Headlines
Insensitive! Peter Obi Knocks Borno Lawmaker over Request of New Aircraft for VP
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticized Borno State House of Assembly Speaker Abdulkareem Lawan for requesting a new aircraft for Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Lawan had expressed concern about the Vice President’s safety due to the continued use of a “faulty” presidential aircraft for international duties, a situation highlighted by Shettima’s recent cancellation of his planned attendance at the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa.
In a statement on X, Obi labeled the demand for a new aircraft as insensitive, suggesting that the Speaker is disconnected from the serious economic challenges currently facing the nation. He emphasized that leaders should focus on issues that benefit the public instead of indulging in selfish desires for unnecessary luxuries that come at the people’s expense.
Obi remarked: “I came across a troubling statement attributed to a political leader who claims that the Vice President’s life is at risk due to issues with his official aircraft. The leader even urged the Federal Government to acquire a new plane for the Vice President. Such comments at this time reveal a lack of sensitivity and concern for the ongoing economic crisis in our country. It is widely known that Nigerians are enduring severe hardship.
“This provocative request comes from someone who seems oblivious to the fact that Nigeria is exhibiting all the signs of a failed state. Over the past decade, we rank among the eleven worst-governed countries in Africa and are among the 20 hungriest nations globally, facing escalating mass poverty, extreme hunger, and starvation.
“Nigeria remains the poverty capital of the world, with our per capita income plummeting from $1,700 in 2023 to $1,109 this year. Shouldn’t these critical issues be the priority for responsible leaders?
“Our national electricity grid has collapsed eight times this year alone and 105 times in the past decade, leading to significant losses for small businesses and leaving households in darkness. Over the last 15 months, many businesses have shut down or faced distress due to the harsh economic conditions. Shouldn’t these challenges be what we focus on as leaders instead of catering to our selfish desires for unnecessary luxury at the expense of the people we serve?
“What does the Vice President truly need a new jet for, and what real benefits are all the trips by the President and Vice President providing given our current circumstances?
“Indonesia, for example, only purchased a Presidential jet in 2014 after experiencing sustainable economic growth of over 6% annually for the past decade, which significantly boosted its GDP and GDP per capita. The Vice President primarily travels on the national airline, Garuda Indonesia. Given that we have recently acquired a new aircraft, it should be reserved for essential trips by the President and Vice President.
“I urge the President, Vice President, and all public office holders to recognize that our current precarious situation calls for minimal, yet impactful, travel. Now is the time to come together to find solutions to our myriad challenges for the welfare of our people and the development of our nation. Nigeria can rise again if our leaders commit to selfless service.”
Veteran journalist and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has declared that a joint presidential ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi represents the strongest strategy for the opposition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Momodu said the emerging ADC coalition is gaining momentum as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he accused of promoting “one-man rule” and weakening democratic institutions.
Momodu argued that an Atiku–Obi ticket offers both experience and electoral appeal, noting that both politicians already command significant national followings from previous elections. He recalled their collaboration in 2019, adding that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election provides a ready base of supporters that can be consolidated.
According to him, the coalition is further strengthened by the involvement of political heavyweights such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, making it a formidable opposition alliance.
“The candidates who placed second, third, and even fourth are aligning. That naturally builds a strong challenge,” Momodu said, suggesting that this development could unsettle the APC ahead of 2027.
He also accused the Tinubu administration of centralising power and undermining democratic processes, claiming that key institutions—including the legislature and electoral system—are increasingly influenced by the executive arm of government. He warned that such a trend poses risks to Nigeria’s democracy.
Momodu further alleged that opposition parties face systemic obstacles, including difficulties in accessing venues, legal pressures, and institutional interference. He argued that these challenges have made opposition unity not just strategic, but necessary.
Dismissing concerns about possible cracks within the ADC coalition, Momodu described such fears as speculative, insisting that current political realities have effectively forced major opposition figures to work together.
The Supreme Court has scheduled hearing for April 22 in the appeal filed by the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.
Mark’s appeal is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba chose the date on Tuesday after granting accelerated hearing in the appeal marked: SC/CV/180/2026.
The court ordered Mark’s lawyer, Jibril Okutepa (SAN) to file the appellant’s brief and serve on Wednesday.
It ordered the respondents to each file and serve on the appellant, a respondent’s brief within three days of being served with the appellant’s brief.
The appellant, according to the court, is to file a reply brief, if needs be, within one day of being served with the respondents’ briefs.
Headlines
Amid Denials, ADC Reportedly Secures Rainbow Event Centre As Venue for National Convention
Baring any last minute change, the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National chairman and National Secretary respectively will hold the party’s National convention at the National Rainbow Event Centre in Garki on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has being denied two venues without any cogent reasons despite early arrangements, according to sources.
First, it was alleged that the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotels, which was initially approached, turned down the ADC request to use it’s facility.
The ADC, having sensed sabotage, has kept the Rainbow Event Center under rap as it’s definite venue.
The last National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party was held at the same venue.
Located adjacent the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters, the event centre will host the second NEC meeting of the ADC and it’s forthcoming national convention.
According to The Guardian’ report, the ADC leadership has communicated the venue to state chapters with the caveat not to escalate it.
The ADC is in a battle of survival against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and has approached the Supreme Court for intervention.
The INEC national chairman Prof Joash Amupitan has suspended recognition of the David Mark-led ADC rendering a leadership vacuum in the party.
INEC said it’s decision was on the basis of an Appeal Court pronouncement that ordered statusquo ante-bellum be maintained.
Reports say that why the venue is being quietly decorated moderately for the event, the ADC intends to fully move in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Guardian
