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Breaking: Obi Confirm Interest in 2027 Presidential Race, Promises Single-Term Leadership
- By Favour Bibaikefie
Labour Party’s former Presidential flag bearer, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency again in 2027. Speaking during a live interactive session on X Space last Sunday, Obi pledged to serve only one tenure in office if elected, aligning with the conditions of any national coalition formed to rescue the country.
His spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Umar, followed up with a formal confirmation of Obi’s statement on Monday.
Obi clarified that his ambition is not driven by a desire for power but by a commitment to national transformation. He stated unequivocally: “If the coalition is one term, I will leave on May 28, 2031 – not even May 29. I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work.”
He underscored that any such coalition must be guided by principles of integrity, character, and accountability, rather than political compromise or personal ambition.
No Alliance With Atiku, Focus Remains on National Challenges
The former Anambra State Governor dismissed speculations of a potential Alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Obi stressed that his focus is not on political arrangements but on assembling a result-driven team capable of tackling the country’s pressing issues, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.
“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians, count me out,” he asserted.
Vision: Stabilising Nigeria Within Two Years
Obi expressed confidence in his ability to bring stability to Nigeria within two years of assuming office. He pledged to prioritize key sectors such as security, education, and poverty reduction. He also vowed to run a clean administration, assuring that his family would be kept out of government business and contracts.
“To bring order in governance, I will prioritise security, education and pulling people out of poverty,” he said.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Foreign Trip Amid Crisis
During the session, Obi took a critical stance on President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to St. Lucia, describing it as disconnected from the nation’s current realities. He questioned the President’s leadership commitment amid ongoing security and economic challenges.
“You can’t build strong international relations when your domestic house is on fire. We’re losing lives in Niger, Benue, Zamfara and we’re gallivanting,” Obi lamented, adding that the President had not spent a single night outside Lagos in any Nigerian state since taking office.
No to Political Cross-Carpeting and Electoral Manipulation
Reaffirming his commitment to electoral reforms, Obi said he would champion credible elections and condemned the trend of elected politicians switching parties for personal gain.
He pledged a peaceful and transparent campaign, highlighting the importance of respecting voter decisions. He also restated his support for regional power rotation, noting his adherence to this principle while governing Anambra State.
In closing, Obi called for a compassionate and people-centered leadership approach, drawing from his own experiences of empathising with victims during crises in his home state.
With this declaration, Peter Obi sets the stage for what promises to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s 2027 electoral cycle.
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International: Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes — 40-Day National Mourning Declared
By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent
Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.
The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.
Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.
The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.
Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.
The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.
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Agbor Makes List as PDP Appoints Caretaker Committees for Osun, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Delta States
By: Divine Perezide
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved new caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in five states, pending the inauguration of fresh executive structures.
In a public notice dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, the NWC said the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and in line with constitutional provisions. According to the statement, the appointments were made “pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended).”
State Committees Announced
For Delta State, the committee is headed by Prof. Sylvester Monye as Chairman, with Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. serving as Secretary. They will be supported by 16 other members including Ujor Ucheonny, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukuta, Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu, Chief Ekiyor Charles, and Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna, among others.
In Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo was appointed Chairman, while Martin Ugwuamaideze was named Secretary. The committee includes seven additional members such as Ugwu Uchenna Godswill, Lilian C.E. Ugwuoke, and Chief Cosmas Onyia.
The Imo State Caretaker Committee is comparatively lean, with Chief John Jude Okere as Chairman and Mr. Magnus Amadi as Secretary.
For Rivers State, Ogbam Ojimah was named Chairman, with Dr. Field Baribeful Nkor appointed as Secretary. Other members include Richard Enyia Victor, Grace Boma Harry, Princess Isoma Stella Elenwa, and Austin Emeka Wali.
In Osun State, Hon. Tunde Tijani leads the committee, with Hon. Bamidele Seyi-Abiola serving as Secretary. Five additional members were listed, including Hon. Lateef Mumini Obidel and Alhaji Sarafa Gbadeamosi.
Mandate and Tenure
The PDP clarified that the committees are mandated to “manage the affairs of the Party in their respective States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution.” The party further noted that the duration of the committees “shall not exceed 90 days, or until such a time as a new Executive Committee is elected.”
Members were also advised to conduct their activities in compliance with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).
Meanwhile, the notice closed with the party’s slogan, “PDP, Power to the People,” indicating continuity of its internal restructuring ahead of future political engagements.