society
The Betrayal of a Dream: How Atiku Abubakar Undermined the PDP Legacy
The Betrayal of a Dream: How Atiku Abubakar Undermined the PDP Legacy
By George O. Sylvester (According to Chief Frank Anagu)
Once upon a time in the annals of Nigerian political history, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stood tall as the most beautiful bride of the Fourth Republic graceful, purposeful and built on the sacrifice of visionaries who gave their sweat and soul to end military tyranny. Founded in the wake of national despair, the PDP was not just a party it was a mission, a covenant between the people and democracy.
The party’s roots trace back to the courageous G34 group, a coalition of Nigeria’s finest elder statesmen led by the likes of the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Olu Falae, Pa Abraham Adesanya and other political patriots. Their singular goal: to oust the dictator Sani Abacha and restore the rule of law in a bleeding nation. It was not a game of power, but a fight for Nigeria’s survival. The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), originally founded by the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, played a crucial role in that struggle. Upon Yar’Adua’s death, his political heir, Atiku Abubakar, took the reins of PDM and merged it with G34. This union birthed the PDP, a party we all laboured to build.
It is within this historical backdrop that the tragedy of Atiku Abubakar’s political missteps must be critically examined. According to Chief Frank Anagu, a founding member and former Chairman of the PDP South Africa Chapter and former Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), the party’s decline is not accidental it is the result of avoidable betrayals, unholy alliances and a chronic lack of discipline and ideological clarity from leaders who should have known better.
When the PDP was being formed, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was still incarcerated. Upon his release and in a spirit of national healing, the party’s founding fathers approached him to serve as a one-term transitional president. His mission was clear: to rein in the military, professionalize the armed forces and restore Nigeria to democratic sanity. Atiku Abubakar, in what was then considered an act of patriotism, supported Obasanjo’s emergence against the grain of party elders.
But power, as always, reveals the character of men. Once in office, Obasanjo reneged on the gentlemen’s agreement and sought a second term. Rather than defend the original covenant with the party’s founders, Atiku betrayed that agreement and justified it by saying Obasanjo had “knelt down” to beg for his support. At that time, Atiku wielded immense power controlling 28 PDP Governors and could have restored principle over politics. Instead, he enabled the betrayal. That was the first mistake.
On December 14, 2004, during the African National Congress (ANC) Convention in Stellenbosch, South Africa, a defining moment unfolded. Chief Frank Anagu, then PDP Chairman in South Africa, was at the Cape Town International Airport to receive Vice President Atiku Abubakar. With him were Chief Charles Rapuluchukwu Ufochukwu (PDP Chairman, Western Cape) and Dr. Tunji Olagunju (then Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa). But to their astonishment, the first person to step off Atiku’s flight was none other than Bola Ahmed Tinubu accompanied by Bayo Ojo. A chill ran down the spines of those present. This was no ordinary visit; it was a political omen.
Chief Frank Anagu, addressing Atiku, cautioned him strongly: “Be very careful about those who do not want you to be President of Nigeria.” The ambassador himself nodded in agreement and clapped, a silent but firm endorsement of the warning. Yet, Atiku, ever dismissive of internal wisdom, defended his closeness with Tinubu in front of the Nigerian community. Worse still, he uttered the words that would haunt him for years: “I can be President of Nigeria with or without Obasanjo.” That arrogance, that detachment from political reality, marked the beginning of his downfall.
Atiku’s perpetual DECAMPING from PDP to Action Congress (AC), then back to PDP, then to APC and again back to PDP reflects a man not anchored by principle but by political survivalism. Such instability has led to the erosion of the PDP’s ideological identity, resulting in the disillusionment of party faithful across the nation and in the diaspora.
Today, the PDP is a shadow of its former self not because it lacked talent or vision, but because leaders like Atiku failed to embody consistency, discipline and loyalty. Chief Frank Anagu, having served in several capacities within the PDP and having witnessed firsthand the integrity of the party’s formation, laments what the party has become: “This is not the party we fought to build. It was a dream born from sacrifice. Now, it is threatened by selfish ambition.”
The lesson here is simple: no political movement can survive the constant betrayal of its founding ideals. The PDP was never designed to be a one-man show, but a collective platform of patriotic Nigerians committed to unity, equity and justice. Atiku’s political zig-zagging and refusal to reconcile sincerely with key party blocs has cost the PDP dearly.
But all hope is not lost. In the spirit of political redemption, Chief Frank Anagu offers strategic advice: “Now that the Labour Party is in disarray, Atiku must be bold and humble enough to forge an alliance with the Obidient movement of Peter Obi.” This is not about Peter Obi or Atiku alone, it is about rebuilding the foundation of democratic politics in Nigeria. A merger of credible forces is not only strategic, it is necessary for survival.
The 2027 elections present a critical opportunity. Nigeria cannot afford another cycle of recycled confusion. A coalition that unites the PDP’s experience with the energy and idealism of the Obidient movement may very well be the last hope of rescuing Nigeria from the grip of impunity and visionless governance.
Chief Frank Anagu’s reflections must not be dismissed as mere nostalgia. They are a wake-up call. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on whether leaders are willing to set aside ego for purpose, ambition for nationhood and manipulation for morality.
Let this serve as a historic record. The PDP was built on blood, sweat and a dream. It must not be allowed to die at the hands of those who benefited most from its birth. Nigeria deserves better. And so does the People’s Democratic Party.
Epe Premier Club Meets Obasa Ahead of Baba Bamu’s Immortalisation
The leadership of the prestigious Epe Premier Club on Wednesday, January 28, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, as part of preparations for the Club’s inaugural immortalisation ceremony in honour of their founding fathers.
Led by Hon. Abiodun Mustainu Tobun, the delegation briefed Speaker Obasa on the Club’s resolve to inaugurate a new era of recognising and immortalising iconic figures who contributed significantly to the socio-political and cultural development of Epe Division while they are still alive. He explained that the Club had unanimously selected Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu—a respected member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and political leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe Division—as the first honouree.
Hon. Tobun emphasised that Baba Bamu embodies leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the growth of Epe, describing him as a mentor and pillar whose contributions have shaped the region’s political trajectory.
Responding, Speaker Obasa commended the Epe Premier Club for its foresight in institutionalising a programme to honour the legacies of distinguished individuals. He applauded the choice of Alhaji Seriki Bamu, noting that his impact, political maturity, and statesmanship continue to resonate across Lagos State.
Obasa expressed gratitude for the invitation and assured the delegation of his support and presence at the celebration, stressing the importance of recognising leaders who have given immensely to community and state development.
The courtesy visit also provided a platform for broader conversations on civic engagement, community empowerment, and collaborations aimed at further advancing Epe Division.
The immortalisation ceremony for Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu will take place in the coming weeks and is expected to draw dignitaries, community stakeholders, and residents in large numbers.
society
Africa Gospel Film Project Launched to Train a New Generation of Christian Filmmakers Across Africa
Africa Gospel Film Project Launched to Train a New Generation of Christian Filmmakers Across Africa
Abuja, Nigeria – January 2026 — Gospel Cinema International has officially announced the launch of the Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP), a bold, multi-year capacity-building and film production initiative designed to equip African Christian filmmakers with professional skills, spiritual depth, and global distribution pathways.
Africa is home to over 600 million Christians, yet African faith-based films remain significantly underrepresented in global catalogues. AGFP was created to address this gap by training filmmakers, producing premium-quality faith-based content, and strategically connecting Africa’s Christian film ecosystem to the global market.
The project will launch its first phase with a 6-Day Immersive Filmmaking & Spiritual Formation Program, scheduled to hold April 13–18, 2026, in Nigeria, followed by the production of an 8-episode faith-based series later in the year.
“Film is one of the most powerful tools shaping culture and belief today,” said Bright Wonder Obasi, president of Gospel Cinema International. “Africa Gospel Film Project is not just about making films—it is about shaping storytellers who understand both excellence and spiritual responsibility.”
AGFP will focus on:
Professional training in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, producing, and acting
Deep spiritual formation and mentorship
Collaborative production and international distribution pathways.
Gospel Cinema International is a faith-driven film development organization committed to training, producing, and distributing impactful Christian films that shape culture and inspire faith globally.
Applications and partnership discussions are now open.
For applications and information:
visit www.gospelcinemaint.com
Email [email protected]
Follow @gosplecinemtrybe across social media for updates.
2027: Group Urges Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi to Contest Niger Governorship
A group known as the Niger Progressives & Prosperity Promoters (NPPP) has issued a strong public appeal urging Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Niger State.
In a statement dated January 27, 2026, signed by Dr. Ibrahim K. Mohammed as convener, the group criticized the current administration under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for what it described as excessive international travels, unfulfilled agreements, and lack of tangible development in areas like water supply, jobs, agriculture, security, and infrastructure, despite the state’s abundant resources.
The statement described Malagi—a former governorship aspirant in 2023, media entrepreneur, and federal minister—as the ideal candidate, highlighting his calm, strategic, results-oriented leadership style, national experience, and ability to deliver without theatrics or corruption.
It emphasized that the call transcends party lines and urged youths, elders, professionals, farmers, and community leaders to rally behind competence for Niger State’s progress, describing the moment as a critical crossroads where delay risks further decline.
Full Press Statement:
Enough Is Enough: A Clarion Call on Mohammed Idris Malagi to Step Forward in 2027.
There comes a moment in the life of a people when patience expires and silence becomes betrayal. Niger State has reached that moment.
Our state stands at a dangerous crossroads rich in land, water, and people, yet poor in outcomes; blessed with opportunity, yet trapped in underperformance. What we suffer today is not a lack of promises, but a surplus of them. Not a lack of travels, agreements, or signatures, but a tragic absence of results.
For three years, Niger State has been subjected to a governance style that prioritizes junketing over delivery leaders hopping from the USA to the UAE, from Russia to China, Brazil to South Africa, Egypt to Singapore. From Lagos State to Dangote multi billion agreements, signing glossy Memoranda of Understanding that never translate into water in our taps, food on our tables, jobs for our youths, or dignity for our people.
Agreements without impact are not achievements. Frequent flights without measurable outcomes are not leadership. Sophisticated paperwork masking systemic corruption is not governance. Niger State does not need a globe-trotting signatory-in-chief. Niger State needs a governor.
Why the Call Is Now Unavoidable:
This is why the call across Niger State is no longer cautious or quiet. It is bold, collective, and unmistakable:
Mohammed Idris Malagi must hear the cry of the masses, the unpaid pensioners, the poor farmers that have not seen fertilizer for their farms, and the teeming unemployed youths to contest for the Governorship of Niger State in 2027.
This is no longer a suggestion. It is a call to duty. The people are tired of leadership that manages decline instead of driving development. Tired of carefully crafted speeches that produce no schools, no hospitals, no security, no water, and no agricultural value chain. Tired of a system that looks sophisticated on paper but is rotten in practice.
Niger State must break free from this cycle.
What Niger State Needs Now Is Calm, Astute, and Results-Driven Leadership.
Mohammed Idris Malagi represents a fundamentally different leadership model one rooted in calm authority, strategic thinking, and execution, not noise, lousiness or theatrics.
His leadership style is not impulsive or erratic. It is measured, deliberate, and intelligent. He listens, analyzes, decides, and delivers. He does not confuse activity with productivity or visibility with value. He share responsibility and respect views and dialogues.
At the national level, Malagi has demonstrated a deep understanding of how power, policy, and institutions truly function not in theory, but in reality. He has mastered the ability to articulate vision clearly and earn public confidence without intimidation or propaganda.
He has the discipline to operate under intense pressure while maintaining clarity, composure, and direction. With the capacity to move complex systems from decision to implementation, not endless committees, fraudulent entities and excuses. This is executive leadership, this is governor-level competence. Niger State does not need a power monger who monopolizes authority at the expense of good governance. It needs a leader already tested by complexity.
Niger State cannot afford anymore four years of experimental governance. Another cycle of foreign trips with no domestic impact. Another administration that signs agreements while communities remain abandoned. Another sophisticated corruption network dressed up as reform of “New Niger” an agenda of multiple corruption must not be allowed to continue, to be governed by a system that looks modern but delivers poverty.
A Leadership Moment That Cannot Be Deferred is now.
At crossroads, delay equals decline.
Insecurity deepens while opportunities slip away. Public trust erodes while governance becomes increasingly disconnected from lived realities. Incrementalism is no longer an option.
Niger State see in Malagi as the next governor that will be Prepared, not rehearsing; Decisive, not tentative; Calm, not chaotic; Nationally respected, yet deeply rooted in local realities; Bold enough to reform systems, not merely administer decay.
Mohammed Idris Malagi fits this moment not by coincidence, but by competence.
Beyond Party Lines, For Niger State
This clarion call is not anchored on any political party. It is anchored on capacity, courage, and commitment.
Political parties are vehicles. Leadership is the engine.
On whatever platform the people choose, Mohammed Idris Malagi represents a unifying option one capable of bridging zones, generations, faiths, and political divides. This is not about comfort or convention; it is about survival, progress, and dignity.
To Mohammed Idris Malagi: History Is Knocking
History does not knock endlessly. When it does, it demands a response.
This is not about personal ambition. It is about responsibility to a state at risk of prolonged stagnation. The people are watching. The moment is ripe. The call is clear.
Mohammed Idris Malagi, Niger State calls on you to contest for Governor in 2027.
Step forward. Offer your service. Accept the burden of leadership.
The Movement Starts Now
This is a call to youths and elders, professionals and farmers, traders, artisans, traditional rulers, and religious leaders across Niger State:
Rally around competence, not convenience.
Choose results over rhetoric.
Demand leadership, not excuses.
Let it be said that when Niger State stood at a crossroads, its people chose direction over drift, courage over comfort, and leadership over illusion.
2027 must be the year Niger State takes its future back.
And that future must begin with decisive, calm, and competent leadership.
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