News

Obi dumps ADC

Published

7 hours ago

March 7, 2026

In what appears to be the conclusion of a lengthy period of speculation about his political affiliations, The Exclusivesonline gathered that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDC), marking a new chapter in his party journey.

The NDC, a recently registered political party, is positioning itself as a fresh opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party is championed by former Bayelsa State governor and senator, Seriake Dickson, who now serves as its National Leader, alongside interim officials led by Protem National Chairman Cleopas Moses Zuwogeh.

It was gathered that Peter Obi has now officially joined the ADC, after earlier speculation about a possible return to the Labour Party. This decision signals Obi’s renewed focus on building new political alliances ahead of upcoming elections, following his previous affiliation with the LP and current move towards NDC.

John Emeka, a staunch member of the Obidient Movement, said the decision of Peter Obi to dump the ADC is not unconnected with the realisation that he might not get the ADC’s presidential ticket, which many believe has been positioned to be taken by the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“Obi was never at any point a member of the ADC. I would rather describe him as a sympathiser of the ADC.

“Unfortunately, while many of us moved with him to the party, his body language showed that he was never too comfortable with the party. I’m not surprised that he has decided to exit ADC, if the report is true that he has joined the new party to realise his aspirations.”

Though the primary of the ADC is yet to be held, Exclusivesonline gathered that Obi getting the presidential ticket of the party will be difficult because of the influence of Atiku.

To make the matter worse for Obi, Atiku recently met with some of the ADC leaders from the South East; he was able to extract some form of commitment from them.

“The meeting, which took place on Tuesday night behind closed doors at the Abuja residence of Chikwe Udensi, was attended by a high-profile roster of party and regional leaders.

“Those in attendance include Senator Augustine Akobundu, Chief Chekwas Okorie, former Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba, Dr Osita Oruche, Prof. Onyi Nwagbara, Chief Uchenna Okogbuo, former ADC National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu, Hon. Uzoma Abonta, Hon. Uko Nkole, Etigwe Uwah, Dr Steve Nwadiuko, Chief Morris Eboh, Senator Frank Ibezim, and Dr Dave Eboh,” said a source at the meeting.

The ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, in an interview, claimed that Peter Obi has been part of the coalition from day one, although he was never a card-carrying member of the party.

The recent development amounts to the former LP presidential candidate going back on his resolve not to leave the ADC.

Obi had, in a post on his X handle, made it clear that he would always have respect for ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar.

“I am not joining ADC. I can’t re-join what I am already a part of,” Obi said.

“I’ve been part of the coalition from day one.

“Nobody is stepping down for me in ADC.

“We have all agreed to work together, and Atiku remains my respected leader.”

News

Akwa Ibom women endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno Ahead of 2027

Published

5 minutes ago

March 7, 2026

The Exclusives

Ahead of the 2027 election, President Tinubu got another boost to his reelection on Saturday as thousands of Akwa Ibom women endorsed him for a second term.

This came as Akwa ibom women joined others all over the world to celebrate the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Uyo.

Over 5,000 women and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, were present at the event.

At the event, the women also endorsed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for another term in their respective offices.

Speaking, the First Lady described the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,’ as a strong call for collective action toward improving the welfare and opportunities available to women.

She stressed that protecting the rights of women and girls through access to education, economic empowerment, healthcare, social protection and equity is vital for national development.

“This year’s theme, ‘Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,’ is a call to action. Protecting the rights of women and girls by ensuring access to education, economic empowerment, health, social protection and equity is an investment in our collective future,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu urged women to become positive agents of change within their families, communities and workplaces.

“I encourage every woman here to be a positive tool for change in your homes, businesses, communities and your state at large. When women lead with purpose, the entire nation feels the impact,” she added.

The First Lady also highlighted the reforms initiated by the current administration, noting that they are aimed at laying a strong foundation for sustainable development.

“The reforms already started by this administration are designed to create a lasting legacy of transformation and prosperity for all Nigerians. We must protect the progress we have made and keep building on it,” she said.

“A house is not built in a day, but when the foundation is solid, the structure will stand the test of time. Let us remain united and focused to protect the gains we have made under this administration.”

Speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended women for the critical role they play in stabilising families and society.

Akwa Ibom governor, Governor Umo Eno, also acknowledged the contributions of women, noting that the success of any society depends largely on their commitment and resilience.

The highlight of the celebration was the formal endorsement of President Tinubu, Governor Eno and Senate President Akpabio for another term in office.

The declaration was read by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, alongside other prominent women leaders in the state.

Earlier in the day, the First Lady commissioned an ultra-modern Senior Citizens Centre in Uyo named in her honour.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mrs Tinubu emphasised the importance of caring for the elderly.

“A society that honours its elderly is one that understands responsibility, gratitude and continuity,” she said.

She also urged families and communities to continue to support ageing relatives, stressing that government initiatives must be complemented by societal care and compassion.

“Government can provide structures, but society must provide warmth and care,” she said, encouraging other states to replicate the initiative.

The centre, which was conceptualised by the late wife of the governor, Pastor Patience Eno, is designed to provide elderly citizens with access to healthcare, recreation and social support in a safe and dignified environment.

News

Nigeria releases details of pact with US military

Published

14 hours ago

March 7, 2026

The Exclusives

Major General SM Uba, Director of Defence Information, has clarified the military relationship between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States Army.

This was disclosed during a Twitter Space organised by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Uba stated that the partnership between Nigeria and the United States does not imply the establishment of a United States military base in Nigeria.

According to him, the collaboration is purely based on bilateral military cooperation focused on professional training, operational capacity building, and intelligence sharing to strengthen Nigeria’s security capabilities.

He stated further that such cooperation is not unique to the United States alone. Nigeria maintains similar defence partnerships with several other countries as part of its broader strategy to improve military professionalism and enhance its ability to address contemporary security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and transnational crimes.

He further noted that the engagements involve joint military training exercises, exchange of strategic intelligence, technical cooperation, and knowledge sharing between defence institutions. These programs are designed to help the Nigerian military adopt global best practices while improving operational efficiency in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

Major General Uba emphasised that all international military collaborations involving Nigeria are conducted with full respect for the country’s sovereignty and national interest.

He reassured participants that there are no plans for the establishment of any foreign military base on Nigerian soil.

In his remarks, Sunday Dare reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture through strategic international partnerships that support capacity building and modernization of the armed forces.

Participants in the discussion acknowledged that in today’s interconnected security environment, collaboration among nations has become essential in tackling complex threats that transcend national borders. Such partnerships, they noted, contribute to building a more capable and responsive military force while ensuring Nigeria remains in control of its defence policies and operational decisions.

News

Lagosians hail Tinubu for appointing Disu IGP

Published

5 days ago

March 2, 2026

The Exclusives

A group of indigenous citizens of Lagos, Lagos State, Prominent Citizens, have applauded the appointment of Mr Olatunji Disu as Nigeria’s new Inspector- General of Police.

According to a statement issued in Lagos, and signed by the Group’s Spokesman, Chief (Dr) Adesunbo Onitiri, the Prominent Citizens appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they called “a historic elevation of a Lagos indigene to a highly coveted position.”

The statement said the appointment of Olatunji Adio Rilwan DISU was a glowing testimony to his years of steadfast service, professional excellence, competence and an unyielding commitment to serve the Nigerian State as the Acting Inspector-General of the Nigerian Police Force.

“While appreciating the appointment, we pray that the Almighty God in His infinite mercies shall continue to guide and guard His Excellency, President Tinubu to successfully deliver the dividends of democracy to the teeming masses of Nigeria beyond his first Term in Office,” the Group stated.

Onitiri, in the statement, assured Tinubu of the group’s support and admiration for the monumental development strides he is carrying out nationwide and especially in Lagos State.

The Group specifically mentioned the ongoing construction of Lagos-Calabar Coastal High Way and Badagry- Sokoto Expressway, which it noted, would boost the nation’s economy astronomically and provide millions of jobs to teeming Nigerians.

The Prominent Citizens said they would be eternally grateful for this appointment and the developmental strides in the State and the country.