In 2007, INEC insisted that Obi could only remain in office for less than two years and proceeded to conduct a fresh election. The PDP won that election, and Andy Uba was sworn in as governor.
Obi took the matter to court and emerged victorious. There were other landmark judgments during that period, including the reversal of the impeachments of Ladoja, Dariye, and Obi, as well as a ruling that favored Amaechi. Despite all the shortcomings of the PDP, these decisions all occurred under its watch.
The question everyone should ask themselves is: Can such landmark judgments happen in today's Nigeria, especially when they go against the ruling party? Are we truly making the progress we ought to be making?
Reflecting on the Prison Exchange with Ethiopia
The news of the conclusion of the prisoners exchange between Nigeria and Ethiopia is refreshing.
Every life is precious, and ensuring the constitutional right to human dignity for all Nigerians - regardless of where they are or the circumstances they find themselves in - must remain a cornerstone of our national foreign policy.
I must therefore appreciate the efforts of our Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and their Ethiopian counterparts for finally concluding these protracted negotiations.
However, we must reflect deeply on this development. It is heartbreaking to learn that at least four Nigerian citizens lost their lives in custody while this diplomatic and administrative process dragged on over the past few years. My heart goes out to their families, who had to endure the ultimate pain of losing loved ones in a foreign land.
While we commend this humanitarian intervention, it serves as a reminder of a larger systemic crisis. The overwhelming majority of these citizens are young Nigerians. A significant number were arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport in search of green pastures. While we must continuously urge our citizens to remain law-abiding and respect the laws of host nations wherever they travel or reside, we must also ask ourselves a hard question: What drives our young and productive population into desperate circumstances across the globe?
Until we build a New Nigeria that offers genuine economic opportunities, a functional educational framework, and an environment where hard work is rewarded, we will continue to grapple with the tragic consequences of mass emigration and its associated vulnerabilities.
As these citizens are brought home to serve out their terms, our correctional facilities must be properly managed with a focus on genuine rehabilitation and societal reintegration. Let us use this moment not just for short-term relief, but as an urgent call to build a nation that protects, values, and empowers its citizens here at home.
With the right policies and leadership, a New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Coping with the systematic collapse of our institutions.
When the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, unfolded, I expressed a concern to a friend: that the greatest damage might not be immediate, but the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of our institutions to the world.
Strong economies are built on trust. Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary that is perceived to be vulnerable to political pressure.
Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them. Businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own. That should concern every patriot.
We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals. "The federal High Court Judgement ordering the de-registration of the ADC and other political parties is just one of those activities that further reduces the common man's trust in our legal systems" it should be reversed.
I pledge that we will restore the dignity, independence, and integrity of the Judiciary. The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation. Justice must be impartial, accessible, and respected by all.
To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates, and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country!
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
Sustainable Success Is Built on Competence, Integrity, Discipline and hardworking.
On Saturday, I had the privilege of interacting with young entrepreneurs, professionals, business leaders, and members of the emerging generation at the This Generation Conference hosted by Summit Bible Church in Abuja.
Our discussion focused on what it takes to thrive in the marketplace despite prevailing economic challenges. I shared insights from my years in business and public service, emphasizing that sustainable success is built on integrity, competence, discipline, and a commitment to creating value for society.
I reminded participants that no nation develops by consumption alone. Nations progress when their citizens are productive, innovative, and committed to excellence. Our young people must resist the temptation of shortcuts and instead embrace education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership.
The future of Nigeria depends largely on the quality of leadership and enterprise this generation is willing to build. We must move from a culture of sharing poverty to one of creating prosperity through production, innovation, and responsible governance.
I left encouraged by the energy, intelligence, and determination of the young people I met. Their questions, ideas, and aspirations reaffirmed my belief that Nigeria’s greatest resource remains her people.
Together, through hard work, integrity, and purposeful leadership, we can build the New Nigeria that is POssible. -PO
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
🗣️Dear fellow Nigerians,
The 2026 Federal Government budget is the biggest in our history. N68.32 trillion approved. Let that number sit for a second.
But here is what they did not lead with. Nigeria is only expected to earn N36.87 trillion this year. That means the government can only fund 53.9% of its own budget from actual revenue. The remaining 46.1% will come from borrowing. And debt service alone will consume nearly 45% of everything we earn. That is N15.81 trillion going straight to paying back what we already owe, before a single road is fixed, before a single school is built, before a single hospital gets funded.
Every year, Nigeria sets revenue targets. Every year, we fall short. In 2025, the government projected N36.35 trillion in revenue. By June, only N10.92 trillion had come in. Yet the 2026 projections follow the same pattern, the same optimism, the same numbers that history tells us we will not meet.
Our full analysis of the 2026 Federal Government Approved Budget drops tomorrow. Do not miss it.
#FollowTheMoney #2026FGBudget #2026FGBudgetAnalysis
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
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
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
DEMOCRACY IS NOT A GIFT, IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY
A message from Opuda (Alabo) Dumo Lulu-Briggs on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day.
It is another democracy day when we celebrate the sacrifices of our heroes past in the enthronement and sustenance of democracy in our country.
For us in Rivers State, democracy has in the last 27 years, since 1999, impacted us in different ways. It carried both promise and pain, sometimes in the same election cycle.
But democracy is the only system where the fisherman in Bille, the market woman in Mile 3, the farmer in Emohua and the teacher in Bori has just one vote, one voice and one stake. Democracy is not perfect but it remains the best form of government.
On a day like this, we only need to remind ourselves that power belongs to the people. It is a day to remind us that we own Rivers State together - Ikwerre, Ijaw, Ogoni, Etche, Ogba, Ndoki, Ndoni, Omuma, Abua, Ekpeye etc.
Our founding fathers fought for the creation of this state so that we and our children can live freely, vote without fear, speak without threat, and build without being inhibited.
Today, the disappointments and weariness in our people’s voices are loud and I understand it. My answer, and I hope yours too, is not to walk away but to reclaim what belongs to us.
Our forebears fought for it and we must not trade that inheritance for division. We have the responsibility to protect and preserve our state.
Rivers State sits on enormous wealth. Our waterways, our blue economy, our brilliant and restless young people who deserve better. Democracy becomes real when the right to choose, the right to demand accountability, and the right to know are guaranteed.
On this day, I urge us not to give up but to renew our faith in the unity and progress of Rivers State. We will disagree without violence, we will compete without hate, we will protect our state, its people, its unity, its wealth and its future.
Rivers State shall rise again.
Happy Democracy Day.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yours ceaselessly,
Opuda Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs
#DLBLegacy #NDC
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
I was deeply honoured to host a high-powered solidarity visit from the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum at my residence in Abuja.
The delegation was led by Dr. S. N. Okeke, Chairman of the Ohanaeze Council of Elders for the 19 States and the FCT, alongside former Governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo. The elders expressed strong appreciation for the growing and cordial partnership between myself and His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). They pledged their unwavering support for the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and assured the movement of massive electoral backing across the South-East and the wider Southern region.
In my response, I thanked the delegation for their visit and for the opportunity to exchange views on the state of the nation. Reflecting on the historic North-South East political dynamics, I expressed delight at the excellent and productive relationship I continue to enjoy with HE Peter Obi. I also reaffirmed my total commitment to the OK Movement and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasising our resolute determination to deliver victory for the party in the upcoming elections. - RMK
The PVC registration fitness party will be happening this Saturday in Lagos, by 7am at the Surulere Stadium.
For all enquiries, kindly send a dm to @WeDecide__ . Thank you
Message to Obidients
I have said that the Obidients are the greatest political resource for Nigeria’s political transformation.
Now, listen
Forget the primaries
Focus on driving @PeterObi to the presidency
30 good legislators would not change Nigeria
1 truly transformative President will change Nigeria.
Focus on Peter Obi. Support NDC. Get to work
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