"The condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria, informed my decision to leave ADC for NDC."
Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.
As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.
Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.
I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.
As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.
Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.
Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.
I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.
I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.
A new Nigeria is still POssible. -PO
It was indeed a great pleasure and honour to receive the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, in my residence yesterday. His kind words of encouragement and commendation for our modest efforts in Abia mean a lot, especially as his visit coincided with my birthday. His reflections on purposeful, people-centred leadership remind us of the true essence of public service.
I truly appreciate Prof. Osinbajo’s prayers, friendship, and mentorship. His recognition of our reforms in welfare, infrastructure, and security strengthens our resolve to keep governance focused on the welfare and peace of our people. I also appreciate other guests, friends and partners who joined in extending warm wishes. With God’s grace and the support of Abians, we will keep working to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Abia for everyone.
The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat
Earlier in the day, after engaging with students at Dominican University, I attended the unveiling of “The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat,” written by Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde, in Ibadan. Reading the book reminded me of “Growing Apart” by Professor Peter Lewis, who observes with deep concern that Nigeria often knows the right course of action but repeatedly chooses the wrong path—a theme that resonates strongly throughout Professor Onigbinde’s work.
What stands out in “The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat” is the author’s courage to confront Nigeria’s challenges honestly. True patriotism, in my opinion, is not about praising the country when things go wrong, but rather critically examining its failings and contributing to possible solutions. Through his essays, Professor Onigbinde performs this vital service, providing an incisive ethical diagnosis of the nation’s political, social, and economic life.
The book emphasizes that citizens have a responsibility to engage, reflect, and hold both leaders and institutions accountable. It addresses pressing issues such as insecurity, the collapse of trust, the erosion of civic responsibility, and the need for ethical leadership. The metaphor of the stubborn goat—an animal that resists being quietly led to slaughter—serves as a moral center, illustrating the importance of persistence, courage, and principled resistance, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. -PO
A Visit to Dominican University, Ibadan: An Experience That Renewed My Hope for Nigeria’s Future.
I left Lagos at 5:30 a.m. and arrived in Ibadan at 8:00 a.m., heading straight to Dominican University to engage with the students and encourage them to strive for excellence in both their academics and character.
After what I found to be a valuable interaction, including a question-and-answer session, I donated ₦30 million to support the university's ongoing development. This reaffirmed my belief that education is the cornerstone of progress.
However, a simple yet powerful incident during my visit renewed my hope for Nigeria. I had forgotten my phone, and as I was leaving the university, students found it and returned it to me. This act of honesty reflects what Dominican University stands for: not only as a centre of learning but also as a place where character is shaped.
I firmly believe that if we place equal emphasis on education and moral integrity, Nigeria’s greatness is within reach.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
@jeffphilips1 You're not in the position to tell us how to give credit to our most effective Governor..
If you're pained. Tell your Governor to work. We are around if Alex Otti. Please deal with it or you kuku getat