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PASEDA: Striving beyond Awolowo’s unending dreams

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As much as we cannot crush faith by simply removing its earthly manifestation, we can hold firm as long as we believe in the fact that change must continue to occur in our dear country. The change we deserve would come through individuals or collective of individuals that truly believe that a political position is not an avenue to fulfil an unrealistic childhood dreams of owning the entire world through pocket servicing.

Many would reason along with me that the political, economic and social footprints of the only president Nigeria never had has been the bedrock for many individual politicians and political parties in Nigeria today. Hardly would a day go by without you hearing from a politician that his or her party’s stands to build on the foundation of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It is in no doubt that the Awolowo’s dream is so marketable to this generation and to the arriving generations as far as politicking and governance is concerned in Nigeria.

The first noticeable trait of good leadership that was exhibited by Chief Obafemi Awolowo is the vision and wisdom that he harnessed in reforming and forming a strong political structure with ideals of liberating the entire Nigerian race as far as governance is concerned. Awolowo from my opinion was a man that strived to create a consenting process and unity which was aimed at ensuring that the shared origins and the economic well-being of Nigerians are extremely important. In all circumstance, I have come to conclude that Awolowo’s resentment of discrimination and inequality influenced his politics and ambitions as a nationalist. This I have traced to the character of Olawale Rotimi Paseda, a man that has seen himself as a crusader on behalf of his beliefs. He has demonstrated this through his personal convictions and concerns about morality, honour and truth in the political process. This has been expressed through his servant-leader relationships among people around him.

Rotimi Paseda might have lost the gubernatorial race in Ogun State at the last polls but the stricking thing about his loss was that he came around the state politicking barely few months to election and pulled enough strength by emerging third at the polls.  Beyond the material and intellectual benefits of linking wider political ambitions with local political support, a comparison of Awolowo’s career with a typical man like Paseda suggests that local support was not only instrumental for a successful political career at all levels because it provided the required votes. The Unity Party of Nigeria is a political party that many have forgotten about.

It is a party that the late Awolowo himself nurtured for modern democracy but after his death; the party barely survived the heat of real Nigerian political struggle especially at the emergence of stronger political parties at the fourth democratic republic. Unity Party of Nigeria is so alien to many eardrums until the last election when it resurrected from angles that no one expected. The notion behind the party’s sudden emergence is that the great vision of Awolowo must be achieved beyond imagination. I guess heaven smiled at the intention has a singular man’s struggle has made it a party to be reckoned with at the moment. If not a strong opposition as at now, it is growing the tentacles of a viable opposition sooner or later. Paseda insists that Awolowo’s legacy must not die. He is not saying this with mere words of mouth; he is acting it like Awolowo himself would have acted if he still sailing on this Island called mother earth. Awolowo was a supporter of good initiative just like Paseda made it obvious that he stood for that irrespective of where or whose party it is coming from. If it is a good initiative that would checkmate the excesses of the citizenry or initiatives that would better the life of every Nigerian, he readily admires and embrace. No doubt that Paseda being an Awoist to the core, believes so much in Awolowo’s philosophy to the latter. This single man went on a tour to Northern part of Nigeria to revive the Unity Party of Nigeria in that part of the country. This is a rare breed of today’s politician. Most of our politician wants readymade parties that they can easily ride on smoothly to power.  I guess Paseda took a well grip of Awolowo’s message at the point of death that, there will be a time when the good from the left and right will come together to form a credible government’, what this means is that the good from APC, PDP, UPN, etc, can come together to form a formidable force to move Nigeria forward.

To the youths, this is a typical politician that we can learn from his style of politicking. If it is to be, it is up to us. (Whyte Habeeb Ibidapo is a Lawyer, United Nations Award winner, Africa International Arbitration Award winner, amongst others.

 

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“No Shettima, No APC”: 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

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"No Shettima, No APC": 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

“No Shettima, No APC”: 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

 

GOMBE — With the 2027 general election still two years away, a suspected plot to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on President Bola Tinubu’s ticket has ignited internal tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), culminating in a violent outburst during a party stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe on Sunday.

The North-East zonal meeting, initially convened to rally support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, descended into chaos when party leaders failed to reaffirm Shettima’s place on the 2027 ticket — sparking outrage among his supporters.

A viral video from the event captured the moment the APC’s Zonal Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, was physically attacked, with an angry delegate striking him with a chair and another hurling a black plastic bucket at him. Salihu fled the stage as chants of “Shettima! Shettima!!” erupted from furious delegates.

Tensions flared when Salihu, during his speech, endorsed Tinubu as the sole candidate for 2027 but made no mention of the Vice President. His omission was interpreted as a deliberate slight, especially in Shettima’s home zone.

“This is a calculated attempt to sideline Shettima, and we will resist it with everything we have,” fumed one enraged Borno delegate.

Despite calls for calm from Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Bukar Dalori, the unrest worsened, forcing security personnel to intervene as chairs were flung and dignitaries exited hurriedly. Police were later forced to fire teargas outside the venue to disperse the angry crowd.

Before the chaos, governors of APC-controlled states in the North-East — Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe) — had voiced their endorsement of the Tinubu-Shettima joint ticket.

But a critical moment came when APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, while attempting to calm tensions, still avoided a clear commitment to Shettima. “We are proud of the North, proud of our Vice President,” Ganduje said, “It is one ticket, according to the Constitution.” His remarks, however, failed to pacify the aggrieved crowd.

In the aftermath, threats of defection surfaced. “If Shettima is dropped, I will personally lead my people to vote for Atiku,” warned an APC chieftain from Adamawa.

Observers say the uproar may signal deeper cracks in the ruling party, particularly in the North-East where Shettima commands strong loyalty. “This isn’t just noise — it’s a warning shot,” said eyewitness James Abass. “If the APC doesn’t resolve this quickly, defections or a serious counter-movement are very likely.”

Notably, while some figures remained neutral, others from the region firmly endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. These included Hon. Usman Kumo (House of Reps Chief Whip), Senator M.T. Monguno (Senate Chief Whip), and several National Working Committee members from the North-East.

Meanwhile, APC’s South-East Vice Chairman, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed the rumours as political distraction: “There’s a strong, respectful relationship between Tinubu and Shettima. These rumours are mere noise.”

Still, with emotions raw and divisions exposed, Sunday’s incident has thrown open a new chapter in the internal power games of the APC — and raised the stakes for 2027.

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2027 Realignment? Tinubu Meets PDP Heavyweights as Political Tides Begin to Shift

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2027 Realignment? Tinubu Meets PDP Heavyweights as Political Tides Begin to Shift

2027 Realignment? Tinubu Meets PDP Heavyweights as Political Tides Begin to Shift

ABUJA — In a move stirring speculation of early political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday evening hosted prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The closed-door meeting was spearheaded by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike — a key political figure and former governor of Rivers State — and attended by his close allies, including notable former members of the defunct G5 Governors bloc. This faction famously broke ranks with the PDP during the 2023 election cycle.

Wike and the G5 — which included then-governors of Benue, Abia, Enugu, Oyo, and Rivers States — openly opposed PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and instead threw their weight behind Tinubu, then flagbearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since the election, Wike, still a card-carrying PDP member, was appointed Minister of FCT — a move that raised eyebrows and hinted at deeper political crosscurrents.

Saturday’s meeting included former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, as well as ex-governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), all known Wike allies.

Though details of the discussions remain under wraps, insider sources suggest the talks focused on forging future political collaborations and possibly integrating the former governors more formally into the current power structure.

With shifting alliances and strategic dialogue already underway, the race to 2027 may have unofficially begun.

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GOV AIYEDATIWA NOMINATES 12 COMMISSIONERS

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AIYEDATIWA’S ALLEGED RESULT CASE: POLICE UNAWARE OF CIRCULATED REPORT ON ONDO GOVERNOR

GOV AIYEDATIWA NOMINATES 12 COMMISSIONERS

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly a list of 12 nominees for the position of Commissioner in the State Executive Council for confirmation.

A letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, on Thursday, read:

REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION OF COMMISSIONER NOMINEES

In exercise of the power conferred on me by Section 192 (1&2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I wish to forward to your esteemed office the following Commissioner nominees for your kind consideration and confirmation of the House of Assembly.

1. Professor Igbekele Ajibefun

2. Engr Aycrinde Abiola Olawoye

3. Hon. Ayodele Akande

4. Engr Alabi Johnson

5. Alhaji Amidu Takuro

6. Otunba Adewale Akinlosotu

7. Mr. Idowu Ajanaku

8. Dr Oluwaseun Abosede Osamaye

9. Dr Tob Loko

10. Mr. Olaolu Akindolire

11. Hon. Sunday Olajide

12. Mr. Omoyofunmi Segun Henry

I shall be most obliged to the Honourable House for your expeditious action on this request in the overall interest of our dear State.

Please accept, as always, my highest regards for your esteemed self and other distinguished Members of the House.”

 

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 12, 2025.

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