News

You can’t stop Atiku’s presidential ambition – ADC Chieftain replies Wike

Published

2 weeks ago

June 29, 2026

Preport

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.

News

Osun at crossroads, Adeleke, Oyebamiji others will sign peace accord – ODA

Published

3 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Preport

Indigenes of Osun State in the diaspora, under the auspices of the Osun Development Association (ODA), have declared that the governorship candidates of political parties contesting in the forthcoming election in the state will sign a peace accord ahead of the poll.

ODA noted that this is necessary in view of the prevailing situation in the state and to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The group explained that the current governor and Accord candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke; the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji; the Action Alliance candidate, Olanrewaju Farinloye; the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam; the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Esan Olajide; and other candidates will sign the peace pact.

Chairman of ODA’s Leadership and Governance Committee, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, made the declaration in a statement heralding the planned summit where candidates of the political parties will sign the peace accord to prevent violence before, during and after the election.

Olugbodi, in the statement made available to DAILY POST on Monday evening, explained that the state is currently at a critical democratic crossroads.

He said the summit, with the theme, “Speak, Choose, Hold Accountable: Citizens at the Centre of Osun’s Democracy,” is billed to take place in Osogbo because it is necessary to commit all the major stakeholders to a peaceful electoral process.

Olugbodi added that the group believes the state can set a national benchmark for peaceful, credible elections.

The summit is expected to bring all stakeholders in the electoral process under one roof to chart a way forward in order to prevent any uncertainty before, during and after the election.

Olugbodi said, “Osun State is at a critical democratic crossroads. The Osun Development Association (ODA) has finalised arrangements to host the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit, a high-level civic intervention designed to steer the state’s political discourse toward issue-based campaigning and away from rising tension ahead of the August governorship election.”

ODA Chairman, Dr Segun Aina, in his contribution, noted that the collective participation of all stakeholders is necessary for the forthcoming election.

Health

Nigeria launches food procurement guidelines to tackle unhealthy diets, improve nutrition

Published

3 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Preport

WhatsApp Image 2026 07 13 at 19.24.17.jpeg

The federal government has launched the National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services.

The framework introduces nutrition standards for food purchased with public funds as part of efforts to reduce unhealthy diets and curb the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

The guidelines, unveiled on Monday in Abuja at an event themed “Public Procurement of Food: Promoting a Culture of National Wellness Through the Food Value Chain,” are expected to influence food served in public institutions, including schools, hospitals, correctional centres and military establishments, by setting evidence-based standards on nutrition, food safety and quality.

Delivering his keynote address at the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the initiative marks a shift from viewing public procurement as a routine administrative process to using it as a strategic tool to improve public health and national development.

“When the government demands healthier, safer and more nutritious food, it creates incentives for the entire food system to innovate, improve quality and align with higher public health standards,” he said.

Why it matters

Mr Salako said the government remains the country’s largest institutional purchaser of food, meaning procurement decisions have the potential to influence food production, consumer behaviour and nutrition standards across the food value chain.

According to him, the guidelines establish limits on sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats in foods procured by public institutions while encouraging balanced and nutritious diets.

He said the document complements existing national policies, including the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction, the Trans Fat Regulation and the 2023 National Policy on Food Safety and Quality.

Rising burden of unhealthy diets

Mr Salako noted that unhealthy diets contribute to about 7.2 million deaths globally every year, driven largely by excessive consumption of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats as well as inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

He revealed that the average Nigerian adult consumes between 3.9 grammes and 4.9 grammes of sodium daily, almost double the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit of 2 grammes.

Mr Salako added that increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has contributed to rising rates of obesity and diabetes, prompting the introduction of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, while industrial trans fats have also been restricted under Nigeria’s Trans Fatty Acid Regulation.

“These measures are designed to control dietary patterns that fuel the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, placing enormous pressure on health systems, national economies and household incomes,” he said.

Child malnutrition remains a concern

Mr Salako also highlighted the country’s persistent nutrition challenges, noting that malnutrition remains a direct or underlying cause of nearly half of the deaths among children under five years.

He said the Nigeria Mini Demographic and Health Survey found that about four in every 10 Nigerian children under five are stunted, while nearly two million children suffer severe acute malnutrition annually.

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“These are not merely health statistics. They represent profound human capital challenges with significant implications for educational attainment, labour productivity, household prosperity, national competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.”

Implementation key

Mr Salako stressed that the success of the guidelines would depend on effective implementation rather than their launch.

He urged procurement and accounting officers across government institutions to ensure compliance, noting that procurement decisions influence health outcomes, productivity and public confidence in government.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would continue to promote disease prevention through healthier public policies as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage.