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Poor Bye-Elections Results: Ohanaeze Tells Peter Obi Not To Contest 2027 Presidency
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to rigorously reconsider his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Igbo socio-cultural body, in an electronic statement on Tuesday August 19, hinged the call on what it described as the significant underperformance of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the bye-elections held across 12 states in the country last Saturday.
Deputy President- General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in the statement, noted: “The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, addresses the nation with a solemn pronouncement regarding the unsettling outcomes of the recent bye-elections conducted on Saturday, August 16, 2025, across sixteen constituencies nationwide.
“These electoral results, marked by the significant underperformance of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have elicited a profound sense of dismay and disillusionment throughout Nigeria.
“It is with a resolute sense of responsibility and candor that we declare: the opposition coalition has demonstrated a concerning inability to effectively challenge the incumbent ruling party as the nation approaches the critical 2027 elections.
“The unexpected victories of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, notably under the leadership of His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, over ADC candidates – particularly those supported by the former Governor, Mr. Peter Obi – represent a significant contradiction to the prevailing perception that the Southeast region unequivocally aligns itself with Mr. Obi’s political aspirations.
“This electoral result not only diminishes Mr. Obi’s perceived influence, but also prompts critical examination of the ADC’s viability as a credible and consequential political entity within Nigeria. The outcome of these elections serves as a vital indicator, revealing a concerning disparity between the expectations of the electorate and the demonstrable capabilities of the ADC.
“Given these developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels obligated to communicate this unadulterated assessment to the leadership of the opposition coalition. The stark reality of the ADC’s electoral failures, has engendered considerable apprehension within the Nigerian populace concerning the party’s capacity to offer meaningful opposition or a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It is a matter of deep concern that, despite considerable anticipation that the ADC would secure a substantial number of seats, the party failed to achieve even a single victory in this crucial electoral exercise.
“As we reflect on these results, a thorough introspection of the ADC’s strategies and a more substantive engagement with the electorate become paramount. The party’s current approach, characterized by a disproportionate reliance on social media pronouncements and a perceived lack of meaningful interaction with the Nigerian citizenry, is demonstrably inadequate to surmount the challenges that lie ahead. The Igbo people, now more politically astute than ever, are disinclined to entrust their collective future to a weakened opposition party, whether it be the ADC or the Labour Party.
“Furthermore, we implore Mr. Peter Obi to rigorously reconsider his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The recent electoral defeats of his ADC-supported candidates serve as a stark reminder of the formidable challenges that await him.
“The political landscape is undergoing dynamic transformation, and it is imperative that Mr. Obi and his supporters accurately assess the prevailing realities. The Southeast governors and Igbo political leadership, under the leadership of Senator David Umahi, have publicly expressed their intention to deliver a significant portion, up to ninety percent, of the Southeast votes to President Tinubu.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the political advancement of the Igbo people and the broader Nigerian society. We implore all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, comprehensively re-evaluate strategies, and collaborate in earnest to forge a future that embodies the collective aspirations and hopes of all Nigerians. The imperative for profound reflection and decisive action is unequivocally now.”
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Naija News reports that Justice had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven counts levelled against him by the Federal Government.
The judge sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for count 1, 2, 4,5, and 6.
He also sentenced Kanu to 20 years forcount 3 without option of fine.
The Judge sentenced Kanu to five years in prison on count seven without option of fine.
Justice Omotosho ruled that he should not be kept in Kuje prison. He forfeited Nnamdi Kanu’s radio transmitter and barred him from access to social media.
More are still coming
The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death sentence on the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on all seven terrorism counts.
The request was made on Thursday by the FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), shortly after Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty of all charges preferred against him.
Awomolo, addressing the court after the verdict, argued that the severity of Kanu’s actions merited the maximum penalty under the law.
The senior lawyer insisted that Kanu committed “many illegalities” and should not be treated with leniency.
Awomolo further reminded the court that four of the seven counts on which Kanu was convicted carry the death sentence under Nigeria’s terrorism laws.
He urged Justice Omotosho to take this into account in determining the appropriate punishment.
“It will not be considered justice that he is isolated and punished lightly in a country where we have Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, et cetera,” he argued.
According to the prosecution, Kanu’s actions were as destabilising as those of other violent groups and should be treated with equal seriousness.
Awomolo also urged the judge to ensure that Kanu is kept in a secure correctional facility pending the court’s final pronouncement on sentencing.
He stressed the need to prevent any disruptions or security breaches involving the IPOB leader while the sentencing process is underway.
Kanu was earlier found guilty of inciting violence, ordering attacks on security personnel, calling for killings, and issuing threats capable of terrorising the public, all captured in broadcasts tendered as evidence by the prosecution.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has delivered his ruling in the case between the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and the Federal Government.
Naija News reports that the judgement was given in Nnamdi Kanu’s absence after the judge had ordered security operatives to kick him out of the court over his unruly behaviour.
Nnamdi Kanu had earlier stated that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja does not have the jurisdiction to try him.
The separatist, who has been in custody since 2021, faced seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security.
The IPOB leader contended that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he is being prosecuted, has been repealed.
He urged the court to strike out the charges, describing them as “disclosing no offence known to law” and therefore invalid.
Kanu also requested that the court nullify the “purported plea of not guilty” entered on his behalf, claiming it was obtained through deception and contrary to a Supreme Court ruling.
He further asked the court to set aside all subsequent proceedings and order his immediate release.
“My contention is very simple: this court lacks jurisdiction to try me,” he said.
Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court has the authority to preside over the Nnamdi Kanu case.
The judge also stated that the matter of extradition has been settled by the Supreme Court, and he ruled against Kanu in this regard.
On the issue of fairness in the hearing for Nnmadi Kanu, Omotosho ruled against the IPOB leader, stating that the court ensured he received a fair hearing.
On the defendant not entering his defence, Justice Omotosho said: “I begged the defendant passionately to enter his defence, but he remained obsolete. That shows that he chose to rest his case on the prosecution. Which is a gamble and a risky action.”
The court found Nnamdi Kanu guilty and convicted him of count 1 in the charges filed against him by the federal government.
The Judge said: “The court will rely on the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution. This court, therefore, finds that the prosecution has discharged Count 1 beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant (Kanu) is hereby convicted in respect of Count 1.”
More judgement is being read and this report will be updated as it comes in…….
BREAKING: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment
Just In: FG Urges Court To Impose Death Sentence On Nnamdi Kanu
Court Finally Delivers Judgement In Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Case
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