Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, paid a courtesy visit to former President Ibrahim Babangida on Thursday at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

Obi said the visit provided an opportunity to discuss national issues with the elder statesman.

The former Anambra State governor shared photos of the visit on his official X Twitter, saying, “From Jigawa State, I travelled to Minna, Niger State to pay a visit to a father figure, elder statesman and leader, the former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

“The visit was an opportunity to wish him a happy New Year and to exchange thoughts on national issues.”

According to Obi, the wisdom and perspectives of the former Head of State remain very important, adding that he deeply appreciated the chance to visit him and listen to his invaluable advice and words of wisdom.

Former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday condemned the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu’s son.

Atiku demanded a thorough investigation into the incident which he described as a gross violation of military tradition.

In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku called the event an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces to organize a formal parade for a non-designated public figure.

According to Atiku, “It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to a nauseating video circulating online, in which a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed upon the President’s son unwarranted military honours.”

Atiku further questioned the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved, stating that the so-called group, the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognized entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He emphasized the disturbing fact that the name “Cadet,” associated with young, formally trained military personnel, was exploited by civilians to tarnish the esteemed traditions of the military.

“In an effort to uncover the truth behind this shameless procession, we instructed our legal team and military experts to investigate the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network.’ To no one’s surprise, it was revealed that the group is not a legally registered entity,” Atiku noted.

“What is even more alarming is the brazen use of firearms by civilians in this so-called parade — at a time when illegal arms proliferation is at a dangerous high in our country.”

Atiku also called for an urgent investigation by all relevant security agencies to address the following critical concerns.

“The legitimacy of the “Nigeria Cadet Network” and its use of the title “Cadet” when it is not a registered entity.

“The origin and legality of the firearms displayed by members of the “Nigeria Cadet Network.”

“The propriety of the military honours granted to the President’s son by non-commissioned civilians under the protection of security personnel.”

The former Vice President stressed that preserving the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces is paramount.

“If it is determined that legal violations were committed by the President’s son or members of the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network,’ it is the constitutional duty of Nigerian security agencies to ensure that the law takes its course and those responsible are held accountable,” Atiku said.

Former governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru for second term in office come 2027.

Umahi stated this on Friday when he received members of Izzi National Youth Forum who paid him a Christmas homage at his Umunagu Uburu country home in Ohaozara local government area of the state.

He commended the Izzi youths led by their National President, Barrister Andrew Chibueze Elom for paying him such a surprise visit during the yuletide.

He maintained that Governor Nwifuru would serve Ebonyi people for the second term in office like him and other former executive governors of the state.

“Thank you for this surprise visit, and sincerely, no doubt I expected this visit but not in this magnitude.

“Not to talk about the fact that you left your son (Governor Francis Nwifuru) to pay me a visit today that you should be at his house celebrating with him.

“Even if God forbid, your brothers or Izzi people stand against me tomorrow, the covenant I had with him (Governor Nwifuru) and God is complete uninterrupted 8 years and nothing would stop this.

“Relax, I fought principalities and powers alone and won; and you think I can’t do it now that I have someone by my side.

“I have been saying it and will keep saying it, I have not seen any better option in Izzi till now. Sorry to say this He (Governor Nwifuru) is humble and till the end of 8 years, I am not leaving him. Not now,” Umahi said.