Peter Obi's 2027 Campaign: Debunking the 'No Shishi' Myth

Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged the common belief that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), is a politician who refrains from spending money in pursuit of elective office. Olayinka accused the former governor of Anambra State of providing financial incentives to delegates while vying for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the lead-up to the 2023 election. He made these remarks during his appearance on AIT’s Democracy Today program on Friday, September 4, when asked if Wike views politics as a business. According to Olayinka, it is time for politicians to stop pretending that money does not influence Nigerian politics, asserting that candidates frequently invest money during consultations, party primaries, and election campaigns. "One of the issues with most of us Nigerians is that we like to pretend; politics is business. Let’s not kid ourselves. It’s a service, but you can only serve when you attain power," he stated. Olayinka mentioned that he ran for a House of Representatives seat in 2023, emphasizing that financial expenditure is also a crucial aspect of the primary election process. "Why do politicians spend money? Can anyone explain why politicians in this country, and even abroad, like in the US, do not spend money on campaigns? They do spend money to seek election," he questioned. Addressing the narrative surrounding Obi, he refuted the claim that the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate refrains from giving money during political activities. "For example, we have heard that the NDC candidate, Peter Obi, does not spend a dime. That’s false," Olayinka asserted. He claimed to have personally observed Obi distributing funds to delegates during his candidacy under the PDP. "I was a delegate in Ekiti when he was with the PDP before transitioning to the Labour Party. He came to Ekiti. He contributed funds for delegates. From the amount he contributed, I received my share in 2022,” he stated. Olayinka, however, recognized that Obi’s expenditures might have been less than those of some other presidential candidates. “The amount may be smaller than what others provided, but he did contribute,” he remarked. Obi ran for the presidency in 2023 under the Labour Party after departing from the PDP, where he initially pursued the party’s presidential nomination. As the 2027 election approaches, he has transitioned to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

Deputy spokesman for House of Reps warns opposition against image-damaging campaign as they press for US law enforcement records on President Tinubu

Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has called on US President Donald Trump and his administration to dismiss politically motivated lobbying efforts concerning historical US law enforcement records related to President Bola Tinubu. Agbese cautioned opposition politicians against actions that might harm Nigeria’s international reputation as they pursue political leverage leading up to the 2027 general elections. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, September 3, Agbese addressed recent lobbying in Washington, which seeks to engage the Trump administration and US Congress in allegations against Tinubu. He emphasized that political conflicts should not tarnish Nigeria’s reputation or adversely impact Nigerians living, working, studying, and conducting business abroad. According to Agbese, when politicians project Nigeria as a nation with criminal leadership, it affects all Nigerians globally, not just Tinubu. He urged the US administration to carefully assess the motivations and credibility of those advocating on Nigeria's behalf before responding to information resulting from political lobbying. According to Agbese, when politicians project Nigeria as a nation with criminal leadership, it affects all Nigerians globally, not just Tinubu. He urged the US administration to carefully assess the motivations and credibility of those advocating on Nigeria's behalf before responding to information resulting from political lobbying. He stressed that the relationship between America and Nigeria is greater than any politically driven motives and should focus on mutual interests like security, trade, and investment. While acknowledging the right of opposition politicians to critique and challenge Tinubu's policies, Agbese argued against involving foreign entities in domestic political matters. He advised the Federal Government to remain focused and not be sidetracked by what he termed as efforts to incite international controversy around the President as the elections approach. Agbese remarked that political rivalry is natural but emphasized the need for restraint in portraying one's country negatively merely for political gain. He highlighted the broader impact such campaigns could have on Nigerian students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and citizens whose identity is intertwined with Nigeria's global image. He raised concerns about using decades-old documents from civil forfeiture proceedings to judge Nigeria's present leadership, especially with the approaching elections. Agbese urged Nigerians to recognize the potential broader consequences of depicting the country unfavorably to foreign governments and international bodies, stressing that Nigeria's collective future transcends individual election outcomes.

Court Delays Decision on Atiku vs. Tinubu: What’s Next?

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled further proceedings for September 28 on a lawsuit filed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The suit seeks to disqualify President Bola Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election, alleging certificate forgery. The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was filed with Atiku's political party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a co-plaintiff. Listed as defendants are President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The plaintiffs claim in a 25-paragraph affidavit that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC contains discrepancies. Specifically, the certificate lists the name "Tinubu Bola Adekunle," which they argue amounts to providing false information under electoral laws. They are requesting a judicial ruling that this submission violates Section 137(1) (i) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), along with an order to bar President Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 election.