Good morning, everyone.
To all those paid agents engaged in a campaign to demarket His Excellency, Peter Obi, my name is Dr. Yunusa Tanko, and I stand firmly by these words.
Thank you.
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
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
Concerns About Deteriorating Security
Two weeks have passed since schoolchildren were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States, yet they remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the government is promoting the formation of a thousand-member rescue team through the media while the children continue to suffer in the wilderness.
Today, the security situation across the nation continues to deteriorate. On Sunday, terrorists killed at least seven people and injured ten others in Gwon-Ajang Village, located in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In Kogi State, armed assailants kidnapped over 25 individuals and killed one resident during a coordinated raid on the Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area. These heavily armed attackers carried out their operation in a commando-style manner, terrifying residents in the early hours of Monday.
In Anambra State, we also mourn the loss of two police officers who were killed in a bandit attack.
We still remember the painful incident in which armed individuals targeted three schools—Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle Community (Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso)—and kidnapped 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers, and the school principal.
On the same day, between 48 and 51 pupils and students in the Mussa Community (Askira-Uba Local Government Area) were abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. The victims, who included young children from nursery classes as well as primary and secondary school students, were taken on May 15, 2026, and have now remained in captivity for two weeks.
Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of our children and fellow citizens.
In a nation that is not at war, the ongoing insecurity that endangers schoolchildren signifies a profound and serious challenge. -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.
24 years old today. 🎉
I can only be grateful to God, because not everybody gets to reach this age.
Thank You Lord for my life, for my health, for my family, for the relationship You have given me, for the talents and gifts You entrusted me with, and for every opportunity placed before me.
But above all, thank You for my salvation.
There were many moments in my life that if it wasn’t for your mercy, I could’ve been gone while still far away from You. Yet Your greatest gift was opening my eyes and allowing me to encounter You in a way that completely changed my life.
At 24 years old, I’m truly grateful that I have a relationship with You through the Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray for many more years of serving You, growing closer to You, and being there for my family and loved ones.
All glory to God🙌🏾❤️🙏🏾
I was on call with a friends abroad and she said, “babe let me send data for you”. I was happy cause funny thing is, I was low on sub as at that time.
She sent me data, imagine my shock when I saw 65 gb data plan for one month. I was extremely grateful, i didn’t see that coming and then I looked at myself and realize I have never done such for myself.
Not because I cant afford 16k but because there are so many other things to so that seem more important than data.
Living in a country where basic stuffs like data have to be compared side by side with food is not how I wished to live my life.
I woke up with a heavy heart, Nigeria must work in my lifetime.
PS: she is right here and I know she will see this shortly. Thank you mama, I don’t know what I did to make you like me
Dear football,
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.
When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me…
I received with sadness the heartbreaking news of the passing of young and talented Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, whose death has left the Nigerian entertainment industry and millions of admirers across the country mourning.
On behalf of myself and everyone who values the immense contributions of our young creatives to nation-building, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues in Nollywood, and the countless fans whose lives he touched through his craft.
At moments like this, we are reminded once again of the fragility of life and the importance of living with kindness, compassion, and a sense of purpose. Though his journey was cut short, the memories he created and the joy he brought to many through his performances will continue to live on.
I pray that God Almighty grants his family the strength and comfort to bear this painful loss, and may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. -PO