WAFFI TV | Politics

2027: Bode George Blasts Atiku For Meeting Buhari Over Coalition

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has criticised Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed at garnering support for his coalition campaign. George expressed disappointment, accusing Atiku of sidelining PDP members to pursue his coalition agenda with Buhari, a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Atiku has been rallying opposition leaders nationwide to form a mega party capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. However, George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, dismissed the coalition plan as a strategy to weaken the PDP. Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, he questioned the true motive behind the coalition, asserting that Atiku’s push is driven by personal ambition. “Those who are now forming mega party, what is the purpose of that mega party. You’re a member of a solid organization, you want to pull out. You are meeting with Baba Buhari, Is he a member of our party? Have you discussed your mega something with anybody else? Do you think is a private fiefdom? Is PDP a private company? Nobody owns PDP. You bring it within the party. Let us discuss it. Once it is approved, then you move. You don’t just flip flop because of your personal ambition,” he said. On Atiku’s visit to Buhari, the PDP chieftain blasted the ex-vice President for taking his coalition campaign to Buhari, who, according to George, beat him ‘like a little kid’ in the 2019 presidential election. The former Governor of Ondo State also questioned Atiku’s motive for visiting Buhari with his fellow northerners. “Look at general Buhari shaking hands with these guys. Is he a member of our party? We presented you against him, and he flopped you like like a little kid, and then you are running there. And if you look at the congregation of those who visited Buhari, they are all from one side, who are the others from our party? No, it’s not done that way. In fact, my conclusion was, What is this man trying to do with this mega party? Is he trying to divide Nigeria from the north and then the south?,” George queried. According to him, Atiku’s move is a ploy to get another presidential ticket without regard for the unwritten zoning arrangement between the northern and southern parts of the country. Atiku got the ticket in 2019, and in 2023, he got the ticket again. Now, he’s trying to get the ticket again. Is it a private fiefdom? Who was the former president? Was it not General Buhari? Where did he come from? Did he come from Yoruba land or Igbo land? All we are saying is that we have a system of eight years of presidency in the north and eight years of presidency in the south. Rather than joining hands to set up a mega party “for Atiku’s personal ambition,” George advised PDP members to “come home and work together” for the party ahead of 2027.

4/22/2025, 12:34:11 PM

‘Keep Supporting Tinubu,’ Fubara Tells Rivers People In Easter Message

Despite his suspension, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on residents to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda. Fubara made this appeal in his Easter message, released in a statement from Port Harcourt on Saturday. He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering democratic dividends and good governance, noting that the Easter season presents a chance for reconciliation and unity. The statement titled ‘Renewed By The Resurrection: Advancing Peace, Unity and Good Governance’ reads, “As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, this Easter, I bring you warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations. “Easter is a sacred season of reconciliation and unity. It is a time when the peace of Christ dwells richly in our hearts, restoring relationships, comforting the afflicted, feeding the hungry, and healing the brokenhearted. “It is a time to reaffirm our shared belief that peace shall overcome war, and that even shattered dreams can find new life in the light of the resurrection.” Fubara continued, “This season renews our confidence that nothing — neither hardship, nor adversity, nor even death — can separate us from the love of God in Christ. In Him, we remain victorious. “I reiterate my unwavering commitment to delivering good governance to the resilient and dignified people of Rivers State.” “Therefore, I call on the good people of Rivers State to continue to support and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while looking forward to a better tomorrow. “Let us not lose sight of our collective strength. The transformation we all desire is achievable when we act together as one people under God, committed to peace, unity, and progress. “May the Risen Christ bless every home in Rivers State and beyond with peace, love, good health, and renewed strength as we continue our journey to a greater future. Happy Easter to you all,” he added.

4/20/2025, 7:53:44 AM

2027: I'll Work Against Atiku Again~ Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has reaffirmed his stance against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid, vowing to oppose him again if he contests in the 2027 election. Fayose, a key figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday. “I publicly worked against Atiku, and I am saying for the second time, if Atiku comes again, I will work against him. It is time to learn our lesson,” Fayose said. He attributed the internal crisis currently facing the PDP to the party’s failure to adhere to its zoning arrangement, which he claimed was disregarded in favour of Atiku’s candidacy in the 2023 presidential election. “After eight years of a Northerner, it is the turn of a Southerner, which could involve someone from the East, South West or South South,” he stated. “Those who gave or zoned power back to the North caused all these problems.” Fayose emphasized the importance of respecting power rotation, even if informally agreed upon, arguing that the refusal to support a Southern candidate undermined the unity of the party. “You don’t have to like a Nyesom Wike or a Peter Obi, but there should be an unwritten, respected gentleman understands of powershift,” he said. Fayose’s comments are likely to further stir debate within the PDP as the party prepares for future elections amid ongoing efforts to resolve internal divisions.

4/19/2025, 7:54:00 AM

Rivers Crisis: Wike Gives Condition To Forgive Fubara

Amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has laid out a condition for reconciling with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his estranged successor and former protégé. Speaking during a media chat on Friday in Abuja, Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, said he is willing to forgive Fubara—if the governor genuinely seeks forgiveness. When asked if he would pardon Fubara if he apologized, Wike responded affirmatively, saying, “Sincerely.” Wike and Fubara have been locked in a bitter power tussle, with their strained relationship rooted in a battle for political dominance and control of the state's structures. The rift has also shaken the state House of Assembly, leading to the suspension and defection of 27 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the interview, Wike disclosed that two unnamed governors had approached him to mediate peace between him and Fubara. He said he expressed willingness to reconcile, provided Fubara makes a genuine move toward peace. “These two governors came to me and I said, ‘look, I am here for peace. What does he want?’ and they said, ‘look, we will do everything.’ “In sincerity, if anybody comes, it must be in sincerity. The best opportunity was when the President intervened,” Wike stated.

4/18/2025, 3:45:14 PM

Atiku, PDP Govs Not Truthful, party may lose 2027~ Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum and coalition advocates like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of being dishonest. Wike cautioned that the PDP risks repeating its 2023 presidential election loss in 2027 if internal impunity persists. His remarks came in reaction to Atiku’s recent push to form a coalition of opposition parties to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, as well as the PDP Governors Forum's response. Despite Atiku’s efforts, PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Governor Seyi Makinde, has made it clear they won’t support the coalition. While addressing a media briefing in Abuja, Wike said: “Those who said they want a coalition are not truthful to themselves, and those in the party are not useful; it’s just a matter of interest. “Let me start with those who said they don’t want a coalition, that is the Governors Forum, they are not sincere to themselves and the party. “On Tuesday, I watched Politics Today and I called Makinde to say you are not telling the truth regarding some issues. “One of the reasons why the PDP lost in 2023 was impunity. You are right; people who believe that they have all it takes and refuse to respect the constitution of the party regarding power-sharing between the North and South. “Now you are making the same mistake with the impunity of the Governors Forum. You are repeating the same thing, and what happened in 2023 may happen again in 2027. “If you don’t stop this impunity, it will affect the party. How? The Governors Forum is not an organ of the party; it’s a pressure group that can influence the National Working Committee.”

4/18/2025, 12:01:10 PM

Rivers: I Wasn’t Trained To Take Orders From Military Administrator~ Ex Magistrate

Former Chief Magistrate in Rivers State, Ejike George, has explained his recent resignation from the state judiciary, stating he was not trained to take orders from a military administrator. He made this known during Thursday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television. “I am simply saying that I cannot take instructions from a military administrator. I cannot,” he said. The former Magistrate berated the president’s decision, saying that there was no crisis in Rivers State to have warranted the suspension of Fubara and others as well as the introduction of military-style rule. “It is not fair to the people of Rivers State. My reason for resignation is simply because I cannot adapt to the military style of adjudication that would be introduced by the reason of the sole administrator. “As a magistrate, our courts are courts of summary jurisdiction. Our proceedings are not guided by the constitution of this country. That being the case, it means that I would take directives from my employer who is the Chief Judge of Rivers State. “We, in turn, take some level of directive from the governor; that would have been the elected governor who had acted as the chief security officer of the state. “I am simply saying that I cannot take instructions from a military administrator. I cannot. In the entire 16 years that I served with the Rivers State Judiciary, I have taken instructions from civilian administrators. I do not know how I am going to adapt and now begin to take instructions from a military administrator. I find it very strange,” he stated.

4/18/2025, 8:09:02 AM

Remove Ibas For Breach Of Presidential Order, Falana Tells Tinubu

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.), over alleged violation of a presidential directive. On Thursday, the senior advocate argued that the retired naval officer acted in breach of the provisions outlined in the Official Gazette dated March 18, 2025, titled State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025. Falana said in the gazette, stated very clearly that the sole administrator “shall operate on the basis of such Regulations that may, from time to time, be issued by me (Tinubu).” “It is common knowledge that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any Regulation for the operation of the Sole Administrator. But, the Sole Administrator has made appointments and removed officials appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. “By treating the orders of President Bola Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment. The Sole Administrator ought to be removed without any further delay,” Falana said. President Bola Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. This move came alongside the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu explained that he could not remain passive while the political crisis in Rivers continued to worsen. In response to recent developments, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State summoned Ibas to Abuja for a “comprehensive interactive session.” Ibas, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, hails from Cross River State, where he was also educated in his early years.

4/18/2025, 7:44:40 AM

Atiku Hails Arsenal’s Unity, Says Victory Comes Through Coalition

Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has drawn inspiration from English Premier League side Arsenal FC to highlight the value of unity and consolidation in coalition politics. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Atiku commended Arsenal’s performance, describing their victory as a powerful lesson in the strength of teamwork. “Arsenal just taught us a lesson in consolidating our strengths in a coalition vehicle. “Victory is assured when we stand united,” Atiku wrote. The comment comes amid ongoing discussions about political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election, with Atiku Abubakar emerging as a strong proponent of opposition coalition talks. Although the PDP Governors’ Forum recently ruled out participating in any merger or coalition, Atiku has consistently emphasized the need for unity among opposition parties to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next election. Using football as a metaphor for political strategy, his latest remark seems to serve as a subtle call to like-minded politicians and parties to embrace synergy and purposeful collaboration. A lifelong football fan and devoted Arsenal supporter, Atiku frequently employs sports analogies to engage young Nigerians and broader audiences on key national and political issues.

4/17/2025, 7:48:43 AM

JUST IN: Reps Summon Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibas

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has summoned the state's Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to appear before it on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and the subsequent appointment of Admiral Ibas to oversee the state’s administration for an initial six-month period. In response, the National Assembly, invoking Section 11 of the Constitution, assumed the legislative duties of the suspended State Assembly. On Tuesday, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas inaugurated a 21-member committee led by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, urging members to approach their duties with neutrality and avoid partisanship. A statement issued by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi on Wednesday said, “Pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session. The statement quoted Prof Ihonvbere as saying, “This engagement is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities in the public interest. “The Sole Administrator is expected to appear before the Committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. “A formal letter of invitation has been sent and acknowledged accordingly. This public announcement serves to reinforce transparency in the Committee’s proceedings. “The Committee reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

4/16/2025, 2:49:16 PM

2027: Atiku Slams PDP Governors For Opposing Coalition

An anti-Tinubu coalition, headed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the PDP governors for opposing efforts to unite the opposition and for allegedly aiding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. This reaction follows the PDP Governors’ Forum’s resolution at its meeting on Monday, April 14, where the governors rejected the proposal to build a broad-based alliance of opposition parties and leaders. According to the statement by coalition spokesman Salihu Moh Lukman, he said, “The coalition is a viable option not only for defeating the All Progressives Congress, APC, and President Tinubu but also for rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from imminent collapse.” “For more than 10 years, the PDP had been out of power, and Nigerians had waited for the party to dust itself off and provide the viable opposition that Nigeria needs. Instead, the party went into suspended animation until the rampaging Tinubu-led APC found a willing undertaker to finally put it to rest,” he added. “The governors know that the virus that afflicts the PDP has no cure. They are only grandstanding. They know that Nigerians cannot accept this PDP as the alternative because it is clear to all discerning Nigerians that the ruling party has hijacked its soul.” “Nyesom Wike is the untouchable super minister in Asiwaju’s government, not because of the sterling job he is doing in the FCT, but because he has done a great job of ensuring that the PDP is not able to present a presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu for power in 2027.” “However, with the growing coalition, that mandate has been adjusted in recent weeks. The new agenda is to revive the PDP to stand as a counterforce to the coalition and present a candidate who would split the vote in 2027. This PDP Governors’ Forum is wittingly or unwittingly playing Asiwaju’s spoiler game, and they expect Nigerians to take them seriously.”

4/16/2025, 2:39:45 PM

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