society
When Greed Overrides Wisdom: How Atiku and the PDP Squandered a Winning Coalition
When Greed Overrides Wisdom: How Atiku and the PDP Squandered a Winning Coalition
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
It is a tragedy, an unforgivable political miscalculation that Nigeria’s main opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), willingly forfeited their best chance at national redemption. They did not lose because of APC’s strength or Tinubu’s so-called masterstroke. They lost because of arrogance, greed and an unforgivable betrayal of their most strategic internal voices; the G-5 Governors.
Those who have neither deep pockets nor godfather connections, those without bullion vans or foreign campaign donors have always deserved more respect in the political equation. Yet, under the leadership of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP arrogantly reduced its broad-based support system into a cult of cash-driven influence. That was the death knell.
The PDP’s fatal sin was not just fielding Atiku Abubakar as its 2023 presidential candidate, it was turning its back on the five governors who had stood by the party in its darkest hours: Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo). Known as the G-5 or Integrity Governors, they embodied the ideological, ethnic and political balance the PDP needed. But they were cast aside in favor of Atiku’s ambition.
The Arrogance of Imposition
Atiku Abubakar’s emergence in 2023 was an imposition, not a consensus. The PDP’s constitution and internal rotational agreements clearly stated that power should return to the South after President Buhari’s eight years. Instead, Atiku, a northerner like Buhari, bulldozed his way back to the presidential ticket, forcing Southerners to take the back seat in a party they helped build from the ground up.
Worse still, he made no effort to negotiate or pacify aggrieved blocs. The G-5 demanded only one thing: that the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu (also from the North), step down to reflect regional balance. Atiku refused.
As Wike bluntly put it: “You can’t have the presidential candidate and national chairman from the same region. What kind of party is that?” His warning was dismissed as noise.
The Fallout of Betrayal
That betrayal fractured the PDP irrevocably. In the 2023 presidential election, the PDP lost four of the five G-5 states. Rivers State previously a PDP fortress went to Tinubu. Oyo voted APC. Benue abandoned the PDP. Enugu and Abia turned out weak figures for the party. The Labour Party won most of the Southeast, capitalizing on PDP’s internal betrayal.
The outcome was predictable. You don’t alienate your most strategic governors and expect miracles at the polls.
In politics, optics and loyalty matter as much as money and strategy. But Atiku and his loyalists failed to understand that a campaign fueled by dollars without grassroots integrity is destined to fail. That is why, despite being on his fifth presidential attempt, Atiku still could not win the trust of Nigerians.
Labour Party: A Missed Opportunity as Well
The Labour Party, though fresh in its appeal, also failed to capitalize on this disaffection. Rather than build strategic alliances with aggrieved PDP factions like the G-5, Peter Obi ran a largely solo campaign. The LP mistook social media applause for political structure. That was a costly misreading of Nigerian politics.
In a nation where governors still control the levers of power, delegates, logistics and security but ignoring the G-5 bloc was an amateur mistake. With Wike’s war chest and Ortom’s moral voice, LP could have formed a Southern alliance strong enough to break APC’s northern grip.
But egos got in the way.
A Nation Betrayed by Its Opposition
This is not just the failure of a party, it is the failure of Nigeria’s democratic opposition. Instead of rising above selfish ambition, opposition parties became fractured camps driven by personal goals. Atiku wanted to be President at all costs. Obi wanted to prove he could do it without them. The result? Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the godfather of Lagos politics walked into Aso Rock with just 36% of the total vote, the lowest winning margin in Nigerian history.
To quote Chinua Achebe, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” Nowhere is this more evident than in the opposition’s refusal to work together.
Money Bags vs. Grassroots Integrity
For too long, Nigerian politics has favored the “money bags” politicians whose wealth determines their worth. But the G-5 were not just governors. They were symbols of the battle against a system rigged against internal democracy. By demanding equity in leadership and power rotation, they were fighting for the soul of the party.
Atiku and his camp chose to mock them, label them “rebels,” and remove them from the decision-making table. That was short-sighted. What is the value of a presidential ticket if you can’t carry your strongest foot soldiers along?
The Integrity That Was Ignored
Samuel Ortom stood firmly against Fulani herdsmen attacks and spoke truth to federal power at a time others cowered. Ikpeazu and Ugwuanyi stabilized volatile states in the Southeast. Makinde emerged as one of the most popular PDP governors in the Southwest. And Wike say what you will is one of the few governors who stood firm for the PDP during the APC storm from 2015 onwards. These were not rebels. These were warriors. The PDP chose to insult them instead of rewarding their loyalty.
The Consequences Are Still Unfolding
Today, the PDP is a shell of itself. Internally broken, externally defeated, ideologically confused. The party has lost the trust of the South, the votes of the Middle Belt and the coordination that once made it a national force.
Labour Party, now grappling with internal leadership crises and court cases, is also at risk of becoming another elitist club without grassroots cohesion.
If a coalition had been formed between the G-5, the LP and select APC defectors in 2023, Nigeria could have had a different President today. But instead, the people were robbed of that possibility by egos and elite blindness.
Quotes That Echo Loudly
“Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians,” Charles de Gaulle once said. Sadly, Nigeria’s opposition parties proved that quote accurate. They had the chance to rescue the nation from decades of rot. Instead, they chose themselves.
The G-5 were not perfect, but they understood what many in PDP and LP failed to grasp: winning elections requires unity, structure, and sincerity of purpose not just ambition and money.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front.” Atiku and the PDP elite did the opposite. They led from the front, with no army behind them.
In Conclusion: Lessons for 2027
If the opposition is to have any chance in 2027, they must start now not with ticket hoarding or backroom deals, but with sincerity and unity. Let there be no repeat of the betrayal of the G-5 governors. Let power rotation be respected. Let alliances be based on principle not just platform.
The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on who is in power but on how those who seek power treat one another.
The G-5 are still relevant. Ignore them again and Nigeria may suffer the same fate, a recycled presidency, imposed leadership and dashed hope.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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