A Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has expressed deep concern over the recent statement credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, where he boasted that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, would never become President of Nigeria and that he possesses the political structure to ensure that such a presidential ambition fails again in 2027.

In a statement on Monday made available to journalists, Eze described the claim as unfortunate, childish, undemocratic, arrogant and reflective of a dangerous mindset that seeks to elevate one individual above the collective will of millions of Nigerians.

He stressed that in a democracy, no single politician, regardless of the position he occupies or perceived influence, possesses the power to determine who becomes President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The ADC chieftain therefore challenged the FCT Minister to explain to Nigerians the exact nature of the “structure” he constantly boasts about.

According to Eze, Nigerians should know whether the Minister is referring to a legitimate political structure built on the confidence, goodwill and support of the electorate or a structure allegedly anchored on the manipulation of state institutions, intimidation of political opponents, deployment of security agencies, abuse of governmental powers and other anti-democratic practices that have over the years undermined the sanctity of the electoral process.

“It is important that Wike tells Nigerians what he means by structure. Is it the structure of the people or the structure of power? Is it a structure founded on democratic principles or one built around the intimidation of opponents and the manipulation of institutions? These are questions Nigerians deserve answers.

He noted that the hardship, hunger, insecurity, rising cost of living and economic uncertainty currently confronting Nigerians have fundamentally altered the political consciousness of the electorate.

The ADC scribe stated that Nigerian people are increasingly determined to reclaim their country from leaders and political actors whose actions have contributed to the nation’s present challenges.

Eze maintained that the days when a few powerful individuals could sit in secluded political meetings and decide the fate of the nation are rapidly coming to an end.

He argued that the growing political awareness among Nigerians, particularly the youth, will make it increasingly difficult for any politician to impose his personal preferences on the electorate.

The ADC stalwart further reminded Wike that political influence is neither permanent nor absolute. He observed that history is replete with examples of individuals who once considered themselves indispensable political forces but eventually discovered that power belongs ultimately to the people.

He warned against the dangerous illusion of political invincibility, stressing that no politician remains relevant forever and that the electorate possesses the ultimate authority to reward or reject leaders at the polls.

Eze stated that many Nigerians are still grappling with the consequences of policies and political decisions of the current administration that have worsened their economic conditions and diminished their confidence in government.

He argued that rather than engaging in premature political chest-thumping, public office holders under the Tinubu regime should be focusing their energies on addressing the numerous challenges confronting ordinary citizens across the country.

He further emphasized that the 2027 presidential election will not be determined by boasts, threats, propaganda or political intimidation but by the collective judgment of Nigerians based on competence, credibility, vision and the capacity to rescue the nation from its present predicament.

The ADC chieftain expressed confidence that the army of patriotic Nigerians committed to democratic reforms and national development has provided a formidable platform – the ADC – a well-structured party, capable of challenging the current political order. He insisted that the political calculations that may have worked in previous election cycles cannot be relied upon as guarantees of future success.

“The unfortunate impression being created by Wike is that the destiny of Nigeria rests in his hands.

“Nothing can be farther from the truth. Nigeria belongs to over three hundred million citizens and not to one individual, no matter how highly placed. The occupant of Aso Rock in 2027 will be determined by Nigerians and not by the personal wishes of any political office holder,” Eze declared.

He warned that any political structure erected on arrogance, intimidation, manipulation and the abuse of state power will inevitably crumble when confronted with the united resolve of a determined electorate.

He stressed that Nigerians are wiser, more vigilant and more prepared than ever before to defend their democratic rights and ensure that their votes count.

Eze therefore advised Wike to abandon divisive rhetoric and clownish political grandstanding and instead focus on rendering effective service to Nigerians in his current capacity as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Nobody owns Nigeria. Nobody has the monopoly of political relevance. Nobody possesses a private franchise over the Presidency of this country. The sovereign will of Nigerians remains supreme and will ultimately prevail over every scheme, every structure and every attempt to undermine the democratic choice of the people. The 2027 election will be decided by Nigerians and Nigerians alone,” Eze noted.

A Consultant Gynaecologist and Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, Victor Ajayi, has said only one in four men currently has optimal semen quality, citing research that points to a steady decline in male fertility over recent decades.

Mr Ajayi made the remark during a webinar organised by the fertility centre on Saturday. The webinar was themed “The Forgotten Men: Conversation on Infertility.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fertility specialist cited a 2012 study which found that only about 25 per cent of men had semen quality considered optimal for natural conception.

He said periodic studies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have also shown a global decline in male reproductive potential, with sperm counts falling by more than 50 per cent over the past five decades.

According to him, only a small proportion of men now produce the minimum sperm concentration considered adequate for natural conception, compared to the much higher sperm counts commonly recorded decades ago.

Mr Ajayi warned that if the trend continues, it could have serious implications for human reproduction.

Causes of declining sperm quality

He attributed the decline to obesity, unhealthy lifestyles, sperm DNA fragmentation, prolonged exposure of the testes to heat, psychological factors and other underlying medical conditions.

The fertility specialist also challenged the widespread belief that infertility is primarily a woman’s problem.

He said that infertility had been culturally and socially framed as a female problem, leaving women to bear stigma, undergo investigations and shoulder emotional burdens.

He noted that male infertility remained largely overlooked in spite of evidence showing that men contributed significantly to infertility cases.

“It is time to bring men into the conversation about reproductive health, not as bystanders, but as equal participants whose fertility matters,” he said.

The fertility specialist said many of the factors affecting sperm quality were preventable and could be addressed through sustained lifestyle changes.

He called for increased public awareness, early intervention and proper counselling to address male infertility and encourage shared responsibility in reproductive health.

Also speaking, Pilot Gbolahan, Clinical Psychologist at Nordica Fertility Centre, said men rarely displayed their emotional problems.

Mr Gbolahan noted that many men were emotionally distant while suffering from depression caused by infertility and equally avoided therapy.

“Infertility is a medical condition not a reflection of masculinity or strength.

“Male factors contribute to 50 per cent of infertility cases, yet many men delay in seeking fertility evaluation.

“Breaking the silence is the first step towards finding a solution”, he said.

ALSO READ: Nigeria’s fertility rate drops to 4.8 children per woman — NDHS

The psychologist said early assessment could make a significant difference. He advocated for routine psychological services within fertility clinics and reproductive healthcare settings across Nigeria.

Jesse Atongo, Consultant Gynecologist, Nordica Fertility Centre, added that many men equated sexual function to reproductive capacity.

Mr Atongo stated that infertility could be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination and semen analysis.

The gynaecologist noted that male infertility treatment was individualised based on the identified etiology, severity of sperm impairment and the couple’s overall fertility profile.

According to him, infertility could be managed through medications, surgery and assisted reproduction. He encouraged men to eschew illicit substances, excessive heat, alongside alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight and safe sex.

(NAN)