Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, has publicly asserted that Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), lacks political viability in Northern Nigeria. In an interview with DCL English, Yusuf emphasized that Obi will face intense scrutiny from northern voters regarding his past actions and positions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Yusuf identified the primary competitors for the 2027 race as President Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), and Peter Obi (NDC). According to Yusuf, Obi must personally address several concerns to gain acceptance in the North, specifically noting that his supporters cannot speak for him on these issues:

• Political Accountability: Voters intend to heavily examine Obi’s record during his time as Governor of Anambra State.

• IPOB Associations: Yusuf plans to interrogate Obi’s refusal to distance himself from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which the government has labeled a terrorist organization.

• Stance on Nnamdi Kanu: Obi will face questioning over his public defense of the IPOB leader, specifically his claims that Kanu is innocent and should not have been detained.

• Campaign Rhetoric: Yusuf alleged that Obi’s 2023 campaign was overly focused on Christian and Igbo-centric interests, which he argues makes it difficult for Northern Muslim voters to support him.

Yusuf concluded that for Obi to be competitive, he must engage directly with the Northern electorate and overcome these significant hurdles regarding his political history and platform.

Source Citation:

1. Provided user input regarding Professor Usman Yusuf’s statements on Peter Obi.

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On Saturday, officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made a surprise appearance at the polling unit of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, amid ongoing reports concerning alleged vote-buying in the governorship race. According to reports from Sahara Reporters, approximately 10 EFCC personnel reached Polling Unit 003, Ward 06, in Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government Area, at about 9:05 a.m., shortly after the polls opened.

While the EFCC did not immediately clarify the specific reason for their arrival, their deployment occurred during a period of intense scrutiny regarding potential voter inducement across the state. The polling unit currently serves 668 registered voters. At the time of this report, the agents remained on-site to monitor the proceedings and consult with security forces; notably, there were no accounts of arrests or interruptions to the voting process.

This intervention follows multiple warnings issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), various civil society organizations, and anti-graft bodies regarding electoral malpractices, including vote-buying. The election is currently being held across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, with Governor Oyebanji running for re-election against several opponents.

On Friday evening, the Isan Police Station in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State was targeted by suspected gunmen who set the facility ablaze, leaving two officers wounded. According to an anonymous police source, the assault commenced at approximately 6:00 p.m. One of the injured officers remains in a coma and is currently undergoing medical treatment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The attackers destroyed several vehicles, notably a long bus that had been chartered by police personnel from Abuja. While it was reported that officers initially stationed at the facility fled during the onset of the attack, reinforcements from the Police Mobile Force intervened while traveling from Oye to Isan, successfully repelling the gunmen and preventing them from seizing control of the community. Security forces have since restored order to the area.

A survey of the aftermath reveals significant destruction to the police station, including damaged doors, windows, and ceilings, as well as the loss of a generator and other equipment. In total, five vehicles were destroyed—two located within the station premises and three outside. While this incident marks another in a series of attacks on police infrastructure within the state, the Ekiti State Police Command has not yet released an official statement regarding the situation.