.…insists Obi is not desperate to be president

The Obidient Movement has reacted to the ultimatum given to Peter Obi by the African Democratic Congress, ADC saying his agreement with the party subsists till 2027.

This was contained in a statement signed by the movement’s Co-ordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko on Friday stating that:

“Our attention has been drawn to the recent statement released by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) concerning the resolutions of the Coalition and our role within it.

“We wish to restate our position clearly. While we remain fully committed to the vision of the Coalition and acknowledge the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform, it is on record that His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi aligned with the coalition’s position after the Anambra State Governorship Election, extending to the 2027 General Elections.

“This adoption and pronouncement were made publicly by the party. We are therefore concerned as to why the resolution is now being altered midway into the agreement.

“H.E. Peter Obi, as a leader with a broad constituency, has always taken time to consult widely before making major political decisions.

“He did so before joining the coalition, and he must also do so before responding to any ultimatum.

“As the Obidient Movement, being part of the main consulting bloc, we are particularly concerned about how the party intends to zone its presidential ticket.

” Considering that the presidency is currently held by the South, issues of equity and fairness must guide such decisions if the party truly aims to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

“We are equally interested in how the party zones its principal offices within the coalition, as this will ensure justice, fairness, and inclusivity — factors that will enable us to mobilize effectively across the country.

“It must be emphasized that H.E. Peter Obi is not desperate to be President of Nigeria.

” His ultimate mission is to see Nigeria work — to lift people out of poverty, to improve the economy, education, healthcare, and security.

“These were the reasons he joined the coalition in the first place targeted towards good governance which are the core values of the Obidient Movement.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has directed members of the national coalition yet to resign from their former political parties to do so for their formal recognition as members of the party.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi disclosed the directive after the party’s caucus meeting held in Abuja.

“Though final order has been given to all members to resign membership of other political parties, the caucus was silent on the timeline,” he said.

Abdullahi also disclosed that all the party’s presidential aspirants for 2027 had agreed to support whoever wins the primaries election.

He added that the party denied any interest in registration or otherwise the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) seeking to be registered as a political party.

He noted that the National Working Committee of ADC would announce date for primaries to elect its candidates for Osun and Èkìtì States off-cycle governorship elections.

Abdullahi said that the meeting was attended by ADC National Chairman, David Mark, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbeshola, former Kaduna State Gov. Malam Nasir el-Rufai.

Others at the meeting include former Sokoto State Gov. Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, former Rivers Gov. Chibuike Amaechi among others.

He said that National Leader of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi sent apologises, but gave his commitment to decisions took at the meeting.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced the nomination of three new Commissioner-designates.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, on Friday in Benin.

The new commissioner-designates are: Dr Elizabeth Ebosele, Mr Christopher Ewere Okaeben and Mr Festus Odianosen Ebea.

According to Ikhilor, the names of the new commissioner-designates would be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

According to the statement, Ebosele is a development economist, public policy expert with strong credentials in budgeting, planning, and governance.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Benin and has served as Technical Adviser on Budget & National Planning at the federal level.

She was a member of the Technical Working Group on “Cross-cutting Issues (Employment, Gender and People with Special Needs)” for the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025).

Nominee Okaeben is a public servant, and legislator from Edo holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Banking and Finance from the University of Benin.

He has held several key public offices, including Supervisory Councillor (Works & Transport) in Oredo Local Government, Senior Special Assistant on Youth Employment, Secretary to Oredo Council, Executive Director of the Edo State Petroleum Monitoring Committee, and Commissioner for Youth & Sports.

He also represented Oredo West constituency between 2015 and 2023 at the State House of Assembly, where he chaired key committees, including Health, Women’s Affairs, Energy, and Water Resources.

According to the statement, nominee Ebea is a respected legislator, political leader, and former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, representing Esan South East Constituency, championing grassroots development and legislative reforms.

As the recipient of the traditional title Obarisiagbon of Ubiaja, he has been active in Edo politics for over a decade, contributing to policy debates and governance advocacy.

As a Justice of the Peace (JP) and community mobiliser, Ebea is known for his commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and strengthening democratic processes.