Politics
Expired Mandates Must Go: A Call for Rebirth in the People’s Democratic Party
Expired Mandates Must Go: A Call for Rebirth in the People’s Democratic Party
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a country grappling with the deepest crises of its post-independence history, ranging from economic despair to democratic regression, there is no space for expired mandates or recycled leadership. Yet, within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), both at home and in the diaspora, many individuals who have long outlived their political relevance continue to occupy leadership positions. These individuals, once symbols of hope, have now become obstacles to progress, clinging to power not for service but for self-preservation.
The time has come to say it clearly and without apology: they must go. Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle wasted on nostalgia and recycled strategies. The PDP must embark on a painful but necessary ideological and structural rebirth. If we are to remain a viable political force capable of saving Nigeria from the catastrophic misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC), then we must begin by purging our ranks of dead weight.
When Leadership Becomes Liability
True leadership is tested not during times of ease, but in moments of national adversity. Sadly, during some of Nigeria’s darkest moments, when the people needed courage, clarity and conviction, many of the PDP’s so-called leaders were either silent, complicit or comfortably absent. While Nigerians suffered the brunt of failed policies, currency freefall, widespread kidnappings and systemic corruption under APC rule since 2015, these leaders were either engaged in backdoor negotiations or gracing dinners hosted by the same regime they were elected to challenge.
This betrayal is not merely political; it is moral. The PDP was founded as a platform for justice, inclusion and national development. Its current condition, tainted by the complicity and cowardice of career politicians, is a disgrace to that vision. Rather than resist tyranny, these political merchants have preferred transactional alliances, preferring personal gain over public good.
Opposition Is Not a Hobby: It Is a Calling
Politics in a democracy, especially from the opposition bench, is not for the faint-hearted. It requires backbone, vision and a readiness to speak truth to power, even at personal cost. But in Nigeria, opposition politics has too often been reduced to empty press releases, Twitter activism and superficial coalition-building that collapses at the scent of political appeasement. The PDP’s most vocal moments seem to come only during electoral seasons, when contracts are on the line and tickets are up for grabs.
This is not opposition, it is opportunism.
Since the APC took power in 2015, Nigeria has faced an alarming regression on nearly every front. Our economy, once Africa’s largest, now wallows in inflation, unemployment and a crumbling Naira. Insecurity has turned vast swathes of the country into killing fields. Democratic institutions have been weakened and civil liberties trampled. And yet, the PDP has not offered the formidable resistance expected of a party with its legacy. Where was the outrage when election results were manipulated? Where was the coordination when court orders were disobeyed or when citizens were gunned down during peaceful protests?
Far too often, PDP leaders have failed to meet the moment. Instead of organizing sustained campaigns against injustice, they were busy negotiating political appointments, forming alliances of convenience or going mute entirely.
The Curse of Recycled Leadership
Nigeria suffers not from a lack of talent, but from the stranglehold of geriatric politics. The same names dominate the PDP’s leadership structure year after year, individuals more committed to preserving their influence than solving Nigeria’s problems. Their ideas are outdated, their rhetoric tired and their loyalty questionable. These figures are relics of a past that Nigerians are desperately trying to escape.
It is this recycling of failed politicians that keeps the party in perpetual crisis. These individuals cling to “UNITY” not as a principle of inclusion, but as a euphemism for entitlement. They manipulate internal processes, undermine youth participation and resist reform. Their refusal to exit the stage is not only selfish; it is dangerous. They have nothing more to offer but delays, distractions and diluted strategies.
A Generational Reawakening
The PDP must now prioritize generational transition; not as a symbolic gesture, but as a matter of strategic survival. The future of opposition in Nigeria depends on the rise of a new crop of leaders, men and women who are untainted by the corruption of the past and committed to confronting the APC with courage, clarity and creativity.
We must restructure our internal systems to promote merit, innovation and grassroots participation. The party must become a sanctuary for activists, youth leaders, technocrats and political reformers, individuals who are willing to stake their reputations and risk personal comfort in service to the people. We need leaders who do not seek comfort in compromise but purpose in resistance.
This change must start from the ward level to the National Working Committee. The culture of “godfatherism,” imposition and shadow deals must end. If we fail to democratize our own party, how can we claim to defend democracy in Nigeria?
Rebirth Through Accountability
Rebuilding the PDP means going beyond slogans. It means instituting a new culture of accountability. Those who failed the party during our most difficult battles must not be rewarded with tickets or appointments. They must be named and shamed. Loyalty must no longer be measured by years of membership, but by years of service, sacrifice and substance.
PDP must also return to issue-based politics. Nigerians are tired of empty rhetoric. We must present comprehensive, bold and practical policy alternatives, from security reform to youth employment, education, healthcare and digital economy development. We must use every avenue/parliament, media, civil society, diaspora networks to expose the failures of the APC and champion workable solutions.
From Diaspora to National Action
This call also extends to the diaspora chapters of the PDP, many of which have devolved into echo chambers dominated by career politicians abroad. The diaspora should be a nerve center of innovation, advocacy and global lobbying for Nigerian democracy, not a retirement plan for political patrons. Our foreign chapters must become engines of ideas, funding and advocacy/not gossip centers filled with expired politicians chasing diplomatic appointments.
Let the new wave of diasporans be bridge-builders between Nigeria and global best practices. Let them lead policy conversations, support grassroots mobilization and raise the intellectual bar of opposition politics.
Time to Clear the Stage:
Nigeria is at a historic crossroads. The APC has failed, but failure alone does not translate to victory for the PDP. Only a credible, dynamic and forward-looking PDP can offer the country a genuine alternative. That journey begins by asking those who have failed the test of leadership to step aside.
This is not a personal attack; it is a patriotic call. If you failed to defend Nigerians in their hour of need, if your legacy is more betrayal than bravery, then the time has come to go.
Let the PDP be reborn through truth, not tokenism. Let it be restructured around the people, not personalities. Let us build a party where conviction overrides convenience and where service, not survival, is the goal.
Let the expired mandates go. Nigeria’s future cannot wait.
Politics
Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments
Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG
“Socialite’s public declaration underscores growing intersection of business, entertainment and electoral politics as Nigeria inches toward another high-stakes presidential race.”
A prominent Nigerian socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu (popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest) has publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in a move that has stirred debate across Nigeria’s political and social media landscapes.
The declaration emerged in early February 2026 through a series of Instagram posts and public exchanges with critics and followers. In those posts, the celebrity businessman stated unequivocally that he would align himself with Tinubu’s political camp and work against the anticipated presidential bid of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi.
Cubana Chief Priest, who commands a large following across Nigeria’s entertainment and hospitality sectors, framed his decision as both a political and economic calculation. In one exchange, he argued that as an employer and businessman, he preferred collaboration with the incumbent administration rather than opposition politics.
He also publicly declared that he and his family had chosen to “stay with the moving train” of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, signalling clear political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The shift is politically significant because the socialite had previously been associated with Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election cycle. In his own words, he acknowledged that he worked for Obi during that campaign, even while holding an advisory role to an APC-aligned state government.
His new stance therefore represents a notable reversal, particularly within the South-East business community, where Obi enjoyed strong support during the last election.
The controversy surrounding the declaration intensified after an online clash between Cubana Chief Priest and social commentator Isaac Fayose, the brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose. The dispute centred on the socialite’s decision to align with Tinubu’s political movement, with Fayose accusing him of opportunism. In response, Cubana Chief Priest defended his position, arguing that political alignment was a practical choice for a businessman responsible for large-scale employment.
He also linked his support for the APC government to broader political objectives, including the potential release of detained pro-Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, stating that such outcomes were more achievable from within the ruling political structure than from opposition ranks.
Beyond social media statements, reports indicate that Cubana Chief Priest has expressed interest in running for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2027 under the APC platform, suggesting that his endorsement of Tinubu is part of a deeper political ambition rather than a mere celebrity opinion.
News reports also describe his announcement of political plans and explicit backing of Tinubu as part of the emerging alignment of business figures with the president’s second-term project.
The development coincides with political moves by his associate, the businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, who has also been linked to pro-Tinubu political structures ahead of 2027.
This clustering of influential entrepreneurs around the ruling party has prompted renewed discussion about the growing role of celebrity endorsements and business interests in Nigeria’s electoral politics.
Political analysts say such endorsements, while often symbolic, can influence public perception, especially among young voters who are heavily engaged with celebrity culture. As political scientist Larry Diamond once observed, “In transitional democracies, informal power networks (business elites, media figures, and celebrities) can shape political outcomes as much as formal party structures.”
Similarly, Nigerian scholar Professor Jibrin Ibrahim has argued that “the fusion of business capital and political capital is one of the defining features of contemporary Nigerian politics.”
However, critics warn that celebrity political alignments rarely translate into structured policy debates or ideological clarity. Economist Pat Utomi has repeatedly cautioned that “Nigeria’s democracy suffers when politics becomes an extension of celebrity influence rather than a contest of ideas and development strategies.”
For now, Cubana Chief Priest’s declaration remains a personal political endorsement rather than an official party appointment at the national level. Yet its timing (more than a year before the formal campaign cycle for 2027) illustrates how early positioning has already begun among Nigeria’s political and business elites.
Key figures involved:
Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest): Socialite and businessman who declared support for Tinubu.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Incumbent Nigerian president expected to seek re-election in 2027.
Peter Obi: Former Anambra governor and likely opposition contender.
Isaac Fayose: Social commentator who criticised the endorsement.
Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana): Business associate linked to pro-Tinubu political structures.
As Nigeria moves gradually toward the 2027 electoral cycle, the intersection of celebrity influence, business interests and party politics is likely to intensify, raising fresh questions about the nature of democratic mobilisation in Africa’s most populous nation.
Obasa joins APC Leaders at Local Government Renewed Hope Coordinators’ Inauguration
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, joined leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the inauguration ceremony of the Local Government Renewed Hope Coordinators organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Lagos.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, February 11, at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Ikeja, marked a significant step in advancing the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative dedicated to mobilising grassroots support towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
As the longest-serving Speaker in the history of Lagos State, Obasa’s attendance underscores the House of Assembly’s recognition of the importance of grassroots structures in strengthening democratic participation and ensuring continuity of governance. His presence also highlights a personal alignment with broader efforts to consolidate progress and sustain development across Lagos State and Nigeria.
It further reaffirms his commitment to collaborative governance and the strengthening of institutions that serve the people, while also reflecting the unity of purpose among Lagos State’s leadership in supporting initiatives that advance the Renewed Hope vision.
The event drew a wide array of political gladiators and stakeholders, including Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Osun State APC gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji; APC chieftain Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Baba Eto); APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and former Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, among others.
Politics
ADC Inaugurates Southwest Zonal Working Committee in Ibadan, Reaffirms Party Strength and Unity
ADC Inaugurates Southwest Zonal Working Committee in Ibadan, Reaffirms Party Strength and Unity
In a significant move to boost its regional structure and foster greater coordination, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday inaugurated its Southwest Zonal Working Committee during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Kakanfo Inn, Off Ring Road, Ibadan.
The event brought together key party figures, state chairmen, and additional stakeholders from across the six Southwest states, highlighting the party’s commitment to inclusive representation and grassroots engagement.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by prominent party leaders, including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. State chairmen from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo presented comprehensive reports on the party’s structure, penetration, and preparedness in their respective states.
The briefing began with Hon. Ilesanmi Omolayo, the Ekiti State ADC Chairman, and concluded with Hon. Ashiru George from Lagos, collectively delivering reassuring accounts that underscored the ADC’s growing organizational stability and readiness for upcoming political activities.
In his address, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola charged all elected party officials and stakeholders to remain committed to strengthening the ADC in the Southwest and across Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and effective coordination as key pillars for building a formidable party capable of offering Nigerians a credible, people-oriented alternative. Aregbesola also stressed the need for continuous engagement with the national leadership to ensure proper harmonization, validation, and accuracy of party officers in all states.
During the meeting, the names of Southwest officers serving at the national level were formally read and inaugurated, reaffirming the zone’s influential role within the party’s hierarchy which includes;
1). Akinbolawale Omole – National Vice Chairman (Ekiti)
2). Captain Tunji Shelle – National Director, Communication and Programmes (Lagos)
3). Professor Bode Ayorinde – Diversity and Inclusion Secretary (Ondo)
4). Fabiyi Oladimeji – Deputy National Financial Secretary (Ogun)
5). Alhaja Khafilat Omolabake Olayiwola – Deputy National Women Leader (Oyo)
6). Olufemi Adeleye – Deputy Coordinator, Diaspora (Ekiti)
7). Mrs. Yidiat Omolara Oseni – Assistant National Organising Secretary (Osun)
Additionally, the newly appointed members of the Southwest Zonal Working Committee were introduced, further enhancing the party’s zonal framework. These zonal appointments include;
8). Assistant National Secretary: Architect Basiru Aremu Lawal
9). Assistant National Woman Leader Zonal: Lady Lydia Omarisola Olafunmiloye (Ondo)
10). Assistant National Youth Leader Zonal: Mrs. Elizabeth Adeola Olusi (Lagos)
Party leaders expressed optimism about the committee’s potential to improve leadership efficiency, promote democratic ideals, and drive regional development initiatives. The ADC remains resolute in its mission to deepen democratic values, strengthen internal structures, and position itself as a viable force for national development.
This inauguration marks a progressive step for the ADC in the Southwest, to enhance a positive collaboration and a unified push toward greater political impact in Nigeria.
ADC…. Arise and Shine!
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