Dear beloved sports-loving Nigerian youths,
After watching the performances of Davido, Burna Boy, and Rema at the opening of the 2026 World Cup—at a time when Nigeria, the giant of Africa, is absent—I felt a measure of consolation. This was reinforced by the fact that many Nigerians playing for clubs worldwide are representing other countries. Felix Nmecha, for instance, set a record by scoring the fastest goal at six minutes for Germany. I write to you therefore, knowing that this country belongs to you, the youth.
You are more of stakeholders in Nigeria’s future than I am. I am 64 years old; by God’s grace, much of my journey is behind me, while yours lies ahead.
It is therefore imperative that you rise to the challenge by obtaining your PVC, your most powerful tool for driving the change you desire.
In the last three years alone, over 15 million Nigerians have turned 18—enough to decide who becomes President, Governor, Senator, Member of the House, or Local Government Chairman. Indeed, enough to shape the nation’s future.
I know many of you are sceptical about politics and political parties. I understand why, but scepticism must not become surrender.
You do not need to belong to any party or wait for anyone to organise you. Organise yourselves in your streets, campuses, communities, workplaces, churches, mosques, and social groups. Mobilise, debate, demand accountability, and take part in choosing those you wish to entrust with leadership.
If you are organised and wish to hear directly from me, invite me. I will come and share my plans for you and our nation.
Do not sit on the sidelines while others decide your future.
I appeal to you to register and vote. Your vote can shape who becomes the next President of our country.
My young friends, this is your country. Take it back.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
The Commendable Act of Nigerian Artists at the World Cup
Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup, as I previously stated, stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development.
This assertion is underscored by two notable occurrences during the tournament: the vibrant participation and impressive performances of Nigerian artists, and the presence of numerous Nigerians representing other nations on the field. These observations present a significant imperative for Nigeria’s political leaders to actively foster an environment in which the nation’s youth can fully realize their potential.
Furthermore, Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation. He prominently displayed the names of schoolchildren who had been held captive for an extended period, advocating for their safe return. By utilizing his international platform, Davido effectively highlighted Nigeria’s security crisis, transcending mere entertainment. He appeared in a custom black leather jacket emblazoned with the message “BRING THEM HOME,” accented with green buttons bearing the names of 39 schoolchildren and 7 teachers recently abducted by bandits in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The pervasive insecurity in Nigeria merits international scrutiny, particularly given the government’s apparent inability to effectively address the situation. Nevertheless, the prospect of a revitalized Nigeria remains achievable. -PO
Today, I am honoured to join distinguished Nigerians in celebrating a statesman and elder of our nation, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday and the public presentation of books documenting his remarkable life, service, and contributions to Nigeria and Africa.
General Abdulsalami occupies a unique place in our national history. At a critical moment in Nigeria's journey, he demonstrated uncommon courage, patriotism, and selflessness by guiding our nation through a peaceful transition to democratic governance. His actions helped lay the foundation for the democratic dispensation that Nigeria continues to build upon today.
As we celebrate General Abdulsalami today, we are reminded that true leadership is measured not by the accumulation of power, but by the positive impact one leaves on people and institutions. His life continues to demonstrate that service to the nation must always be guided by responsibility and a commitment to the common good.
May Almighty God continue to grant him good health, wisdom, and strength to keep serving humanity and our nation.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -PO
Insecurity: Nigeria Cannot Continue Like This
I received with deep shock and sadness the tragic death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers. Earlier, before this heartbreaking news, I also received disturbing reports of renewed bandit attacks in Sokoto and Kwara States.
The armed bandits reportedly blocked a market route in Sokoto and abducted traders, while terrorists invaded communities in Kwara State, kidnapping scores of citizens and killing innocent people, are heartbreaking and alarming. These incidents are not isolated tragedies; they are clear manifestations of the deepening security crisis confronting our nation.
But particularly painful is the reported death of Major General Rabe Abubakar, a distinguished military officer who dedicated a significant part of his life to defending Nigeria and protecting its citizens. It is tragic that a man who served his fatherland with honour, rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and retired after years of meritorious service, would meet such a heartbreaking end at the hands of criminal elements. His death is a national tragedy and a sobering indictment of the insecurity that has engulfed our country.
When traders can no longer travel safely to markets, farmers cannot access their farms, communities live under constant fear, and even retired senior military officers are not spared from the menace of kidnapping and violent crime, it becomes evident that our nation is facing a grave security emergency.
Security remains the foremost responsibility of any government. Every life lost, every citizen abducted, and every community displaced represent a painful failure of our collective duty to protect the Nigerian people. The recurring attacks in Sokoto, Kwara, and many other parts of the country demonstrate that insecurity is not only persisting but spreading in both scope and intensity.
I once again urge the Federal Government and our security agencies to move beyond rhetoric and adopt a more proactive, intelligence-driven, technology-based, and coordinated approach to tackling insecurity. We must strengthen our security architecture, improve intelligence gathering, secure our borders, equip and motivate our security personnel, and ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.
A nation where citizens live in fear cannot prosper. A nation where economic activities are disrupted daily by criminal elements cannot attract investment, create jobs, or guarantee a better future for its people. We must urgently reclaim every part of our country from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal gangs threatening our collective existence.
My heartfelt condolences go to the family of Major General Rabe Abubakar, his former colleagues in the Armed Forces, and all Nigerians who have lost loved ones to insecurity. I also sympathise with the families of those killed, those abducted, and the affected communities in Sokoto, Kwara, and across the nation.
The recurring tragedies and embarrassing security failures we continue to witness make the quest for a New Nigeria not only necessary but inevitable. We must build a nation where every citizen can live, work, travel, and pursue legitimate economic activities without fear.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Together Towards the New Nigeria That Is Possible
On this June 12, Democracy Day, I had useful meetings with my partners in the building of the New Nigeria that is Possible: our great party’s National Leader, H.E. Senator Seriake Dickson, and our party’s Vice Presidential candidate, H.E. Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. The NDC, as a party that is barely four months old, despite the challenges, remains the party of the future, and the fruitful discussions at the meetings clearly underscore this fact.
The leaders and members of a committed political family must be willing to make sacrifices and show tolerance and accommodation, even in difficult circumstances. This shared understanding is essential for building trust, strengthening unity, and sustaining the vision we collectively hold for national transformation.
We are all committed to this goal. The NDC remains the vehicle that will convey Nigeria through purposeful, compassionate leadership, with firm commitment to productivity and democratic ideals towards the New Nigeria that is POssible. -PO
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY MR. PETER OBI FOLLOWING HIS NOMINATION AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE NIGERIAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS(NDC) – MAY 30, 2026
Protocols,
Esteemed citizens of Nigeria,
It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party.
I express my profound gratitude to the leaders of our party. His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, National Secretary and the National Working Committee, NWC members and members of our relentless supporters, and the Nigerian populace who have steadfastly kept the spirit of hope alive. I commend those who have made the journey from every region of our nation to convene here in Abuja.
I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible. This conviction has united us; it must serve as our compass on the challenging road ahead and sustain us through all trials we may face. This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children. It is about rekindling hope for millions who have faced adversity yet remain committed to Nigeria.
Today, our nation finds itself at a crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty. Families are anxious about their safety; parents are concerned for their children's futures; and talented youth increasingly question their prospects in their homeland.
Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance. Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is possible.
UNITY
To realise this New Nigeria, we must first mend the foundational elements essential for the success of any nation.
Nigeria cannot advance while fragmented by ethnic, religious, regional, or narrow political divides. We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag. Our diversity should not be a source of division; rather, it is among our greatest strengths.
We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable. As Will Durant wisely pointed out, "A great civilisation is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within." We must never self-destruct. We must heal, unify, and progress together.
INSECURITY
In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.
Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts. Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forthe ces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.
Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait. At one pointin a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (rtd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.
We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.
What June 12 Should Mean to Us Nigerians
Today, we observe a day that should mean a great deal to us as a people who cherish democratic principles. Every year on June 12, the conversation inevitably turns to a critical assessment of the state of our nation. It serves as an annual benchmark for asking important questions: Are our elections today as transparent as they were in 1993? Is the social contract being honoured? Are the institutions of governance truly serving the people?
Ultimately, June 12 is a powerful blend of reflection and aspiration. It honours a fractured past while serving as a constant and foundational reminder of the immense power inherent in the collective democratic will of the Nigerian people.
For us in Nigeria, June 12 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is the emotional and structural bedrock of our modern democratic identity. Officially recognised as Democracy Day, June 12 carries deep historical, political, and social significance, representing both a monumental tragedy and the ultimate triumph of the collective will of the people.
To understand what June 12 means to Nigeria, one must examine its history, its evolution, and its enduring symbolism.
A new era of true democracy is POssible. -PO
As the World Cup Begins Without Nigeria
As the World Cup begins today across three nations, I identify with our teeming football followers and urge them not to be despondent that Nigeria is not participating, despite the abundant talent in our land.
Our failure to participate on the global stage is not due to a deficit of talent; it is a direct consequence of a deficit in leadership, planning, and institutional support.
The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. Do not watch the World Cup with despair; rather, see it as a reminder of where Nigeria ought to be. We must move our country from being a nation of mere consumers of global entertainment to a nation of proud producers and competitors.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Despite Three Years of Tinubu's Food Emergency, Nigeria hungriest ranking index declined to among the worst nations globally.
In celebrating his supposed successful three years in office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu listed some achievements in the agricultural sector, firstly, his declaration of emergency on food security in July 2023, followed by the acquisition of 2,000 tractors and 9,000 farming implements, stated as Nigeria's largest agricultural mechanisation programme.
Yet the outcome of this has been the opposite. Nigeria's hunger index has worsened significantly. Nigeria's hunger index ranking was 103rd out of 123 countries surveyed in 2022/2023, and this figure had since worsened to 115th out of 123 countries surveyed in 2025/2026. Consequently, Nigeria is now classified among the world's most hungry or food-insecure nations in the world, with the World Bank forecasting that 33 million Nigerians could experience severe hunger.
In fact, Nigeria has the highest number of hungry people in the world.
I have always maintained that Nigeria have no reason to be seen among the hungriest nations in the world when we have fast, uncultivated land in the north, which is our greatest asset today.
We must transparently invest in Agricultural production, which will guarantee food security, but create huge employment.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Where Did ₦1 Trillion Go?
I recently read a report from the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) stating that it has disbursed over ₦1 trillion to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria since 2015. By simple conversion over the said period, this amounts to more than $1 billion.
I did not comment immediately on this claim because I wanted to investigate further, especially through my travels and contacts with small businesses across the country. The reality is that most of them are not even aware of any such disbursement, and over 80% are unaware of the Bank’s very existence. The level of knowledge about the existence and utility of such an institution is directly proportional to its impact on the people it is meant to serve.
If indeed such an amount was deployed to support enterprises, the results should be evident. For instance, if $1 billion were disbursed in small loans averaging about $,1000 each, it could have supported at least 1 million small businesses. The ripple effect of this would have been no less than 3 million new jobs, with visible growth in enterprises, an improved economy, and measurable progress in lifting people out of poverty.
But the reality before us today tells a different story: unemployment remains at a record high, businesses are struggling to survive rather than thriving, many enterprises are shutting down or relocating outside Nigeria, and poverty is deepening instead of reducing. So the critical question is: if ₦1 trillion truly left the coffers of DBN to empower Nigerians, where did the money go?
How can such a huge sum be disbursed and yet ordinary Nigerians feel no impact? Empowerment is not a slogan or a campaign tool - it must be proven by results. Nigerians need to know where the money went. Who exactly were the beneficiaries? What tangible businesses were created? Where is the proof of jobs generated or poverty reduced?
Without answers to these questions, the claim of ₦1 trillion disbursement remains yet another round of grand deception, where scarce national resources are captured by a few elites and recycled under the guise of empowerment schemes.
Nigeria must insist on transparency and accountability. Our people deserve evidence that such vast sums are being invested in their lives and future—not lost to corruption or buried in empty statistics.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
In continuation of my quest to deepen knowledge and impact positively on our society, yesterday June 10th, in London, I held a series of important engagements, including a fruitful meeting with Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).
Our discussions focused on strengthening strategic relationships and fostering a deeper understanding of Africa’s evolving role in global affairs. It was emphasized that Africa must no longer be viewed merely through the prism of statistics or humanitarian concern, but as a serious and equal partner in shaping the future global order, much like India, Indonesia, and other emerging centres of influence.
During our engagement, it became increasingly clear that Africa, and Nigeria in particular, must be placed at the centre of international conversations on partnership, trade, governance, innovation, and sustainable development.
Constructive dialogue and mutual respect remain essential to building meaningful cooperation between Africa and the international community.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Sad: Our Children Are Now Pawns in a Deadly Ransom Economy
It’s heartbreaking to report yet another bandit attack on a school, barely three weeks after over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted and are still languishing in the forest.
The security situation in Kogi State has taken another tragic turn with a brutal bandit attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba-Bunu LGA. Armed bandits disguised in military uniforms invaded the school during an ongoing WAEC examination, killed the Vice Principal, Mr. Gani Anifowose, and attempted a mass abduction of students.
Reports from the scene indicate that local security personnel and vigilantes actively resisted the attackers and frustrated their abduction attempt.
Making educational institutions soft targets is a direct assault on the nation’s future. It creates a psychological barrier to school enrolment and worsens Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, disproportionately forcing young girls out of formal education due to fear. There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than being unable to protect its children.
My heartfelt condolences go to the family of the Vice Principal, who lost his life while gallantly defending the children entrusted to his care. May God grant his soul eternal repose.-PO
I just received the sad news of the train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor in Delta State.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate mishap, and I pray for the quick recovery of those injured.
I urge the relevant authorities to investigate the immediate and remote causes of this derailment swiftly, ensure full accountability, and implement measures to restore public confidence in our rail systems. -PO
Excessive Borrowing Without Accountability: Further Affirmation of Imprudent Governance.
President Bola Tinubu's administration has engaged in remarkably imprudent borrowing, escalating Nigeria's total debt to approximately N200 trillion. This represents an increase of over N100 trillion within a mere three years, a stark contrast to the roughly N49 trillion accumulated during President Muhammadu Buhari's eight-year tenure, which would have projected to around N80 trillion. As millions of Nigerians grapple with the shock of this unsustainable debt accumulation, the situation is exacerbated by the government's reckless approach to borrowing and a profound absence of accountability and transparency in the utilisation of these funds.
For instance, data from the Federation's Budget Office reveals that the Bola Tinubu government borrowed N11.89 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025 (January to September), exceeding the planned borrowing target of N10.34 trillion by approximately N1.54 trillion. Under a responsible and accountable government, such an overshoot would necessitate rigorous scrutiny and explanation from relevant governmental bodies. Regrettably, this is not the reality under the current administration.
Compounding this issue, only N3.10 trillion of the borrowed funds was allocated to capital expenditure during the same January-September 2025 period. This constitutes a mere 17.66% of the N17.58 trillion earmarked for capital projects, leaving a deficit of roughly N14.48 trillion, or 82.34% of planned capital expenditure unfunded.
The most disturbing aspect of the financial management fiasco under Bola Tinubu is that there is no explanation or information regarding how the balance was utilised or deployed. The question that Nigerians are rightly asking and deserve an answer to is what happened to the balance? Was it deployed for recurrent expenditure/ consumption, for the entertainment of guests to Aso Rock or transferred to the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 Election Campaign Fund? Nigerians deserve an answer on how our economy and resources are most unpatriotically managed.
A New and Productive Nigeria is POssible, and Nigeria will be OK!
-PO
This woman reports that her little niece was kidnapped last night. She has been appealing to the public to help her share this video incase someone may have seen the little girl.
Please help share this video.
Let’s help find this innocent little baby.
Media Framing of Crime Along Ethnic Lines: Divisive.
As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins. This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character.
I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people.
Even in America, such unjust labelling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin.
Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity. A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law.
We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals. It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity.
Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain.
A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace. We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect, and hope for a better future. We are capable of this.
A new Nigeria is within our reach. -PO
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The relentless increase in insecurity nationwide continues to inflict severe hardship on frontline workers. Regrettably, this alarming lapse in governance is being eclipsed by prevailing political machinations.
I wish to express my condolences to the FRSC operatives in Kebbi State following the heinous murder of their colleagues. Furthermore, I unequivocally condemn this act, which exacerbates the profound and unacceptable threats to our nation's stability.
We must elevate the sanctity of human life to a paramount position within our national agenda. -PO