The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has reacted after former Military President of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), admitted the late Chief MKO Abiola was the winner of the June 12, 1993 election.

IBB made the admission during the launch of his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service’, on Thursday.

“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.

“As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch,” IBB said.

Obi, who was present at the event, wrote on his verified X account: “Today, I had the gracious honour of attending the launch of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s long-awaited autobiography, A Journey in Service, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

“IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and his strong support for entrepreneurship and private sector growth remain immeasurable.

“Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed substantial growth, particularly in the financial sector. He played a key role in fostering a united and equitable Nigeria, and economic landscape, ensuring policies that strengthened national cohesion and economic development.

“Documenting such experiences is a welcome development, as it allows us to learn from those who have served and left a lasting impact on the nation. I look forward to reading this book, which undoubtedly holds valuable lessons. As someone committed to continuous learning, I will always align myself with knowledge drawn from documented experiences and historical records as well as contributing to the legacy library.

“Two Key Takeaways from the Keynote Address and IBB comment on the 1993 election.

“The 1st is the keynote Speaker’s notable quotation in French, “Rien n’a changé” meaning “Nothing much has changed.” In the case of Nigeria, we are worse off than we were during IBB’s era. Using our contemporary peers as a benchmark, when IBB left office in 1992, countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana were all in the low Human Development Index (HDI) category—just like Nigeria. Today, however, these nations have advanced to medium and high HDI levels, while Nigeria remains in the low HDI category, having either stagnated or declined.

“The Keynote speaker’s comment that Ghana has remained a truly democratic country for the past 30 years, with leadership transitions that reflect the genuine votes of the people. Unlike Nigeria, where electoral outcomes often fail to reflect the people’s will, Ghana has witnessed instances where ruling party candidates conceded defeat, respecting democracy in its truest form.

“Lastly of the most profound moments of the event was IBB’s admission that Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12 election. This acknowledgement is a step toward national healing, unity and progress of our nation.

“I hope that one day, other key players in Nigeria’s democracy will find the courage to recognize the true winners of past elections, allowing our nation to tell its story with honesty and reflection.”

… Declares dissolution of LG officials illegal

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to toe the path of law and not instigate violence in the state by allowing the resumption of officials elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 15, 2022 LG elections.at the council secretariats.

In a statement personally signed by him, the AGF further called on the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to shelve the idea of proceeding with any Local Government election in the state now.

Fagbemi stated that “the constitutional order which existed before the dissolution must be restored immediately since the judgment upon which the Governor acted to dissolve democratically elected Government has been declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction of the court to have heard the case and made those orders.

“It is my opinion that the Court of Appeal judgement of February 10, which is superior to any high court decision defines the legal position in the case and represent the legally enforceable judgment and has the legal effect of returning the initially Local Government democratically elected officials of Osun State.

“For avoidance of doubts, when proceedings and decisions of court are declared a nullity, for lack of jurisdiction, it means they do not exist and have no effect whatsoever”.

Daily Sun

The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagun, has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, federal government to abandon any thoughts of taking over the government of Osun State through the imposition of a state of emergency.

During a media chat, Damagun specifically called on the APC government to refrain from putting further pressure on the Osun State government and to allow Governor Ademola Adeleke to remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. He also warned against the bloodshed occurring across various local government areas.

Ambassador Damagun pointed out that the renewed furore was part of the APC strategy to reignite its onslaughts and threats, as previously expressed by an APC leader who boasted that the party would take over Osun State and Oyo.

The PDP acting National Chairman cautioned, saying, “Nigeria is not a banana republic; there is a limit to what the citizens can tolerate.”

His remarks during the media chat were contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by his personal assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos.

Regarding the alleged APC government’s meddling that has caused the latest uproar in Osun State, Damagun advised the federal government to focus on fixing Nigeria’s economy rather than interfering in the political process.

He lamented the skyrocketing cost of living, stating that everyone is now experiencing its negative impacts.

He added: “Today, people can no longer afford to feed, and insecurity has engulfed Nigeria under the APC government.”

According to him: “Fixing Nigeria should be the government’s priority, not unlawfully capturing more states.

“It is clear that the people have rejected the APC government in Nigeria, so no one should contemplate using a state of emergency to suppress the opposition.”

Damagun emphasised: “Let it be clear that Nigeria belongs to all of us. There should be no room for any form of intimidation.”

“The APC government must understand that the citizens of Osun State deserve security and good governance, which are currently being provided by the PDP government. Records show that the people are happy with Governor Adeleke.

“I want to warn those attempting to undermine democracy to be aware of the consequences of their continued plots. They cannot keep pushing Nigerians to the wall. This is unacceptable! We are not at war; we are simply taxpayers who deserve good governance.”

During the meeting, the PDP chairman also urged security agencies to remain non-partisan and objective in their duties.

He said: “Security personnel must remember that they are being paid with taxpayers’ money. They must protect all citizens and refuse to take sides.

“We call on all citizens to remain vigilant and wary of the APC’s tactics, as these will not continue unchecked. The APC government must understand that the people have rights, and they are willing to exercise them at any time.

“As the leading opposition party, we will continue to use lawful means to voice our concerns and protest injustices against our party and members.”

Damagun assured the media: “The PDP believes in the rule of law. It is a party stronger than any individual or group.”

Going forward, he assured Nigerians and PDP members that, under his leadership, the party would not allow anyone to create divisions within its ranks.

“It is natural for political parties to experience internal disputes, but the beauty of the PDP is its internal mechanisms for resolving challenges. The PDP will always remain the party to beat. There is no cause for alarm.”

The acting National Chairman encouraged the citizens of Osun State to remain steadfast and loyal to the PDP while supporting Governor Adeleke in his development efforts across both urban and rural areas.

He urged the Osun State government not to succumb to APC distractions, assuring that the PDP nationwide would continue to show solidarity and support for Governor Adeleke and the PDP family.