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FG Reveals How Shettima Nominated and Convinced Bishop Kukah for Tinubu’s Appointment

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FG Reveals How Shettima Nominated and Convinced Bishop Kukah for Tinubu’s Appointment

The Federal Government has disclosed how it was able to persuade Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, to take on the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Governing Council at the recently founded Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State.
According to reports, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, provided the information at the Abuja principal officers’ and governing council inauguration.
He clarified that Bishop Kukah’s nomination and acceptance of the position were greatly aided by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Vice President’s involvement was described by Dr. Alausa at the Ministry’s conference hall: “Bishop Kukah is very busy.” When the Vice President was proposing Bishop Kukah, he was really concerned that I would cause him a great deal of stress. Bishop Kukah holds him in the highest regard, according to the vice president.

The Vice President was quoted by him as he went on: “I’m giving the Vice President’s words now.” “He respects me so much.” Whenever I ask him to do something, he always complies. I would want to propose that he be appointed Pro Chancellor. I’ll ask him even though I know he’s already overburdened, out of self-interest and for the good of the nation. And I am aware that he won’t refuse.

Bishop Kukah said, “Yes, I will do it,” when Vice President Shettima reached out to him. Dr. Alausa claims that the religious leader accepted the role.

Read Also: Reps Deny Claims of $5,000 Bribe Linked to Rivers State of Emergency

Despite his numerous commitments, Bishop Kukah accepted the position, and the Minister thanked him for doing so, saying it demonstrated his passion to community service and education.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas, and General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, were among the notable individuals that attended the occasion. An indigenous of Southern Kaduna’s Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, General Musa promised that the Nigerian military will guarantee the university’s strong security, guaranteeing a secure atmosphere for both employees and students.

Reps Deny Claims of $5,000 Bribe Linked to Rivers State of Emergency

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Reps Deny Claims of $5,000 Bribe Linked to Rivers State of Emergency

Allegations that each member of the House of Representatives was offered $5,000 in exchange for approving President Bola Tinubu’s request to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State have been rejected.
Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC), the House’s deputy spokesman, strongly denied the allegations, claiming they were nasty, untrue, and coming “from the pit of hell.”
Agbese addressed the charges, which went viral after the House’s resolution on the state of emergency on Thursday, in an interview with reporters in Abuja on Saturday.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended as a result of the accusations that members were bought off to approve the resolution.

It is unjust to the Parliament to claim that members of the House of Representatives were coerced into passing a resolution by offering them $5,000. Agbese said, “Very, very unfair to the Parliament.”

He emphasized that the House’s decision was motivated by patriotism and a sincere wish to bring peace back to Rivers State.

In defense of the state of emergency, Agbese claimed that it was in the best interests of the country and in accordance with constitutional obligations to maintain stability.

In reference to the biblical character renowned for his astute assessments, he stated, “What we did on Thursday was to align ourselves with what I call the wisdom of King Solomon.”

“All insinuations that any individual was given money to give to members is nothing but lies from the pit of hell,” he said, further rejecting the bribery accusations.

Agbese further chastised the opposition for not appreciating the House’s constructive attempts to solve national concerns.

Agbese emphasized the House’s participation in making significant changes to President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation while dismissing the bribery allegations.

The National Assembly would take over the Rivers Assembly’s legislative responsibilities during the state of emergency, the Parliament decided. The House also proposed that if the conflicting groups in Rivers State come to an early agreement, the emergency term might be shortened.

Agbese emphasized the House’s commitment to finding a long-term solution to the conflict by saying, “Mr. President, in his wisdom, should also reduce the period from 180 days, even if it is within two weeks that these parties are able to resolve their differences and show that they are on the same page.”

Read Also: APC Unrest as Presidency Pushes Tenure Extension for Ganduje, NWC to Secure Tinubu’s Ticket

Agbese reaffirmed his belief that President Tinubu will uphold democratic institutions. “We know President very well,” he said. He’s a Democrat. In terms of Nigeria, he has battled for the institutions of our democracy.

He was hopeful that the President will lift the state of emergency and return everything to normal if the problems in Rivers State could be settled in less than six months.

A tri-partite committee made up of prominent Nigerians, members of Parliament, and Executive Council members would be established to promote communication and end the political impasse in Rivers State, the Deputy Spokesman further said.

Agbese blamed opposition elements and “fifth columnists” for the bribery accusations, accusing them of trying to damage the House’s reputation.

Assuring Nigerians that the House would always act in their best interests, he urged them to keep supporting it.

With 243 MPs present during the resolution to approve the state of emergency, Agbese certified that the House had the quorum needed.

“I am confident that both the Rivers State Government and the Rivers Assembly will emerge stronger by the end of the state of emergency, contributing to the state’s overall progress,” he said.

APC Unrest as Presidency Pushes Tenure Extension for Ganduje, NWC to Secure Tinubu’s Ticket

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APC Unrest as Presidency Pushes Tenure Extension for Ganduje, NWC to Secure Tinubu’s Ticket

Powerful party stakeholders are not happy with the president’s schemes to extend the tenure of national executives in an attempt to tighten its control over the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat.
Notwithstanding growing tensions within the party, the presidency is committed to ensuring a seamless process in obtaining a new ticket for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the general elections of 2027 get near.
According to information obtained by Saturday Tribune, efforts are being made to prolong the terms of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) members, who are led by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, past the 2019 general election.
In order to avoid electing new national and state offices, which would result in legal challenges and increased polarization within the party at the state level, similar extensions might also be given to leaders at the state chapters.

According to sources, the national caucus meeting that took place before the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja in February included conversations about securing tenure extensions for Ganduje and state leaders.

Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, announced party acceptance of the extension plans at the end of that meeting by reading a vote of confidence in Ganduje’s NWC.

Following the dismissal of Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore during a NEC meeting in August 2023, Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru were elected national chairman and secretary, respectively. At the APC National Convention in Abuja in March 2022, Adamu and Omisore were chosen.

Party officers are expected to hold office for four years, with the option to be re-elected or reappointed for one more term, as stated in Article 17(1) of the APC Constitution (2022 as modified).

According to this article, “any officers of the Party elected or appointed into the Party’s organs shall serve in such organs for a period of four (4) years and shall be eligible for re-election or reappointment for another period of four (4) years only, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution.”

First-term governors, however, are displeased with the proposed tenure extension because they feel that their predecessors’ supporters are being imposed at the state and federal levels.

The president’s interference in the appointments has caused conflict, even though these governors are keen to install their own allies.

The automatic ticketing of federal MPs who defected to the APC is another area of controversy.

Read Also: Breaking: Adeleke Extends Curfew as Communal Clashes Worsen

The Tribune claims that before making their defection public, a number of senators and members of the House of Representatives obtained agreements with the president for automatic tickets.

Senators who allegedly made such agreements include Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Imo East), who defected from the Labour Party. Salman Idris (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency), who left the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of PDP leader James Ibori, are also beneficiaries of this arrangement in the House of Representatives.

Other party members who are interested in similar positions have privately complained about the impending presidential imposition of candidates, expressing concern that the procedure will impede internal party democracy, even as these parliamentarians enjoy the advantages of their new affiliations.

Breaking: Adeleke Extends Curfew as Communal Clashes Worsen

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Breaking: Adeleke Extends Curfew as Communal Clashes Worsen

On Saturday, the Ifon and Ilobu villages’ intercommunal conflicts intensified and extended to the Erin Osun community.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has responded by placing a 24-hour curfew on the impacted districts.
Following the incident, the governor first imposed a 12-hour curfew, forcing many inhabitants of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun to leave their homes. Displaced people were spotted on Okinni’s streets on Saturday; some, especially those from the north, were departing the town in buses.

Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke’s spokeswoman, reportedly described the steps taken to stop the situation from getting worse in a statement.
“By enforcing a 24-hour curfew, assembling a joint security task force, and hosting a peace agreement between the two warring communities, Governor Ademola Adeleke has intensified conflict de-escalation measures on the Ifon-Ilobu conflict,” the statement said.

“I am committed to securing their lives and properties,” Governor Adeleke informed the residents of Ilobu and Ifon. I’ve given the state president an update on the situation. We have the matter under control.

The statement also addressed the dissemination of misleading information, emphasizing that opposition groups were spreading outdated footage of previous intercommunal clashes in certain areas of Osun State in order to fabricate an image of pervasive insecurity.

Read Also: Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actress Nkechi Nweje Dies

The statement went on to say, “We advise the public to be aware of the actions of fake news merchants who are repurchasing old videos to disparage the state government, even though the ongoing conflict is unfortunate and everyone is working to put an end to the violence.”

The governor underlined that the public should ignore the bogus footage of violence in other Osun towns and villages that are making the rounds.

Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actress Nkechi Nweje Dies

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Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actress Nkechi Nweje Dies

Nkechi Nweje, a veteran Nollywood actress, has away following a brief illness.
According to reports, Stanley Ontop, Nkechi’s coworker, posted on his Instagram profile on Friday to inform the death.
He added, “Nollywood is in mourning over the passing of one of our dynamic Nollywood actresses, @nkechi.nweje.” after a short period of illness. Since the morning, I was unable to publish since it felt like a dream. Nwanyi Onitsha Ezigbo

“May you rest in peace, ma’am. My dearest friend always gives me advice over the phone. She said, “Ontop stop,” during the Queeneth story, when we last spoke. I can’t even speak yet.

To honor the late actress, numerous Nollywood celebrities have posted tributes on social media.

In other developments, Nollywood star Segun Arinze has denied internet rumors that he is ill and in need of hospitalization.

After pictures of Arinze appearing weak and having a bloated stomach went viral on social media, there were rumors that he had provided an explanation.

On Friday, though, the actor claimed to be healthy in a video posted to his Instagram page.

Read Also: Agunloye: Obi’s Supporters Asked If SDP Would Accept Him

He added that his real health state is not reflected in the pictures that are making the rounds online; they were taken on a movie set.

Additionally, Segun Arinze thanked everyone who had contacted them via phone and SMS and cautioned followers about falling for frauds.

The movie star advised the public not to donate money to anyone in the pretense of helping him with his medical care.

Agunloye: Obi’s Supporters Asked If SDP Would Accept Him

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Agunloye: Obi’s Supporters Asked If SDP Would Accept Him

Political strategists are already setting themselves up for a chance to represent Nigeria in the 2027 presidential election, which is only two years away.
In order to fulfill their aspirations of taking control of Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power in Abuja, certain political actors are looking into special purpose entities, and new alliances and changes are occurring among the 19 registered political parties.
With no fewer than seven presidential candidates already standing up under its platform, it was understood that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) had become a major player in the political drama.
The party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, made this revelation during an appearance on Channels Television’s sociopolitical program Inside Sources with Laolu Akande.

“We may have ten presidential candidates, but we currently have eight.” “We have seven of them on our platform,” former Steel Minister Agunloye stated in the interview.

Agunloye did not name the candidates, but he stated that the SDP would make every effort to keep these candidates, saying, “We can’t afford to lose any of the interested politicians to other parties.”

Supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, have approached the SDP with a request to draft the party’s platform should Obi decide to join, Agunloye also disclosed.

Obi’s representatives approached us and asked if we would take him if he showed there. Naturally, we said to them, ‘Yes,'” Agunloye clarified, adding that although Obi has not yet made his formal intentions known, his supporters have approached the SDP.

Read Also: Bode George: Wike Has Crossed the Line, He Should Be Sacked From PDP

More specifically, Agunloye stated, “Some of them are with us saying that they are preparing the ground but you have to join SDP.” If you are a member of the Labour Party and you notify us that Obi is coming without joining us, we won’t be able to welcome you.
While there is still speculation about Obi possibly switching to the SDP, Agunloye stated that the party is ready for any scenario, regardless of Obi’s intentions.

However, Obi might not intend to attend or might choose to do so. All of this is done by others, but our position is to perform well on our platform,” Agunloye confirmed.

Bode George: Wike Has Crossed the Line, He Should Be Sacked From PDP

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Bode George: Wike Has Crossed the Line, He Should Be Sacked From PDP

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), should be fired from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) according to Chief Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of the party.
According to George, Wike has gone too far by taking away the PDP national secretariat’s Abuja location, and he has no right to stay a party member.
In an interview with Arise News on Friday, George called Wike’s move an outright declaration of war against the PDP.

He has crossed the line, in my opinion. What do you seek after you pass the red line? Therefore, why is he still there? George inquired.
By comparing Wike’s behavior to a son taking over his father’s home, he argued that the Minister need to be guided out of the party.

“Why do you think your father is still a man if you have gone to usurp his home? Why do you suppose he remains a party member? The PDP leader asked.

George urged PDP leadership to act against Wike, saying that their silence would be the height of irresponsibility and disgrace.

“No, no, no.” These things are just shattering, you know, the party. There must be a meeting of the party. We must hold a meeting with the board of trustees’ leaders. In trust for the party’s members, we own the party.

“A young man has gone too far if he declared that the PDP party secretariat should be abolished. An open war has been proclaimed by him. It’s a great shame, too. If leaders and elders do nothing, we must be careless,” George remarked.

PDP Discipline Committee Prejudice
The PDP National Disciplinary Committee, which is headed by Chief Tom Ikimi, is allegedly prejudiced in favor of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, according to George’s accusations made during the interview.

He revealed that this was a contributing factor in his decision to decline membership in the committee.

“Yes, the National Disciplinary Committee supports Atiku Abubakar. It is led by Chief Tom Ikimi, a former Foreign Affairs Minister. Atiku’s side is represented by the secretary of the same committee, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, and they invited me to join. “No, I can’t,” I responded.

Read Also: Sara-Igbe Urges Wike’s Suspension, Slams Tinubu Over Rivers Affairs

“First of all, Tom met me at this party,” he said, explaining why he had declined to serve on the committee. I am unable to work for him. Second, there was a distortion in the structure of the object. So, where do you begin?

National Secretary Decision by the Supreme Court
George said the party must accept the decision and move on in response to Friday’s Supreme Court decision that reinstated Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP National Secretary.

He said, “I’ve been informed that I should return since the Supreme Court rendered a decision this morning. We don’t feel guilty. We are idle. We can no longer appeal to anyone. Let’s return.

He pointed out that deciding the party’s course in the face of the ongoing crisis will be greatly influenced by the PDP national convention, which is anticipated to take place between October and November.

Sara-Igbe Urges Wike’s Suspension, Slams Tinubu Over Rivers Affairs

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Sara-Igbe Urges Wike’s Suspension, Slams Tinubu Over Rivers Affairs

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike should be suspended by President Bola Tinubu for his involvement in the political unrest in the state, according to Rivers Elders Council member Anabs Sara-Igbe.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Sara-Igbe voiced her staunch opposition to President Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
President Tinubu’s actions were contested by Sara-Igbe, who claimed that the president lacked the constitutional power to remove a democratically elected governor.

“He has no constitutional authority to suspend the governor,” Sara-Igbe questioned, raising doubts about the rationale for the action.
He expressed further dissatisfaction with the President’s handling of the matter, highlighting the inaction against Wike, whom he says is the primary cause of Rivers State’s persistent issues.

However, he has never questioned or sanctioned a minister who is responsible for the entire issue he appointed. “What keeps him from punishing the minister who is the root of the issue?” he asked.

The acrimonious rivalry between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has contributed to the political turmoil in Rivers State.

Violent altercations, legislative deadlock, and increasing violence—such as explosions and the destruction of oil pipelines—have all resulted from this struggle.

President Tinubu proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, effectively suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for a six-month initial term.

The President attributed this extreme measure mostly to the “disturbing violence” in the state.

But according to Sara-Igbe, Wike was the main cause of the issue. Wike, whom he considers to be the principal culprit, has been left unpunished, he claimed, while the President suspended elected officials.
“A minister who is the main source of all the issues cannot be suspended, but you have suspended an elected governor,” he said.

Read Also: Supreme Court Verdict: Game-Changer for Wike’s Suspension, Anyanwu’s Removal – Ugochinyere

Sara-Igbe chastised President Tinubu as well for what he saw as an unjust method of settling the dispute. “If you beat two kids who are fighting, heaven will say that you are fair,” he remarked, using an illustration. When a child isn’t the one causing trouble and insulting everyone, you can’t abuse him the entire time.

He also accused Wike of causing splits throughout the nation, pointing out that the FCT Minister had made disparaging comments about a number of ethnic groups, which fueled the nation’s escalating hostilities.

He has made fun of every region of the nation. He has called on ethnic groups to come out and cause trouble, insulting his grandfathers. However, the man you approved of is the one who is calm and obedient to you,” Sara-Igbe said.

Supreme Court Verdict: Game-Changer for Wike’s Suspension, Anyanwu’s Removal – Ugochinyere

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Supreme Court Verdict: Game-Changer for Wike’s Suspension, Anyanwu’s Removal – Ugochinyere

Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives, argued that Friday’s Supreme Court decision provides a significant tool for the party to formally remove Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary and suspend Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Speaking in a statement on Friday, he said that the decision confirmed that internal party activities were not justiciable, rendering Anyanwu’s future judicial efforts “baseless.”
The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) can now take disciplinary action, including implementing the Tom Ikimi Report recommendations that resulted in Anyanwu’s suspension.
“The Supreme Court judgement on the issue of PDP Secretary is a powerful weapon to help sack Anyanwu afresh, suspend [FCT Minister Nyesom] Wike, and rebuild the party,” Ugochinyere said in a statement.

He emphasized that with a majority of the 18-member NWC in favour of removing Anyanwu, his new ban would be permanent, even if contested in court.

“With this judgement, immediately the NWC meeting holds, and if it fails to hold, they should use their two-thirds to summon it and immediately, with their majority, invoke the powers of the NWC to act on behalf of NEC/National Convention in situations of extreme emergencies like this,” according to him.

He also advised PDP members not to be worried by the verdict, arguing that it does not automatically reinstall Anyanwu. Instead, he saw it as a strategic opportunity for the party’s leadership to “end the madness” and bring order to the opposition party.

In addition to Anyanwu, Ugochinyere advocated for disciplinary action against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of years of “sabotage” against the party. He advised PDP leaders to remain firm and not be misled by external pressures.

Read Also: Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Unite in Coalition, Set to Announce Party for 2027 Election

“I commend the NWC members who have refused to be bought or compromised with Abuja land to remain strong and immediately use their majority to suspend/expel Anyanwu and his father Wike to bring to an end all this madness that has reduced once vibrant PDP and opposition to a helpless state,” he told journalists.

Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Unite in Coalition, Set to Announce Party for 2027 Election

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Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Unite in Coalition, Set to Announce Party for 2027 Election

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have declared that they have formed an opposition coalition with the goal of running against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Atiku reportedly confirmed the news during a press conference on Thursday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja to inquiries from the media. Following growing debates on the need for a unified opposition to overthrow the current government, the announcement was made.
On March 8, Atiku, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, reiterated his desire to bring the opposition together in order to overthrow the All Progressives Congress (APC), a cause he has always supported.
When El-Rufai switched from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10, it sparked more discussion among opposition leaders and increased the impetus for such a coalition.

“Yes, the coalition of opposition is being born ahead of 2027,” Atiku stated during his remarks at the conference.

Like Atiku, Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, emphasized that the coalition’s goal was the freedom and empowerment of the Nigerian people. According to Obi, who was represented by Yunusa Tanko, the Obidient Movement’s Interim National Coordinator, the coalition would deal with the country’s pressing governance problems.

Yes, the former vice president and His Excellency Peter Obi are working together on this, Tanko said in an interview. Plans for a conversation among the opposition are a crucial concept. Since the former governor of Anambra State has stated it before, it is clear that we must cooperate as a team.

It must be founded on a program to emancipate the Nigerian people, which is precisely what we have just begun, he added.

“Our democracy has been attacked morally, with indignity and a level of disdain,” according to Tanko, who also denounced recent political acts. In that specific statement against the Rivers State government, that is precisely what was demonstrated, and as Democrats, we will not tolerate such an absurd display of power and intolerance for the Nigerian people.

The partnership would concentrate on issues like electricity supply, security, and the declining quality of Nigeria’s educational system, he continued. “Everything will be based on issues,” Tanko continued.

He said, “It will be announced,” in response to a question concerning the coalition’s political allegiance.

Other opposition figures who attended the news conference included Segun Showunmi, the convener of The Alternative; Peter Ameh, the national secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties; and Babachir Lawal, the former secretary to the Government of the Federation. Former National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), all former APC governors, all endorsed the coalition but were not present.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Peter Ameh stated that no decisions had been made on the coalition’s name or program, but that coalition talks had made great progress.

Read Also: Court Rejects Ex-Gov Kalu’s Attempt to Block FG’s Appeal in Fraud Case

As the previous vice president stated, the coalition is officially born with this press conference. We will continue to interact with political leaders and parties, and the conversations have gotten more heated,” Ameh said.

“At this point, we have not yet made a decision regarding the coalition’s name or platform,” he continued. Nonetheless, there are still debates about both. It will be made public as soon as we come to a consensus.

Regarding the alliance, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor also gave party leaders advice to maintain their flexibility. Osadolor stated that ensuring the APC was ousted from office in 2027 was in the best interests of the PDP and Nigeria overall.

“Well,” he went on, “I would advise the PDP leaders to avoid being very stiff or stagnant. Also, since they are the big brother of all the other opposition parties in this nation, they should learn to be accepting and adaptable.

Osadolor stressed that all Nigerians would gain from the coalition’s success. They should therefore be able to compromise and make the alliance a key topic of conversation. He came to the conclusion that tossing this government into the trash is beneficial for the PDP and all Nigerians.

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