Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emphasized the urgent need for restructuring in Nigeria to ensure that citizens can fully benefit from democracy.
In light of this, he has renewed his appeal for a unified political movement aimed at ousting President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Additionally, the Obidient Movement has condemned the current administration, citing a “growing descent into dictatorship” in response to a recent remark made by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga regarding Peter Obi.
Conversely, Minister of Works David Umahi has urged governors from the South East to support Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race, expressing gratitude for the administration’s contributions to the region’s infrastructure development.
During a coalition meeting in Yola yesterday, which included representatives from various political parties, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate remarked that the country is not progressing as it should.
“We need a new movement we can use to correct things; if we do not act this time, our children will become slaves in their father’s land,” he said.
Atiku stated that he would soon discuss national matters and clarify his political position, encouraging his supporters to stay calm and concentrated.
“It is not yet time for me to speak on the politics of the country, but very soon, I will break my silence on my political position and other things that are going on wrongly in the country,” he stated.
Senator Elijah Abbo, the organizer of the meeting, informed participants that Atiku continues to be their political leader, irrespective of their party associations.
While speaking to a gathering of supporters in Adamawa, Atiku highlighted the critical need to restore Nigeria’s trajectory towards advancement through united efforts.
“The future of our nation depends on our ability to unite and take decisive steps towards real change. Nigeria deserves better leadership that is accountable, inclusive and focused on the people’s needs rather than the political elite,” Atiku said.
He praised Abbo for his efforts in organizing the event and encouraged him, along with other political leaders, to enhance their initiatives in rallying support in preparation for the upcoming election cycle.
In a statement issued by its Director of Strategic Communications and Media, Nana Kazaure, the Obidient Movement criticized Onanuga’s admonition to Obi to “watch his mouth” following the former presidential candidate’s remarks about the administration’s authoritarian practices during a colloquium celebrating Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday.
The movement characterized the statement as a thinly veiled threat and raised concerns about whether the administration harbored malicious intentions towards dissenting voices.
It further accused the government of prioritizing the suppression of opposition over addressing the pressing economic and security challenges facing the nation, remarking, “The inclination of the Tinubu administration to ignore pressing issues has become a hallmark of its governance.”
Reflecting on instances of violence and ethnic tensions allegedly incited by similar rhetoric during the 2023 elections, the Obidient Movement cautioned that any harm directed at Obi, his family, or associates would be linked to those making such threats.
It urged both Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant and hold the Tinubu administration responsible for its actions against opposition figures.
During the inauguration of the Second Niger Bridge, which will connect Delta and Anambra states, Umahi commended the Tinubu administration for its contributions to the South East, highlighting various projects that have been initiated and urging the people of the South East to express their gratitude to Tinubu.
He said, “We owe Tinubu three things. One is to pray for him and his government. As you are praying for him, you also pray for the governor. If you pray six days, the seventh day, you join me, you add me in the prayer.
“The second one is to support him. If our disgruntled brothers are criticizing, we must say no, they don’t represent us. I thank Ndigbo; when there was a demonstration, the last one, the entire Igbo, whether in Nigeria or outside, said no. We didn’t demonstrate again. We have woken up to support the central government, and we have been reintegrated into the central government, and we are benefiting.”
