls For Justice

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  UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the attacks perpetrated over the weekend in Benue, North Central Nigeria, in which scores of civilians were killed. Guterres said those responsible for the violence should be apprehended. According to news reports, dozens of people were killed while they slept and several displaced following brutal attacks on the village of Yelewata. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said “We’re monitoring the situation. “The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria and we hope that those responsible for this violence will be found and apprehended.” President Bola Tinubu condemned the ongoing violence in Benue and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding. Tinubu will travel to the state on Wednesday as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state. During his visit, he is expected to meet with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders and youth groups to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities. The president extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis. Punch

Oyo Gov’t, Cyclist Aiming Guinness World Record Set To Train 18 Orphans

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  The Oyo State Government is set to make a historic entry into the Guinness Book of Records as it backs an attempt by Ibadan-based cyclist, Ebaide Joy who will embark on a record-breaking motorcycle journey across 12 African countries in July. The mission will not only challenge the Guinness World Record for the longest solo ride by a female biker- currently at 30,000 kilometers, but will also provide life-changing vocational training for 18 orphaned girls who have a similar background of growing up in orphanage institutions in Nigeria like Joy did. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Toyin Balogun who announced this in a statement on Monday, in Ibadan said the feat, officially approved by Guinness World Records, has full support from the Ministry of Women Affairs and social development. She said this is in a bid to empower vulnerable girls and amplify the voices of African women on the global stage. Balogun’s words, “Ebaide Joy is a daring female motorcyclist and philanthropist who is set to embark on a record-breaking motorcycle journey across 12 African countries.” She pledged institutional backing for Ebaide’s mission, describing her initiative as one that dovetails neatly with the ministry’s core mandate for the sustainable empowerment and alleviation of poverty from vulnerable demographics. She added that the ministry, with the backing of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, would be delighted to support the training and post-graduation empowerment of the 18 beneficiaries. “Once these girls complete their training, the ministry will work with your team to provide startup grants and equipment to ensure they achieve sustainable livelihoods,” she said. She observed that Ebaide’s initiative aligns with the state’s broader goal of the ministry. “This is more than a just record-breaking adventure or an adrenaline chasing venture.It’s a symbol of the resilience, courage, and commitment to breaking glass ceilings of the female demographic,” Hon. Balogun stated. She said, “You’ve been able to rise above personal and physical challenges, including being orphaned at a young age,a spinal cord injury from an accident to creating a platform for other vulnerable girls to thrive. That is not only truly extraordinary,it’s remarkable,worth celebrating and what’s more,deserving of support.” “This partnership is timely, strategic, and has a nexus with the Makinde administration’s people-centric agenda on sustainable empowerment”, the Honorable Commissioner stated. Ebaide Joy’s solo journeies are filmed with a camera mounted on her motorcycle, showcasing not only the gruelling physical demands of the journey, but also the stories of the people she meets along the way. Ebaide described her travels as the “highlight of her life,” noting that the adrenaline, purpose, and mission fuel her resolve even in moments of exhaustion. Her upcoming trip begins in July, 2025 and is expected to take three months. Upon her return to Nigeria, she plans to host a graduation ceremony for the empowered girls, marking a new chapter in their lives and continuing her mission of impact through adventure. Ebaide Joy said that her journey is not just about breaking a record; it’s about breaking cycles of poverty. “I grew up an orphan, and I understand the struggles and vulnerabilities they face.This journey is not just about breaking a record; it’s about breaking cycles of poverty,” Evaida told the Commissioner Hon( Mrs) Toyin Balogun and other officials during her visit. This program will be empowering 18 orphaned girls with three months of intensive vocational training in tailoring, hairdressing, and catering. After graduation, each will receive capital to start her own business.”

Makinde Is A Promise Keeper – Ex-APC Guber Aspirant, Niyi Akintola

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  A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Chief Niyi Akintola, has described Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as a man of integrity, calling him a “promise keeper” who has consistently earned the trust of the people. Speaking during an interview on The People’s Verdict, Chief Akintola, the Asiwaju of Idoland, praised the governor’s humility, brilliance, and developmental strides across the state. “Governor Makinde embodies everything called Omoluabi. He is humble, calculating, brilliant, unassuming and a go-getter,” he said. “When we adopted him, I took him to my local government and told him plainly what we expected and what we wouldn’t accept. He has never betrayed us.” Akintola recalled that he had predicted an overwhelming victory for Makinde in Ido Local Government in a past election — a prediction that came to pass. “What he got from Ido was more than what he got from four local governments put together,” he said. Fulfilled Promises and Developmental Impact Despite being an APC chieftain, Akintola noted that Makinde responded to the calls for infrastructure development from opposition quarters, particularly in Ido LGA. “We demanded construction of our road from Omi to Ido, which had been left unattended since 1992. Governor Makinde not only fixed that, but also completed the Owode Housing Estate to Akala Way to Toll Gate stretch. The Apete-Akufo road is also done, and construction from Akufo to Alabata in Akinyele is ongoing,” he stated. He recounted an instance while driving with the governor when Makinde saw roadside traders in Omi Adio and spontaneously promised a modern market — a promise which he said is now 99% completed. Akintola also revealed that although Ido was initially excluded from the Ibadan Circular Road project, the governor found a way to connect the area to the larger network. Widespread Praise and Recognition Sharing a testimony from a visiting Nigerian engineer based in Houston, USA, Akintola said the guest was astonished at the road developments across Ibadan. “He asked, ‘Where did you get this kind of governor? Can’t you lend him to us for a few months?’ I told him our constitution doesn’t allow that,” Akintola said humorously. He also credited Makinde with unlocking the long-delayed World Bank-backed Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project by promptly paying the state’s counterpart funding — enabling extensive dredging, bank reinforcement, and bridge reconstruction to tackle flooding in the city. Security and Other Achievements Highlighting security as another major achievement, Chief Akintola said: “Every three kilometers on the Old Oyo Road, you’ll find Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and police personnel with government-supplied vehicles. That’s a big change. I used to personally support the police, but the government has now taken full responsibility.” Citing the Moniya-Iseyin Road, Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road, and internal road networks in Ibadan, he lauded the governor’s focus on infrastructure and rated him highly. “If I were to score Governor Makinde, I would give him 85 per cent,” he said. “Our prayer is that he finishes strong, and that God grants Oyo State another prepared leader like him.”

Makinde Announces Date For Adegbola’s Coronation As The Eleruwa Of Eruwa

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  The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is set to coronate the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, Prince Adebayo Adegbola. In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the grand ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025. He noted that the coronation ceremony has been confirmed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo. Prince Oyelade said the appointment of Prince Adebayo Adegbola as the Eleruwa of Eruwa is a reaffirmation and dedication to preserving Eruwa’s cultural heritage and also to foster unity among its people. He said, “Beyond its ceremonial significance, the coronation symbolizes the collective commitment of the community to honoring its historical roots and traditions.” The Commissioner enjoined everyone, including residents and stakeholders to actively participate in the ceremony, emphasizing that the event will further strengthen communal ties, leading Eruwa into a future of growth and prosperity.

BESS: OYOSUBEB Hosts 120 Pupils In Ibadan

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  No fewer than One Hundred and twenty pupils from Oyo State public basic schools showcased their budding talents on Friday, as the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) organised a one-day competition in four sports competitions. The competition, tagged Governor Seyi Makinde Basic Education School Sports competition, is the second edition held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan on Friday. Involving seven sports zones in the state, the competition tested the youngsters’ skills in track and field, football, Ayo Olopon, and table tennis. According to the Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, the competition will serve as part of preparations for the geo-politcial Basic Education School Sports (BESS) competition, scheduled to hold next week in Lagos. Represented by a board member, Hon. Seun Oyewo, Adeniran said OYOSUBEB believes that sports are not just an extra-curricular activity, but a critical tool in shaping well-rounded pupils in the State. Adeniran added that sports competition will build the pupils character, enhance physical fitness and teach the values of cooperation and resilience. He said, “Through initiatives like BESS, we are reaffirming our commitment to holistic education and the development of future champions both in academics and athletics.” Appreciating Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chairman said his administration has invested in the growth of Basic education and the empowerment of the youth. He affirmed that each pupil is a winner, irrespective of the result of the competition. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola said the Basic Education School Sports Competition’s vision was to create a platform where every child, regardless of background, can discover their talents, build confidence, and embrace the values of teamwork and discipline. “Sports is a universal language that transcends barriers, and through this initiative, we are investing in the holistic development of our children. The energy and passion displayed by these young athletes across various schools in Oyo State remind us that our state is brimming with potential waiting to be harnessed. Today, as we witness the finals, we celebrate not just the winners but every participant who has dared to compete and grow”, he said. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, the Commissioner said Oyo State is ready to produce champions, not just in sports but in every sphere of life. “I am particularly proud that this event aligns with our goal to make Ovo State a hub for sports tourism and youth development in Nigeria.” Welcoming the pupils, the Executive Secretary, OYOSUBEB, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo noted that the young athletes are the heartbeat of the competition, urging them to carry the lessons of perseverance and unity learnt at the competition into their future endeavours. Pupils from Ibadan less city, comprising Ona-ara, Ido, Lagelu, Egbeda, Akinyele and Oluyole LGUBEAs won the football competition, defeating six other zones that participated in the tournament. Pupils from Oke-ogun zone 2, won the 100 meter race, for boys and girls. Ibarapa zone won 200meter race (girls), 400 meter race (boys and girls), and Ayo Olopon (girls). Oke-ogun zone 1 went home topping the Table-tennis (boys, girls) and the Ayo olopon (boys) competitions.

Killings Spark calls For Emergency Rule In Benue

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  A growing number of Nigerians on social media are demanding that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in Benue State following the killing of a reported number of 200 people in a two-day rampage by suspected herders. Many users are comparing the silence over the Benue massacre to the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025. Nigerians have described the Rivers situation as a heavy-handed response to a political crisis that has claimed no lives. A report by The PUNCH revealed that at least 45 people were confirmed dead in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, with local leaders claiming the true figure could be more than 200, including security officers and entire families burned alive. Despite the scale of the killings, President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency have yet to officially address the incident as of Monday morning, sparking widespread anger online. “My heart goes out to the people of Benue. 200 is a lot!!!!!! And the govt didn’t declare a state of emergency. Nigerian leaders hate Nigerians!” a user with the handle @1creeknation wrote. Referencing the recent political dispute in Rivers, an X user, Alphabet, with the handle @Alphabet_ABCD_ said, “Over 200 Nigerians were massacred in Benue and no state of emergency has been declared. The presidency hasn’t even addressed the incident 48hrs after. “But a minor misunderstanding occurred between a boy and his Oga in Ph and a state of emergency was declared. Na country be this?” Human rights activist Rinu Oduala also weighed in. Tweeting with the handle, @SavvyRinu, she said, “Zero deaths in Rivers state – State of emergency. 200+ Nigerians brutally killed in Benue and other states – No state of emergency. Tinubu, please resign. The evil you have done is enough.” Some users said the government’s reaction showed a prioritisation of political control over human lives. “Israel and Iran at war each other don’t even have this number of casualties yet. The President declared state of emergency in Rivers when infrastructures were targeted, but couldn’t care less about humans being killed in Benue,” Kunle, tweeting as @Soulmedika, wrote. Another user, KHAN, with the username @khanofkhans11_, said, “The first thing I expected was a state of emergency and heavy military presence. Comb every corner of the state and fish them out. But no, it’s I have been briefed coupled with pandering to terror!sts. Gross incompetence.” In a statement on Sunday, Tinubu expressed concern over the killings and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to unite all stakeholders to end the violence. Tinubu said, “Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings. This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.” A Facebook user, ‎Diliba Shalom, reacting to the President’s statement, wrote in pidgin, “‎Reconciliation between who and who? When it was Wike and Fubara he declared state of emergency… Now e reach Benue turn na reconciliation between farmers and herders” Nigerians continue to criticise the absence of a state of emergency or visible military crackdown in Benue State. Punch

Elect Leaders For Their Ability, Not Their Tribe — Obi Tells Nigerians

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  Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s leadership selection, urging citizens to prioritise competence, capacity, character, and compassion when choosing leaders. In a statement on Monday via X titled “What Cannot Be Hidden in Leadership,” Obi said leadership is either succeeding or failing, and the results are always visible. “There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion. Where these four are non-existent, there is no magic you can do,” he said. He reiterated his long-held position that tribal and religious considerations in leadership choices have severely harmed the country. “We must move away from voting based on tribe and religion, and begin to vote for people with competence, capacity, character, and compassion, because we have all seen, painfully, what leadership without these qualities has done to our country.” Obi emphasised that competence is vital for understanding and solving Nigeria’s complex challenges, while capacity ensures the stamina and mental strength needed to lead effectively. “Leadership must be rooted in character and integrity because without integrity, public trust collapses, corruption thrives, and selfishness takes over,” he added. “But perhaps most importantly, we need compassion, because when a leader lacks compassion, human lives are treated as statistics, and suffering is ignored.” Citing recent tragedies, Obi condemned the federal government’s apparent lack of response. “Recently, we witnessed severe flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives, with many still missing. Yet, not even a single presidential visit,” he said. “Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians, innocent men, women, children, and even soldiers were massacred in Benue State. Again, no presidential visit. No physical presence at the scenes of pain. No genuine national mourning.” Contrasting this with international examples, Obi said, “In India, after a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, the Prime Minister was physically at the scene within hours. In South Africa, when floods claimed 78 lives, the president went personally to the affected communities, stood with them, and took responsibility.” “That is leadership with compassion. That is leadership that understands the value of human life,” he said. “But here in Nigeria, we have normalised leadership without empathy, without accountability, and without a human face.” He concluded by stating that Nigeria needs more than just a president. “Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader, a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue,” he said.

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