News
2027: Atiku, Melaye, Fayose warn Nigerians against Tinubu’s re-election
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye and Emmanuel Fayose, a House of Representatives aspirant in Ekiti State, have urged Nigerians to reject President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general election.
They made the call during a meeting with ADC leaders and members in Abuja on Thursday, warning that the country's economic challenges could worsen if Tinubu secured a second term.
Atiku, who was represented by his spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, accused the President of undermining democratic institutions by allegedly exercising excessive control over the legislature and the judiciary.
He said the National Assembly had failed to hold the executive accountable, arguing that lawmakers were prioritising the President's interests over those of ordinary Nigerians.
“In Nigeria today, the parliament is for the president, not for the people,” Okonkwo said, adding that the legislature was supposed to check the executive in the interest of citizens.
He criticised what he described as excessive government spending amid widespread economic hardship, insisting that lawmakers should scrutinise public expenditure and demand accountability.
Okonkwo also called on opposition parties to unite and present credible candidates capable of providing effective representation and delivering democratic dividends.
He questioned the President's frequent foreign trips, arguing that constitutional provisions on presidential succession must be respected.
The ADC spokesman further criticised the administration's borrowing, arguing that rising debt obligations were placing additional pressure on public finances and worsening the country's economic difficulties.
He likened the country's economic situation to the biblical wilderness, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy had increased the burden on Nigerians already struggling with hunger and poverty.
Okonkwo also raised concerns about Tinubu's health and capacity to govern, saying Nigerians needed a leader capable of managing the country's challenges. He, however, acknowledged that illness was a human condition and should not be used to stigmatise anyone.
Former Kogi West lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, in his remarks, criticised Tinubu's comparison of Nigeria's situation with Egypt while defending the President's position against calls for the restoration of fuel subsidy.
Melaye argued that Egypt had overtaken Nigeria in several economic indicators, including gross domestic product, per capita income, unemployment and poverty, insisting that the President's comparison was misplaced.
He said Nigeria needed leadership capable of addressing its economic problems, warning that the hardship currently experienced by citizens could become more severe if Tinubu returned to office in 2027.
“This hunger you are seeing now is prelim. This hunger you are seeing now is introduction to hunger. You have not even gotten to hunger,” Melaye said, warning Nigerians about the possible consequences of another APC administration.
The former lawmaker also criticised the National Assembly, describing it as an extension of the executive rather than an independent institution capable of holding the government accountable.
Drawing on his experience in the House of Representatives and Senate, Melaye argued that the legislature must reclaim its constitutional responsibility of checking the executive and protecting the interests of Nigerians.
He called on opposition figures across political parties to work together, stressing that the country's survival should take precedence over personal ambitions, ethnic considerations and political affiliations.
Melaye urged opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other political figures, to recognise the need for cooperation in the 2027 election, arguing that Nigeria required a leader capable of uniting its diverse population.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Fayose, the younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, alleged that the Tinubu administration was concerned about Atiku's popularity and political influence.
Fayose said the South-West would play a significant role in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, urging Nigerians to assess political candidates based on their records and capacity to lead.
He also expressed confidence that Atiku could attract substantial support in the region, while emphasising the need for voter education and sensitisation, particularly among young people.
2027: Atiku, Melaye, Fayose warn Nigerians against Tinubu’s re-election
Views: 37
The Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE), Plateau State Chapter, on Friday, November 13, 2026, held an educational empowerment programme in Jos, Plateau State, with the distribution of free laptops to deserving students across tertiary institutions in the state.
The initiative, held at Tamarald Event Centre, Jos, was organised in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the vision of Renewed Hope Youth Movement . It is aimed at promoting digital inclusion, strengthening educational opportunities and equipping young Nigerians with the technological resources needed to excel in today’s increasingly digital society.
The event featured the presence of the Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement initiative, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, who was accompanied by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.
Other notable dignitaries included the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Prince Miaphen; the Plateau State Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, Prince David Daser; the State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Youth Engagement, Mr. Manji Wilson; alongside other government officials, youth leaders, political stakeholders and students.
500 LAPTOPS TARGETED, 50 STUDENTS BENEFIT IN FIRST PHASE
A major highlight of the programme was the announcement of plans to distribute 500 laptops to deserving tertiary institution students across Plateau State.
Under the first phase of the initiative, 50 students drawn from various institutions received brand-new laptops to support their academic activities and digital learning.
Among the institutions represented were the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State University (PLASU), Plateau State Polytechnic (PLAPOLY), College of Health Technology, Zawan, College of Health Technology, Pankshin, and other institutions.
According to the organisers, the beneficiaries were selected based on academic merit, particularly their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), through a process facilitated by their respective institutions.
The laptops are expected to enhance students’ access to digital learning resources, academic research, assignments, online educational platforms and the acquisition of essential technological skills.
SEYI TINUBU VISITS GOVERNOR MUTFWANG, BARKIN LADI MEDICAL OUTREACH
Beyond the educational empowerment programme, Barr. Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State also featured other engagements.
Prior to the event in Jos, he visited a free medical outreach organised by the City Boy Movement in Barkin Ladi, where residents benefited from healthcare services.
He also paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at the Government House, Jos.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government and the TIME IS NOW administration for their support and cooperation towards the successful hosting of the programme.
JOS ENTERTAINMENT STARS ADD COLOUR TO THE EVENT
The programme also featured entertainment and musical performances, making the occasion a celebration of youth, education and talent.
Popular Nigerian rapper Ice Prince Zamani, alongside Jos-based entertainers including Classic and Seemo Da Black Czar, thrilled guests and participants with live performances.
The entertainment segment added excitement to the gathering, bringing together education, youth engagement and the creative industry on one platform.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the organisers emphasised that the laptop distribution goes beyond the provision of electronic devices, describing it as an investment in the future of young Nigerians.
For the beneficiaries, the laptops represent valuable tools that will improve their learning experiences, expand access to educational opportunities, encourage digital innovation and prepare them for a technology-driven world.
The event which was well coordinated by Renewed Hope Youth Engagement further highlights the importance of youth-focused initiatives in promoting education, innovation, digital inclusion and sustainable development.
With a target of reaching 500 students, the initiative is expected to extend its impact to more deserving students across Plateau State as subsequent phases of the programme unfold.
The November 13 engagement marks another major youth-focused activity in Plateau State, bringing together government, youth organisations, educational institutions and the creative community in support of the development and empowerment of young people.
A political analyst, Sam Amadi, has said presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, cannot effectively run a typical Nigerian political organisation because of his minimalist political approach and reluctance to distribute money.
Amadi said Obi's style of politics was fundamentally different from Nigeria's prevailing political culture, where politicians expect financial rewards and other benefits from their political associations.
He argued that some politicians who left Obi's camp were partly driven by what they expected from him but did not get.
Speaking on Arise Television's Prime Time programme on Friday, Amadi said Nigeria's political environment was unstable, with politicians frequently moving between political platforms in pursuit of personal interests.
According to him, some politicians who left Obi's camp had approached him to explain their grievances.
Amadi said their complaints reflected a fundamental disagreement between Obi's political philosophy and the expectations of politicians operating within Nigeria's political system.
The former Director-General of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, maintained that Obi understood his limitations in managing the country's conventional political structure.
He also described Obi as a minimalist who prefers a less elaborate approach to politics, arguing that the former Anambra State governor would rather pursue a straightforward path to political success than engage in the extensive political mobilisation associated with conventional Nigerian politics.
Amadi said: "Peter Obi represents a different kind of politician. Everything about him is often also exaggerated.
"Atiku ran for election with him as vice. The first thing he did after the election was to jump.
"First, Nigeria has a political market that's unstable. Yes. Most of these guys who left, they've come to me, and I talk to them, and they bring issues of grievance. And I say to these guys, look, I've served as Senate president. I've served Jonathan. I disagree with these people, but it's part of it.
"There's a political career. These guys want to move on. Secondly, they also want to have some things Peter cannot offer. That's a deep dissonance between Peter and Nigerian politics. People forget that. Yes, he doesn't give money.
"So Peter is not capable; Peter cannot run a typical Nigerian political organization. He knows that.
"Again, Peter is a minimalist, but it's business. He likes to, if he can, just sneak through this. He doesn't have to open the whole place."
2027: Peter Obi can’t run typical Nigerian political organisation – Sam Amadi
-
News4 days agoAPM holds Presidential Campaign in Plateau, Pledges Security and Economic Reset
-
News1 day ago
UNIJOS Appoints Patricia Lar as First Female Vice-Chancellor
-
News3 days ago
NiYA: Nigeria Awards ₦49m grants to 17 young entrepreneurs – Technology Times
-
News4 days ago
NPFL Matchday 12 Roundup: Rangers Edge Kwara United, Bendel Snatch Late Winner as Inter Lagos Rescue Derby Point
