Personality in Focus
2023: Why Tambuwal May Spring Surprise, Clinch PDP’s Presidential Ticket
As Nigeria’s main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) makes final preparation for its highly anticipated presidential primaries scheduled for this weekend in Abuja, the aspirants are also in final race to politick their way to pick the party’s coveted ticket.
For over three months now, aspirants have transversed the length and breadth of the country meeting party delegates to sell their ambition of being the party’s flag bearer ahead of the 2023 presidential elections.
One of the aspirants and a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi on Wednesday resigned his membership of the party and also pulled out of the race for the party’s ticket reducing the contenders to 14.
The 14 presidential aspirants as of Thursday include; former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, two former Senate Presidents, Bukola Saraki and Anyim Pius Anyim as well as Governors Aminu Tambuwa, Nyesom Wike, Bala Mohammed, Emmanuel Udom, of Sokoto, Rivers, Bauchi and Akwa Ibom states respectively.
Others are businessman, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, former Governors Peter Obi and Ayo Fayose of Anambra and Ekiti States, Chief Sam Ohunabunwa, Dele Momodu, Charles Okwudili, Chikwendu Kalu, Cosmos Ndukwe and Olivia Tarela, who is the only female among the PDP presidential aspirants.
However, while the race appears tight and competitive, the odds seem to be in favour of the incumbent governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal.
Tambuwal controls largest share of delegates by region
In search of the best candidate to take PDP to victory come 2023, several speculations have been made in favour of Atiku with citation of his political record in 2018, during which he polled 1,532 votes at the PDP’s primaries to secure the party’s ticket and marched to keenly contest with President Muhammadu Buhari – he (Atiku) garnered 11,262,978 (41%) while Buhari Buhari of claimed 15,191,847 (56%).
For those on this lane, there are two points that have been gravely ignored, one of which is that the dynamics of politics in Nigeria today are unfavourable for Atiku and the second factor is that Tambuwal’s feat at the same 2018, where he trailed Atiku after securing 693 votes is highly underrated – not everyone is aware that the Sokoto State Governor continued to nurture his strength and political structure while Atiku on his side abandoned his political house after losing out in the last presidential election.
With President Muhammadu Buhari withholding assent on the Amended Electoral Act 2022, Tambuwal’s call to a new political glory was made more pronounced. This is because the Northwest Zone where he hails from would be presenting the highest number of delegates to the convention given the region’s superior number of local governments. The zone comprises of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States – and most of these states are in his pocket (Tambuwal).
Only 811 voting delegates are expected at the PDP convention, they include 774 national delegates (1 Per LGA and 37 special delegates (People with disability from each of the 36 states and FCT).
There is an aggregate of 186 national delegates in the Northwest and Tambuwal is the only candidate presented by the region. Firstly, there is no gainsaying that he (Tambuwal) will clear all the delegates’ votes in Sokoto. In Kano, Tambuwal has also become a favourite leader following the exit of a former governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso in PDP. Jigawa, is controlled by Tambuwal’s ally, former governor, Sule Lamido who has seized the territory for his friend.
Tambuwal is also a force to reckon with in Katsina, although Wike’s man, Senator Garba Lado is also doing his best to get some votes. Tambuwal’s train is also strongly stationed in Kaduna and Kebbi but Atiku and Saraki will give him a fight here. In Zamafara, General Aliyu Gusau is supporting Saraki, however, Tambuwal and can’t be written off in the state.
A PDP chieftain in the region muted that power brokers are open to supporting a northern consensus candidate and Tambuwal, it was said stands a higher chance than Atiku as he is seen as very accessible and also enjoys the home advantage factor in this zone.
More impressively, Tambuwal isn’t that far from taking a win as other contenders will only jostle for leftover votes in other regions and he (Tambuwal) is still part of the party. Wike will be struggling at his own home front in South-South, and might not be able to pick more than Rivers and Cross Rivers. In North-East, Atiku has Tambuwal, Saraki and Wike to fiercely contend with. In North-Central, Saraki though will win his state may have to still battle for survival as Tambuwal, Wike, Atiku also take their own share. In the South-East, Wike will have an edge since he is working with some governors but besides the fact that votes here is not as sizeable as in other regions, Tambuwal still stands strong with the support he is getting from the former governor of Imo State Emeka Ihedioha.
Power brokers, stakeholders in the North are backing Tambuwal
With the defeat of the southern presidency agenda which paved way for an open contest for the PDP’s ticket, most power brokers in the northern part of Nigeria are settling for a candidate who is reasonable and not so difficult to relate with – Tambwual mien puts him miles above a high-and-mighty Atiku in this stance.
Only recently, when the gruesome murder of a defenceless student, Deborah of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto by her irate schoolmates had troubled Sokoto State and many had feared the tension escalate and spread to other states, however, it was Tambuwal’s responsiveness, liberality and willingness to work with others that saved the day and by a large extension doused the wake of a likely religious tension in the country.
From his days as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 to 2015, he has continued to build bridges. Close and confidential sources around the Sokoto Governor describe him as one of the most down-to-earth politicians, meeting people on their own terms and engaging with them in a manner like never before. He takes his politics personal and is keen on maintaining quality conversations with people around him, never taking decisions on his own, which is why he had a balanced House of Representatives as Speaker, giving key positions to members of the House in an equitable manner. He also carried everyone along and made sure that consultation was the theme of the day before taking any critical decision.
Still, it’s worth emphasizing that it might be just a few days away from the d-day but in politics, there’s an incredibly wide range of results that are within the margin of error.
Personality in Focus
Prophet Isaiah Macwealth @45: A Tribute to a Visionary Leader, Kingdom Reformer, and Father to Nations
The Africa Division, Gospel Pillars Ministry on behalf of its leadership, partners, sons, daughters, and well-wishers across the African continent, has felicitated with its spiritual leader, Prophet Isaiah Macwealth, as he turns 45.
In a statement signed by management of the Africa Division, the group recognized Prophet Macwealth’s spiritual leadership and acts of humanity for over two decades.
The statement reads in full:
Africa Division joins countless sons, daughters, partners, and well-wishers around the world in celebrating the 45th birthday of our esteemed father, mentor, and spiritual leader, Prophet Isaiah Macwealth.
As he marks this significant milestone, we pause to reflect with profound gratitude on a life dedicated to the advancement of God’s Kingdom, the transformation of lives, and the raising of men and women who are impacting their generation with purpose and excellence.
For over two decades, Prophet Isaiah Macwealth has stood as a beacon of divine wisdom, prophetic accuracy, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to God’s assignment. Through his ministry, countless lives have been restored, destinies redirected, leaders raised, and communities transformed across continents.
His influence extends beyond the pulpit, reaching into the spheres of leadership development, nation-building, mentorship, education, and humanitarian impact. Through his teachings and personal example, he has inspired a generation to pursue God wholeheartedly while excelling in every area of life.
Africa Division expresses its deepest appreciation for his sacrifices, tireless labor, fatherly guidance, and steadfast commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and kingdom excellence across the African continent. We remain eternally grateful for the wisdom, grace, and covering that we continue to enjoy through his leadership.
As we celebrate this remarkable occasion, we honor not only a prophet but a statesman of the Kingdom, a trailblazer of faith, and a father whose life continues to illuminate pathways for many around the world.
We pray that the Almighty God grants him renewed strength, greater grace, increased influence, divine health, and many more years of fruitful service. May the coming years surpass all previous seasons in impact, relevance, and manifestation of God’s purpose for his life.
Happy 45th Birthday, Prophet Isaiah Macwealth.
Your life is a testament to God’s faithfulness, and your legacy continues to shape generations.
Personality in Focus
Aare EmmanuelKing Congratulates Dapo Abiodun at 66, Hails Gov’s Leadership Qualities
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, has extended his warm congratulations to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on the occasion of his 66th birthday.
In a goodwill message issued to commemorate the occasion, Aare EmmanuelKing described Governor Dapo Abiodun as a visionary leader, accomplished administrator, and distinguished statesman whose purposeful and people-oriented leadership continues to foster remarkable transformation, progressive governance, and sustainable development across Ogun State.
He noted that Governor Abiodun’s steadfast commitment to infrastructural development, economic advancement, youth empowerment, and the overall welfare of the citizenry has significantly positioned Ogun State as a foremost destination for investment, innovation, and socio-economic progress in Nigeria.
“On behalf of my family, the management, and staff of Adron Group, I sincerely felicitate with Your Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on the occasion of your 66th birthday. Your exemplary leadership, humility, and unwavering dedication to public service remain highly commendable and inspiring. Ogun State has continued to experience substantial growth and development under your administration, while your contributions to governance and human capital development are truly noteworthy,” Aare EmmanuelKing stated.
He further offered prayers for God’s continued grace, wisdom, strength, and good health for the Governor as he continues to render selfless service to Ogun State and the nation at large.
Aare EmmanuelKing also wished Governor Abiodun many more years of impactful leadership, peace, and fulfillment in service to humanity.
Personality in Focus
Wema Bank’s One-Day MD/CEO, Chimamanda Ozoakpata, Unveils New Benefits for Children
Wema Bank has spent the last few years reimagining what Children’s Day can look like for Nigerian children.
As a result, the Bank has painstakingly evolved what started as a mere celebration into an intentional platform designed to build confidence, encourage leadership, promote financial literacy and create meaningful opportunities for children across different age groups.
This year, the bank has raised the bar even higher.
At Wema Bank’s Children’s Day Special Event held on Monday, May 25, 2026, the One-Day MD/CEO, Chimamanda Diamond Ozoakpata, used her first official act in office to unveil a series of new initiatives designed to reward, educate and empower children through our Royal Kiddies account and ALAT Xplore platform.
From year-long cash rewards and celebrations of academic excellence to financial literacy materials and STEM challenges, here are the new incentives that were announced and how to qualify:
1. Birthday Cash Gift (Royal Kiddies Account Holders) Wema bank is putting real money behind milestone birthdays. Active Royal Kiddies account holders turning 5 will receive ₦5,000, while those turning 10 will receive ₦10,000 automatically, as a birthday cash gift.
The initiative runs from May 2026 to May 2027.
Importantly, active account holders who already turned 5 or 10 before May 2026 this year will also receive their reward this month.
To qualify: Your child must hold an active Royal Kiddies account and be turning (or have turned) age 5 or 10 within the qualifying window.
2. ₦100,000 Reward for Top Common Entrance Students (Royal Kiddies Account Holders).
In a move that directly ties financial reward to academic achievement, Wema Bank will reward the top 100 students in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) with ₦100,000 each. This initiative commences in June 2026.
To qualify:
Your child must be among the top 100 performers in the NCEE and hold a Royal Kiddies account.
3. Financial Literacy Book Launch – Money Adventures (Royal Kiddies Account Holders) Wema Bank officially launched Money Adventures, a financial literacy book created for children aged 6 and above, at the Children’s Day event.
Designed to make money conversations simpler and more engaging for young readers, the book introduces children to foundational concepts around saving, money management and responsible financial habits in a fun, age-appropriate way. To qualify: To receive a copy of this book, your child must hold an active Royal Kiddies account or have their Royal Kiddies account newly activated.4. Evolve School Tour STEM Challenge (ALAT Xplore Account Holders)The Bank also unveiled the Evolve School Tour STEM Challenge. Designed for secondary school students aged 13–17, the programme will run across six schools nationwide with existing STEM programmes. Through hands-on STEM competitions and school engagements, the initiative aims to promote innovation, technology awareness, financial literacy and responsible savings culture.
There will also be monetary prizes to be won at the end of the challenge.To qualify: Your child must be an ALAT Xplore customer, aged 13–17, and attend one of the participating schools with an active STEM programme.Over the last four years, Wema Bank has consistently treated Children’s Day as more than a calendar moment. From the One-Day MD/CEO initiative to school tours, leadership experiences and child-focused financial literacy campaigns, the Bank has continued to expand how it supports children meaningfully.
Yet, this is the first time the bank has included a Children’s Day initiative that runs for an entire year. Combine that with a six-figure academic reward, a published financial literacy resource, and a nationwide school tour, and it becomes clear: this is the most comprehensive, most impactful package of benefits Wema Bank has ever delivered to its youngest customers.
It signals a growing commitment by Wema Bank to create experiences for children that extend far beyond celebration and leave a lasting impact long after Children’s Day is over.
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