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
Yesterday, I had the honour of hosting my brother and partner, His Excellency Peter Obi, at my residence in Abuja.
I warmly welcomed him back from his highly productive international trip, and we engaged in frank and productive discussions on key partisan and national issues.
Our party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), remains united. As leaders, we must continue to demonstrate maturity by making the necessary sacrifices and tolerating our differences in pursuit of our shared goal.
We are resolute in this mission, and together, we shall ensure that Nigeria is OK. - RMK
“In 2027, Peter Obi is the only rallying point for a national unity. No one else has his trust, credibility, or unifying force in Nigeria.”
- Mrs. Donu Kogbara tells Nigerians.
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
Nigeria has a massive landmass of 923,768 square kilometres. Divided by our population of approximately 230 million, this results in about 4.00 square metres per person. The foregoing clearly illustrates that we have absolutely no justification for being among the world's hungriest nations.
Transitioning our nation from a state of consumption to one of production, through significant investments in agriculture, is the sole dependable strategy to escape the current depths of hunger and poverty. As I often emphasise, the uncultivated lands in our northern region represent our most substantial tangible assets. Transforming this sector is our direct pathway to prosperity.
ENERGY SECTOR
Nigeria today is the nation with the highest number of citizens lacking access to electricity globally. We currently generate and distribute a mere 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity for a population exceeding 200 million. In contrast, comparable nations worldwide - including several African peers such as South Africa and Egypt - each generate and distribute over 40,000 MW, despite both countries having less than half of our population. This considerable power shortfall continues to cripple businesses, choke industries, and stall overall economic growth.
Over the next four years, I commit to ensuring a minimum of 10,000 Mof W power increase generation and distribution.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT
Our large pool of talented youth remains largely unemployed. The current official unemployment rate of 4% grossly misrepresents the true situation; actual underemployment and unemployment in Nigeria exceeds 30%, with youth unemployment sitting at over 40% - among the highest globally, necessitating urgent intervention. We will address this by aggressively supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted tax incentives, special interest rates, and accessible funding in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution. These improvements will be both measurable and verifiable.
CORRUPTION AND GOVERNANCE COSTS
Nigerians will witness a tangible and verifiable reduction in corruption and the baseline costs associated with governance. Public resources will be managed with absolute transparency, prudence, and accountability to ensure that every naira spent yields demonstrable value for citizens.
RULE OF LAW
The rule of law will be fiercely upheld, and adherence to it will be sacrosanct for both government officials and citizens alike, strictly in accordance with our constitutional frameworks.
DEMOCRACY
Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people, and for the people, completely free from interference by the ruling party. Instead, we will institutionalise deep respect for opposition parties and foster constructive engagement in governance.
Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness, and transparency.
Following this i will make democracy work and the Vice president will be partner not a spare tyres. I hereby accept my affirmation and nominate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso @KwankwasoRM as my Vice President.
May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
After extensive hours of deliberations yesterday, which lasted till this morning, and in the company of the National Chairman of our party, our presidential aspirant, His Excellency Peter Obi, and other key members of the National Working Committee and Selection Committee, we received the report of the Screening Committee led by His Excellency, Sam Egwu.
We thank the committee for its painstaking work, which lasted almost a week, especially in handling the staggering number of aspirants that far exceeded our expectations. We also thank all the aspirants for their confidence in the NDC, as well as those who made donations to the party and chose our platform to express their political ambitions across the country. Their numbers run into thousands, and we wish them the very best.
Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies.
Only successful candidates will report to the party secretariat for documentation and, in the process, pay for nomination forms and complete other necessary forms.
The teams for the primaries have been selected, comprising senior officials of the party, and have been deployed to every state to conduct the exercise with the support of stakeholders and local leaders. We wish them success in this important assignment.
Our party is women- and youth-friendly, and we urge the teams to pay attention to aspirants with the capacity to win elections. They should liaise with stakeholders and remain open and fair in protecting the interests of all aspirants because, at the end of the day, we are a platform for everyone.
We call for violence-free primaries and reiterate our zero tolerance for violent behaviour. The party will take serious action against anyone who resorts to violence, threats, intimidation, or disorderly conduct.
As a result of the tight timelines we are working with, aspirants are expected to proceed with the primaries from tomorrow, 28th and 29th May 2026, using their Expression of Interest Forms to enable them participate. An Appeal Panel will also be inaugurated to look into complaints that may arise during the process.
Note that, in line with the party guidelines, the primaries will be conducted through direct primaries at the constituency level for State Assembly positions, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential affirmations will take place at the various Local Government Headquarters.
Final results will be announced at the party’s National Secretariat by the Selection Committee and the NEC. We strongly recommend consensus where necessary.
We call for understanding and support because of the limited time available, which made it impossible for the party to fully implement the electronic system we had designed for all party primaries and congresses.
As I said at the dinner with aspirants, this will be the last primary election in the NDC to be conducted manually. We understand that the manual process may not be perfect due to time constraints and logistical challenges, and we ask everyone to bear with us. Our intentions are sincere, and future primaries will be conducted electronically to minimise complaints and other challenges.
Finally, we urge the teams to be fair to all aspirants, collaborate with stakeholders and interest groups, and work closely with INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent process.
Bear with us and join us as we strive to build an enduring modern political institution, not a special-purpose vehicle for any individual political interest, but a party that will outlast all of us.
NDC — Service!
~HSD
Alhamdulillah! I was glad to join the Muslim faithful for Eid prayer at Masjid Musa Saleh Kwankwaso in Kano this morning.
May Allah accept it from us all. Ameen. – RMK
CONTINUOUS ABDUCTION OF NIGERIAN SCHOOLCHILDREN AND THE COLLAPSE OF SCHOOL SAFETY
After congratulating Nigerian children as they celebrate their day today, my heart remains heavy and troubled, knowing that some Nigerian children have remained in captivity for years. It is a shame that days, weeks, months, and even years have passed while our children continue to languish in kidnappers’ dens, with their heartbreaking images still circulating on social media.
A nation that cannot protect its children from criminals has little but shame to present to the global community. No parent can bear the shame of being unable to protect his or her children, yet here we are as a nation, moving on while our children continue to suffer in forests and captivity for years. -PO
Celebrating Eid-el-Kabir with Faith, Sacrifice and Hope
I warmly felicitate with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, a sacred occasion that embodies the timeless virtues of faith, sacrifice, obedience to God, compassion, and love for humanity. Let us focus our prayers on unity and hope at this year’s Sallah.
As we reflect on the profound lessons of this solemn celebration, we are reminded of the need for selflessness, tolerance, and commitment to the common good. These values are especially important at this critical period of our national journey. Nigeria is a nation of immense potential, currently weighed down by avoidable challenges, but the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir teaches us that after sacrifice comes fulfilment. We must never lose hope in the possibility of a functional, just, and productive nation where no citizen is left behind.
Let us use this sacred period to pray for our security forces on the frontlines, for wisdom for our leaders, and for meaningful economic relief for the masses who continue to bear the burden of our collective difficulties. Let us also recommit ourselves to peace, mutual respect, and unity across faiths and regions.
May this Eid-el-Kabir bring joy to our families, peace to our communities, and renewed hope to our dear nation. I wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed and joyful Eid-el-Kabir celebration. -PO
Dear children, happy celebrations!
As we honour you today, I reflect on the incredible talent, energy, and resilience you possess. You are not only the future of our nation but also its vibrant pulse in the present. Each time I look into the eyes of a child in Nigeria—whether in a classroom, a displaced persons' camp in Benue, or on the streets of Lagos—I see unparalleled potential. I envision future scientists, tech visionaries, leaders, and builders who can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best if they have access to the right resources.
The true measure of a nation's leadership lies in how it cares for its youngest members. It is unacceptable that countless children remain out of school, and that essential healthcare and safety are seen as privileges instead of rights. To transform Nigeria from a nation of consumption to one of production, we must begin by investing significantly in you.
Leaders, parents, and educators, we must acknowledge that the best investment a nation can make is in developing its human capital, particularly through foundational education and healthcare. Failing to invest in our children today is akin to borrowing from our future.
To you, my dear children:
• Always keep dreaming: Your current situation does not limit your potential.
• Remain curious: Engage in reading, learning, and adopting new technologies. The world is evolving rapidly, and you have the intellect to lead that evolution.
• Take pride in your identity: As Nigerians, you embody resilience, brilliance, and the promise of greatness.
We will continue our efforts to cultivate a new Nigeria—one where your dreams are recognised, schools are safe, and your future is assured.
Blessings to all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -PO
Last night, I attended a dinner meeting for Governorship and National Assembly aspirants of the NDC. In attendance was His Excellency Peter Obi, CON, while His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was unavoidably absent as he is currently in Kano State attending to important party matters ahead of the primaries.
In my remarks, I thanked all the aspirants for believing in the vision, ideals, and future of the NDC. I noted that when the party was founded, many people did not give us any chance, but by the grace of God, within a few months, the NDC has emerged as the fastest-growing political party and the most cohesive opposition platform in the country.
I also appreciated the sacrifices and commitment of party officials and members who have continued to work tirelessly for the growth of the party since its inception. In particular, I commended the Screening Committee led by His Excellency Senator Sam Egwu, former Governor, Minister, and Senator, alongside other respected and experienced members of the committee, for their hard work and dedication in carrying out the screening exercise for aspirants over the past week.
I thanked all aspirants for investing their confidence in me and in the party, as well as for the donations and support they have continued to make towards the growth and development of the NDC. I reiterated that the NDC is an innovative and forward-looking political party committed to building strong democratic institutions and internal processes.
I explained that the inauguration of the Selection Committee, chaired by the National Chairman alongside other party leaders, is part of the party’s effort to institutionalize credibility, consultation, and strategic planning within the nomination process. I told them that the committee would review reports from the Screening Committee, consult widely with stakeholders across constituencies and states, and make recommendations that take into account competence, local dynamics, and the overall interests of the party.
I further noted that, because of the shortness of time ahead of the elections, the party strongly encourages consensus arrangements among aspirants wherever possible in order to minimize rancour and strengthen unity within the party. However, where consensus cannot be achieved, the party will proceed with democratic primaries in line with its constitution and guidelines.
I reminded aspirants that only one candidate can eventually emerge for each office, but assured them that the party would not forget any individual who has made sacrifices and invested in the movement. I stated that the NDC is being built as an ideological and enduring political institution, comparable to successful long-standing political movements around the world, and not as a temporary platform for opportunistic and transactional politics.
I also disclosed that the party is compiling a comprehensive database of all aspirants and supporters who have contributed to the growth of the NDC. That they will continue to play active roles in the affairs of the party, beginning with the presidential campaign structure and other strategic committees that will soon be constituted.
I assured the aspirants that this would be the last primary election conducted through the largely manual process currently in use due to time constraints. I explained that the party is already working towards introducing modern electronic systems for future primary elections in order to improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility.
Over the past few days, we have been in Kano working diligently to present candidates for various positions under the NDC through consensus.
I am pleased to report that the process has been smooth, peaceful, and highly successful, with candidates emerging for most seats. I also urge those who haven’t been successful at this stage to be patient and consider this as a procession towards the greater good.
It has been a truly fulfilling exercise during this blessed period. - RMK
My final engagement in South Africa was yesterday in Johannesburg with my interaction with Nigerians in the diaspora. The discussions were frank, emotional, and deeply reflective of the realities confronting our people both at home and abroad.
The conversation was interrupted several times by passionate questions bordering on diplomacy, the treatment of Nigerians in foreign countries, the political situation back home, and the growing desire of many young Nigerians abroad to return home and contribute meaningfully to nation-building, if only the environment becomes conducive.
I also reminded our people that the respect any citizen receives abroad is often tied to how respected their nation is at home. A country that works, protects its institutions, upholds justice, and cares for its people naturally commands global respect. This is why leadership and governance must remain people-oriented, accountable, and rooted in competence and integrity.
While acknowledging the frustrations and pains many expressed, I emphasized the need for all of us to continue to conduct ourselves within the ambit of the law, irrespective of the provocation or difficulties we face. Nation-building demands discipline, civic responsibility, and the willingness to pursue change through constructive engagement.
The interaction further reinforced my belief that Nigerians across the world remain hopeful about the future of our nation despite the present challenges. Our task as leaders is to inspire that hope with sincerity, measurable action, and a commitment to building a secure, productive, and inclusive Nigeria.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO