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Only Opposition Coalition Can Defeat Tinubu in 2027 — Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the presidential campaign of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has said that opposition parties must form a united coalition if they hope to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo made the remarks during an interview with Ibeju Upgrade Media, published on YouTube on Thursday, while assessing the chances of opposition figures ahead of the next general election.
He also dismissed the possibility of Peter Obi defeating Tinubu if the former Anambra State governor contests the presidential election without the backing of a broader opposition alliance.
According to Okonkwo, the fragmented nature of the opposition remains one of its biggest challenges, stressing that individual candidates may struggle to overcome the political strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Coalition is the only way out,” Okonkwo said.
He argued that the opposition should not underestimate Tinubu, recalling the President’s political philosophy about the struggle for political power.
“So you don’t come down with a man who has told you from the beginning that power is not taken à la carte; you fight for it, you grab it, you snatch it, you run away with it,” he said.
Okonkwo specifically questioned Obi’s ability to defeat Tinubu without the support of other major opposition figures.
He said, “So, if Peter Obi goes against Tinubu alone, Tinubu will eat him like biscuits.”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi, is now expected to contest the 2027 presidential election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while Atiku remains a major opposition figure seeking to challenge the APC.
Okonkwo also questioned Obi’s electoral strength in Northern Nigeria, particularly Kano State.
“Will Kano people accept Peter Obi? In 2023, when we had the opportunity, they did not accept him. In 2027, they will not accept him,” he said.
He further dismissed the potential contribution of former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to an opposition presidential ticket, claiming that Kwankwaso had lost political influence even in his home state.
“Kwankwaso has nothing to contribute to the ticket. Even in Kano, Kwankwaso has lost,” Okonkwo stated.
Efforts by opposition politicians to establish a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 election encountered difficulties in 2025, as leading figures including Atiku and Obi proceeded with separate political arrangements.
Okonkwo had also criticised Obi in May, questioning his capacity to lead the country and accusing him of avoiding difficult political challenges.
With the 2027 presidential election drawing closer, the possibility of an opposition alliance remains a major issue in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Whether opposition parties can overcome their differences and present a single formidable candidate is expected to have a significant impact on the contest against the incumbent.
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Halima Dangote Explains Why She and Sisters Keep Low Profile Despite Wealth
A resurfaced video featuring the daughters of Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has sparked reactions online after Halima Dangote explained why she and her sisters prefer to maintain a low public profile despite growing up in one of Nigeria’s wealthiest families.
The video, taken from a Bloomberg Next Africa special featuring Halima, Mariya and Fatima Dangote, was filmed at the family’s home in Lagos and published in August 2026.
In the interview, Halima said the sisters were not “spoilt” and had deliberately chosen to remain relatively private, preferring to be recognised for their professional achievements rather than their family background or wealth.
“We are not spoilt,” she said.
Explaining the family’s approach, Halima said she and her sisters were generally quiet about their identities and personal possessions when interacting with people from similar backgrounds.
“Any time we meet with our co-peers — like the kids of our dad’s friends, or people that we’re supposed to — we don’t… I mean, everyone has his own job. We are more… I don’t know if it’s fortunate or unfortunate, now people recognise us,” she said.
According to her, being less recognisable had previously made it easier for the sisters to live privately and focus on their work.
“But it was easier when we were not recognised; you know, our results speak for themselves,” Halima added.
She also explained that unlike some wealthy individuals who are comfortable displaying their lifestyles on social media, she and her sisters were not particularly interested in showcasing their possessions or activities publicly.
“I mean, some people are really comfortable with social media, with being known, with being expressive. I don’t think we are — all three of us are not expressive of what we have or what we own or what we’re doing,” she said.
Halima stressed that the sisters preferred their professional performance and business results to speak on their behalf.
“I think, like Fatima and Mariya said, the results are just the ones speaking for themselves:
the sale of this business, the profit of this, the EBITDA, our growth, growing to $100 billion.
We are all in those key positions and, I mean, numbers don’t lie,” she said.
Social media reactions
The resurfaced interview has attracted reactions from social media users, with some praising the sisters for maintaining a relatively private lifestyle despite their family’s wealth and prominence.
An X user, #Khaleelmuhd111, said Dangote had done well by keeping his children away from controversy and excessive public attention while giving them opportunities to occupy leadership positions within his businesses.
Another user, #MaameAfibaBessa, described the sisters as intelligent women who were successfully involved in business, while questioning the continued public interest in whether Dangote would have a male child.
Similarly, #MukAli_14 interpreted Halima’s comments as an indication that extremely wealthy people can choose to remain humble and private.
However, #BulusPaul9 focused on the sisters’ comments about social media, arguing that many people use social media primarily for entertainment and to observe different perspectives rather than as a reflection of their real-life experiences.
Dangote daughters take senior roles
Halima, Fatima and Mariya Dangote hold senior positions within the Dangote Group, as the conglomerate continues to develop its leadership and succession structure.
Their increasing responsibilities have also fuelled speculation about the future leadership of the business empire founded by their father.
Dangote has previously acknowledged that one of his daughters could eventually take charge of the conglomerate.
Asked whether he could see one of his daughters leading the Dangote Group in the future, he said: “I think, yes, I can see one of them. I’ve been watching all of them, so I can definitely see one of the three that can actually lead.”
The sisters’ comments have continued to attract attention as their roles within the family business become more prominent, while they maintain a relatively restrained presence in the public space.
News
SDP Pledges to Rebuild, Transform Nigeria If Elected
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2027: SDP Pledges to Rebuild, Transform Nigeria If Elected
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has pledged to rebuild and transform Nigeria if elected into power in the 2027 general elections.
The party said it would prioritise the welfare and security of Nigerians while addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges and insecurity.
The National Chairman of the SDP, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, made the commitment on Friday when he received a delegation of the Confederation of West Africa Youth at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Gombe, who was represented by the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Senator Ugochukwu Uba, said the SDP’s ideology was rooted in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the fundamental objectives of government, including the welfare and security of citizens.
He said the increasing interest of young Nigerians in the SDP suggested that the party’s political message was gaining attention ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, Nigeria had reached a stage where comprehensive efforts were required to address the challenges facing the country.
“The SDP is a party that has its ideology threaded. This ideology is based on Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which talks about provision for the welfare and security of Nigerians. That is what guides the policies of this party,” he said.
Gombe said the party’s recently unveiled manifesto contained what he described as a comprehensive programme for transforming the country.
“So I find it interesting that many Nigerian youths are taking interest in the party. It means that the message we are sending is getting through to the people.
“This country has derailed to a situation where we need to rebuild. And if you look at our message and the manifesto that was presented to the public last week, you will see a comprehensive programme for the transformation of this country.
“We cannot continue drifting. The SDP wants to put this country back on track,” he added.
He also expressed confidence in the party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, describing him as determined and prepared to lead the country.
“Fortunately, we have a presidential candidate who knows his onions, determined, young and ready to turn things around. So, we want to do something different that will lead to the liberation of this country if we come to power,” Gombe said.
Adebayo Tasks SDP Supporters On Grassroots Mobilisation
Also speaking during the meeting, the SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo said political influence was ultimately determined at the community level, stressing that national visibility and public speaking skills would not necessarily translate into electoral support without effective engagement with voters.
He noted that Nigeria had 176,846 polling units and urged SDP members to focus their efforts on reaching voters in their respective communities.
“Politics is done in the neighbourhoods. We have 176,846 polling units across the country. Any amount of command of English you have that does not convince your neighbour about how they are going to vote is wasted,” Adebayo said.
He further argued that political influence outside a candidate’s immediate community would have limited electoral impact if it could not translate into support at the local level.
“Any influence you have from Timbuktu to Accra that cannot influence how people vote in the community where you come from, that influence is academic. So we must go back,” he said.
According to Adebayo, political participation requires commitment to the country and a clear vision for the future.
“Politics is not a game of the mouth. It’s a game of the heart because the burden of politics is not easy. It is the love of your country and the vision of the future that will make you last long in politics,” he added.
Youth Group Calls For New Political Direction
The Regional President of the Confederation of West Africa Youth, Israel Akinola, also called for a new political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akinola said Nigerians needed to critically consider the country’s development trajectory and work towards a political system capable of delivering sustainable development.
He also urged stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to collaborate through public-private partnerships to accelerate development.
The youth leader further criticised the practice of celebrating governments for providing basic public services, arguing that such services should be regarded as fundamental rights of citizens.
The engagement comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations, mobilisation and policy messaging ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
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Police Rescue Two as Boat Sinks Along Akwa Ibom Waterways
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued two people after a speedboat sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday when a blue W23 speedboat marked “LET’S PRAY” sank while travelling from Oron to Cameroon with goods onboard.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Uyo.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the boat driver, identified as Mr Daniel, was attempting to adjust the vessel’s seacock to drain accumulated water when the situation escalated.
John said waves generated by a passing boat reportedly destabilised the vessel, causing it to take in more water before it eventually sank.
The driver and his conductor, identified as Mr Kani, were rescued by personnel of the Marine Police Operational and Surveillance Patrol Team, who were conducting patrol operations along the waterways at the time of the incident.
The prompt intervention of the marine officers prevented what could have resulted in loss of lives, according to the police command.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the Marine Police personnel for their swift response and dedication to protecting lives and property on the state’s waterways.
Azare also urged boat operators and passengers to observe basic safety measures while travelling on the waterways.
He advised operators to ensure that their vessels are seaworthy before embarking on trips and warned against overloading boats.
The police commissioner further stressed the importance of providing and wearing life jackets for all passengers and crew members onboard.
He also urged maritime users to exercise greater caution when navigating areas with heavy marine traffic, noting that the movement of other vessels can create waves capable of destabilising smaller boats.
The Akwa Ibom Police Command said it would continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance operations across the state’s waterways in collaboration with other security agencies.
The command said the measures were aimed at enhancing the safety of maritime users and protecting lives and property.
The incident comes amid concerns over boat accidents in different parts of Nigeria, particularly in communities where waterways are an important means of transportation.
In August, several residents of Gorau community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State reportedly lost their lives in a boat accident.
A preliminary account from a resident indicated that the Sokoto incident occurred when a boat carrying about 40 passengers, including men, women and children, capsized.
The latest incident in Akwa Ibom, however, ended without reported fatalities after the Marine Police patrol team reached the affected vessel and rescued the two occupants.
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