What Truly Should Be Our Priority Now as Leaders of a Nation?
This question has become necessary, given where we are today as a nation and where we are supposed to be.
While completing my INEC nomination form yesterday, Section E, Question 1 caught my attention. It asks: “Have you ever been adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind?” The answer is either Yes or No. That question got me thinking: Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind?
When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, and several billions are being siphoned frivolously through non-existent agencies and projects, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?
A sound-minded leadership would have declared these existential challenges a national emergency and immediately mobilised all relevant institutions, security agencies, experts, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to confront them with urgency and resolve. At a moment like this, the survival, security, and stability of Nigeria must take precedence over every other consideration. This is a time for decisive action, not political calculation or the pursuit of partisan advantage.
Further in the same Section E, Question 6, was: “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?” Again, the answer is either Yes or No. This raises another important question: Why shouldn’t INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?
Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Today, the NDC has filed an appeal against the ruling as well as a stay of execution/injunction, which has been served with a covering letter to the INEC chairman and his team to do what is right according to law and what is legally sensible.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party in Nigeria which has participated in all the political processes so far, and, as I said yesterday, nomination processes have already been concluded and, in the eyes of the law, candidates have already emerged from the party for all offices across the country in primaries observed, monitored and recorded by INEC.
What is left is the administrative process of submitting the names to INEC, and we have been granted access to the portal to upload our qualified candidates.
My name and that of the Presidential Candidate have been uploaded to the INEC portal, while that of the Vice Presidential Candidate will be done tomorrow upon completion of the deposition. The process is also ongoing for other candidates.
In accordance with the INEC timetable, which we have religiously abided by, we have between now and the 11th of next month to upload all National Assembly candidates, while those of governors and State Houses of Assembly will end on the 17th of July. So there is enough time for all candidates' names to be submitted to INEC and there is no reason for anyone to panic.
As National Leader, I must also thank all aspirants and those who indicated interest for various offices. As they know, only one person can emerge victorious in primaries, no matter how well conducted. The processes were not perfect, but we have tried to resolve these differences within this short period, for a new party dealing with such a high volume of aspirants in a direct primary situation managed by stakeholders in every state and by party leaders.
The reconciliation processes have started and we expect them to reach everyone, to complement what I and the leadership have continued to do. And we assure them that all those who expressed interest will be carried along in the party's campaigns, committees and structures, because they constitute the grassroots strength and the backbone of our party.
Congratulations to all NDC candidates, members and all Nigerians and lovers of democracy.
Our multi-party democracy must not die. We will not allow desperados and mercenaries parading as political leaders to destroy our hard-earned democracy.
We thank Nigerians for their solidarity, support and prayers.
We also thank INEC, led by Professor Joash Amupitan, for their professionalism so far, and we expect them to continue on this path, and they will have the understanding of us all.
While we are thanking him for his actions in registering the NDC and two other parties as directed by the court, I also note his stance in filing an affidavit in opposition to the suit to deregister some opposition parties, and in reversing the non-recognition of the chairmanship of David Mark of the ADC as directed by the court.
Despite the imperfections of our institutions, INEC, the judiciary and security agencies, all leaders must be united to preserve the neutrality of the institutions that protect our democracy and our nation's integrity.
Having filed and served our appeal and the accompanying applications, the ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law.
Long live the NDC.
Long live Nigerian democracy.
HSD
The Presidential candidate of our party, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, CON, has bemoaned the deplorable condition of Nigeria’s road network.
Our candidate emphasised that it is pertinent for the ruling party and its leaders to refrain from initiating new road construction projects until they have thoroughly rehabilitated and maintained our existing road network.
We completely agree with this position and are calling on the ruling government to, as a matter of urgency, repair all our major roads and stop subjecting Nigerians to unnecessary suffering and hardships.
EMERGENCY WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE
Save Our Democracy
You Are Invited
The Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya Movement cordially invite members of the press and the general public to an emergency World Press Conference.
Venue: Obidient Movement Headquarters, opposite Stella Maris School, Life Camp, Abuja
Time: 12:00 Noon
Date: 29th June 2026
Come and join us as we stand together to save our democracy. Your presence and support are highly appreciated.
A New Nigeria is POssible.
My Stance on Road Development
There is a pertinent reason I have consistently advocated that we should refrain from initiating new road construction projects until we have thoroughly rehabilitated and maintained our existing road network. Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualization projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place.
Consider, for instance, the Asaba–Benin Road. This thoroughfare is a vital artery within Nigeria's transportation infrastructure. Travellers traversing from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and portions of Benue and Kogi States to Lagos are compelled to utilise this route.
Despite its significance, substantial sections of this road are in a lamentable condition. It has become a major impediment, precipitating persistent traffic congestion and inflicting undue hardship on travellers, businesses, and transport operators.
Regrettably, this situation is not unique; it reflects the reality on many of our busiest national highways.
Our efforts should be directed towards the reconstruction and maintenance of our current road infrastructure before we announce plans for new road projects. The Nigerian populace requires functional and motorable roads, not merely projects that garner public attention.
Efforts aimed at superficial improvements for political gain should not supersede the urgent need to address the condition of our existing, critical roadways.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
In the wake of the recent Federal High Court ruling on the NDC, I urge all our supporters to remain calm, patient, and resolute.
This is not the time to falter. Let us stay united and focused on our noble mission of rescuing our beloved nation.
My full remarks on this matter are contained in the video below. - RMK
I have now confirmed the date PMP filed its motion against the Lokoja Federal High Court judgment
Peter Obi officially joined the NDC on May 3, 2026. Just two days later, on May 5, 2026, the motion was filed
Some people are deeply afraid about Mr. Peter Obi being on the ballot.
Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson at his residence in Abuja.
The engagement forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s unity, resilience, and strategic readiness as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.
As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process. No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity, and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.
I urge all party members, supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians to stay calm, resolute, and focused on our shared mission. Together, we will rise above every challenge.
Nigeria will be OK. - RMK
I just received my brother and our Vice Presidential candidate, His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and we discussed issues of mutual interest concerning our party.
We reaffirmed our resolve to stand together in the fight for multi-party democracy, and I briefed him on the measures the party is taking to correct and redress the distractions occasioned by the anomalous ruling of the Federal High Court.
We are on course!
~HSD
Engaging Tomorrow’s Leaders at Madonna University
Yesterday, I continued my engagement with future leaders in the country. I was at Madonna University, Okija Campus, where I had the privilege of interacting with students at the NextGen Mentorship & Leadership Initiative on the theme: “Beyond Now: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders.”
The session was highly engaging, with students asking thoughtful and probing questions. Their concerns reflected the frustration of many young Nigerians who feel constrained by poor governance and widespread corruption, which have denied them opportunities to realise their full potential. However, I was equally encouraged by their optimism and determination to be part of the solution.
I reminded them that leadership is the greatest determinant of a nation’s progress. A true leader must possess the character, competence, capacity, and compassion to make sacrifices for the good of the people. Nigeria’s future depends on leaders committed to safeguarding lives, investing in education, creating opportunities, and building effective institutions.
I encouraged the students to take their education seriously, to prepare themselves for leadership, and to see themselves not merely as spectators but as agents of change. Through active participation in the democratic process, they have the power to enthrone leaders with integrity and the capacity to propel our nation forward.
As part of my ongoing commitment to education, I presented a cheque of ₦15 million to the university to support its educational mission. Investing in education remains one of the most effective ways to develop the human capital necessary for national progress.
Together, by raising a new generation of responsible and visionary leaders, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams that is POssible. -PO
God has a wonderful sense of humor, and He is the Master Strategist.
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery to stop his dreams from coming to pass. Little did they know they were only accelerating God’s plan and pushing him closer to his testimony.
In the same way, because of this unnecessary controversy over the NDC logo, many people who had never even seen it before now know that the NDC logo is the two-finger victory sign.
What an unexpected way to introduce the NDC logo to millions of Nigerians!
So, to all the plotters, thank you for helping to teach more Nigerians that the NDC logo represents the Victory Fingers.
What was intended to diminish awareness has only increased it.
Dear Comrades,
For many of us in the OK Movement, we have always known that the time would come when such news would echo through every home in Nigeria and across the borders and shores of our great nation.
The good news is that the OK Movement has once again disappointed the expectations of those who seek to undermine the aspirations of the Nigerian people. We have demonstrated calmness, courage, and resilience. We have shown our strength by reassuring Nigerians that, in spite of all the shenanigans and distractions thrown our way, Nigeria will indeed be OK.
I respectfully appeal to all members of our formidable party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), members of the OK Movement, the Obidient Movement, and the Village Boys to continue to maintain peace and harmony, which remain our core values. We shall uphold the principles and standards of democracy far above all political dramas and provocations.
We shall also engage with international organizations and world leaders to ensure that democracy is protected and preserved in Nigeria.
Let it be clear to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the forthcoming general elections are not merely about HE Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Neither are they solely about the Nigeria Democratic Congress or the OK Movement. This election is about the Nigerian people and their collective future.
We are simply messengers conveying to the rulers and oppressors that Nigeria will be OK.
We are here to advocate for, promote, and defend democracy.
The 2027 general elections must be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Votes must count, and election results should be announced at the polling units in accordance with the law.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) shall be on the ballot, and HE Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso shall contest the presidential election under the platform of the NDC. This remains our position.
Once again, I sincerely thank all our supporters, members of the NDC, and members of the OK Movement for their steadfast commitment and dedication.
Hon. John Ughulu
National Director General
OK Movement
This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.
All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand. It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space. It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.
We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy. I call on all members, supporters, and candidates of the NDC to remain calm and continue with their normal political activities. This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory.
We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack, but this particular development came from a very unlikely source. The application by an unregistered association, which is not a registered political party and has no exclusive right to any logo under the law, is shocking.
Moreover, it was not a necessary party to the suit because it had no interest in the subject matter. It did not apply for registration in 2025, it was not one of the 171 associations that applied, nor was it among the 21 associations shortlisted for registration.
So, we know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy.
We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.
We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it.
All our candidates, supporters, and teeming voters across the country and beyond should hold on firmly and keep the faith. This development shows that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.
I would also like to refer to my favourite quote on struggles "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win."
We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win.
Even with today's development, thousands of Nigerians are joining us in solidarity. In fact, thousands of Nigerians across the country registered as NDC members today to show their solidarity, sympathy and support for our party. All things work together for good. Men may act with evil intentions, but if it is not the will of God, He turns it around for our good.
I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
~ HSD