🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Wike alleges ADC primary was Atiku's setup, says Amaechi had no chance
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stated that the African Democratic Congress's leadership structure indicated that former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi would not have a fair opportunity to secure the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. Speaking in Abuja, Wike described the arrangement as "Atiku’s set-up 100 per cent," suggesting that the process was designed to favor former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Wike, who served as Chief of Staff under Amaechi, mentioned he would have advised Amaechi against entering the race if consulted, as he believed transparency and due process were absent. He argued that the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as ADC chairman signaled a bias towards Atiku. Wike also accused Amaechi of misreading the political environment and being influenced by criticism of the Tinubu administration. These remarks follow Amaechi's rejection of the ADC presidential primary results, which he called "concocted" and lacking transparency. Despite Amaechi's objections, the ADC declared Atiku the winner with 1,846,370 votes, against Amaechi's 504,117 votes.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing his political style as opportunistic and lacking the resilience needed for national leadership. Speaking on Arise TV, Wike claimed Obi, who became the Nigeria Democratic Congress’s presidential candidate for 2027 after leaving the Labour Party, consistently avoids political struggles, preferring situations where victories are easily achieved. Wike contrasted Obi's political movements with his own decision to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party despite internal issues. He stated that leadership requires facing challenges directly, not fleeing from them. Wike also addressed the pushback he received as FCT Minister, asserting his commitment to his duties. He praised President Bola Tinubu for his courage in implementing reforms, specifically the removal of the petrol subsidy, which Wike called a "cancer." Wike concluded that a leader's failure lies in the inability to make decisive, long-term choices due to fear of temporary backlash. He reiterated his criticism of Obi's political history, noting his movements from APGA to PDP, then to Labour, and now to the National Democratic Congress.
The Asaba community in Delta State has launched a free ambulance service initiative, supported by an initial N10 million donation. Speaking at the unveiling, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, stated that the project aims to enhance emergency healthcare delivery for residents. Although the ambulances are yet to be purchased, the initiative follows months of planning. Azinge emphasized that the service will be community-driven, offered free of charge to all Asaba residents, and will create employment opportunities. He called on various organizations and Asaba indigenes to support the initiative, expressing confidence in its success given the community's existing healthcare professionals. The Asagba announced plans to commission at least five ambulances within the next two months and highlighted ongoing efforts to revitalize primary healthcare centers. He noted that this initiative complements healthcare efforts by the Delta State and Federal Governments, recalling previous donations of dialysis machines to local hospitals. Emergency communication and security measures will be implemented for smooth operations. Azinge commended the Drug Rehabilitation Committee for its contributions.
The Police Service Commission PSC has disavowed a list circulating on social media, falsely claiming to be a shortlist of candidates for medical examination in the ongoing police recruitment exercise. In a statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, the PSC clarified that no such shortlist has been released. The Commission stated that the evaluation of the written examination is still being finalized, and successful applicants will be officially notified for medical examination in the coming days through email, SMS, the recruitment portal, and other official channels. The PSC emphasized its commitment to a merit-based recruitment process and warned the public to be wary of fraudsters. It reiterated that the recruitment process is free at all stages and urged applicants to disregard unofficial messages, awaiting formal communication from the Commission.
Must ReadDespite heavy rainfall on Monday, the Take-It-Back Movement protested at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan. They demanded urgent action regarding worsening insecurity and the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. The demonstrators marched from Mokola Roundabout, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with messages such as “Security for all, not for a few” and “End kidnapping in Oyo State now.” The protest highlights growing public anger following recent incidents where armed individuals invaded schools and abducted victims in Oriire Local Government Area communities.