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2015 Elections And Buhari’s Bloodbath Threat

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Former Head of State, Mohammadu Buhari’s
declaration that “if what happened in 2011 (election) should again happen in
2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood”
has been viewed from various
perspectives. Expectedly, all of these views were either in favour, or
against the declaration

The most striking of the reactions were
those of the Presidency and the ruling People’s Democratic Party PDP; the stand
taken by the Northern Nigeria Governor’s Forum, and that of the Arewa Defence
League.

As expected, the reaction of the Federal
Government and the PDP was to see the declaration as a call to arms, something
which the country should naturally avoid, especially given the present
insecurity pervading the northern part of the country, no thanks to the
bombings by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

The thinking of the Federal Government and
the ruling party may not be out of place, afterall, who would want to live in a
house that is on fire? Perhaps this thinking is guided by what Napoleon stated
years ago that for the maintenance of peace, nations should avoid the pin
pricks which forerun cannon-shots”.

For the northern Governors, who spoke
through their Chairman, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State,  there is nothing wrong with Buhari’s
declaration. According to Governor Aliyu, it is “merely a warning against”
alleged rigging of elections in Nigeria by the PDP. Consequently, rather than
think of what the effect of rigging would be, the governors said those who
abhor such effect should consider ways to ensuring that the act of rigging does
not take place.

“All of us who are involved in
elections-political parties, contestants and the voters themselves- must be careful
so that whatever we do,  the semblance of
good will be there”, Aliyu said.

He, however, noted that “certain people are
in a position that they should be careful about certain vocabularies they use.
So both ways, let us take it on our own stride and ensure that future elections
are seen to be transparent and are seen to be good”.

In a communiqué issued last Thursday at the
end of the meeting of northern State Governor’s Forum in Kaduna, and read out
to journalists, Governor Aliyu cautioned eminent Nigerians against “making
inflammatory statements capable of affecting the nation’s fragile unity and
security”, urging Nigerians to be concerned about the unity and development of
the country in all ramifications.

According to the communiqué, the 19
Governors agreed that if their “present opportunity as Governors and leaders
cannot earn us paradise, it should not send us to hell.

“Above all, we must do everything possible
to ensure that we enter 2015 as a peaceful and united constituent, Nigeria”.

On his part, Governor Aliyu noted that
Nigeria “is passing through a very difficult phase in the history of the
nation, a period that put patriotism, nationalism, sincerity and responsibility
collectively to test.

“This is the period that we have to
demonstrate individually and collectively our abiding faith in our nation, when
we must confront the common enemies of the nation, those who are sworn to
destroying the spirit of nationhood through wanton destruction of lives and
property”.

These fine words, said the manner in which
they were stated, seem to be a contradiction of the threat of bloodbath by the
former Head of State, Buhari, unless it is employed as a smoke screen to cover
up the governors’ real intention.

While condemning Buhari’s declaration in
its entirety, President of the Arewa Defence League, Murtala Abubakar, said
going by his initial stand not to contest election for the presidency
after  his third attempt in 2011 failed,
the retired General is only dancing to the tune played by some selfish people
who only seek to ride on his (Buhari’s) goodwill.

“He told the whole world that he will not
contest election again. I am surprised that he is coming up now to say that he
may contest the elections in 2015”, he said.

Abubakar unequivocally noted that though
Buhari is blessed with certain qualities, leadership is not one of them a
factor that may have seen him make the declaration, hence he is not qualified
to rule Nigeria.

“Experience has shown that Buhari is a man
of integrity”, he said  but he is not a
good leader. Look at the imposition of candidates that characterised the last
election. I believe that like several other Nigerians  Buhari has personal integrity, and that is
not in doubt.

“But Buhari as a politician and candidate
still has a problem. When he came up with his political party, the CPC, there
was this euphoria about the party and the belief that with Buhari, we are going
to see principles in our politics. But look at what is happening.

“I am disappointed that he has allowed some
people manipulate him for their own selfish interest … These people are not
interested in what is good for the country, and as a leader, he should be able
to distance himself from them. But that has not happened, and it is not good
for him”, he said.

Also noteworthy is the position of the
Christian Health Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAN), which said
unequivocally that Buhari’s declaration could trigger violence during the 2015
general elections.

In a statement, CHAN noted that “we have
noted with dismay the unstatesmanly conduct of Muhammadu Buhari, who threatened
the nation with bloodshed should the 2015 election not be free and fair’.

According to the body, given the manner
Buhari made the declaration, it is obvious that his description of free and
fair election is one that would see him emerge winner of the 2015 election.

“In reality, Buhari is saying that there
would be bloodshed in 2015, if he does not win the Presidential election,” the
statement said.

CHAN noted that the result of a similar
statement by Buhari, which called for the lynching of certain persons led to
the bloodshed that followed the 2011 general elections, which claimed the lives
of some Christians and some members of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC),
serving in some northern states.

All of these perspectives may have their
followers at different for  under
different circumstances. However, if we must think, eat, drink and smell “one
Nigeria” as often stated by our leaders, Buhari inclusive, such declaration (or
statement) coming from somebody of the caliber of a former Head of State, can
only call for one thing, War! The questions, therefore, are who is going to war
with who? Are we no longer one Nigeria again, just because another person is at
the head of governance? Will the envisaged bloodshed affect only the assumed
opposition/enemy?

Perhaps it is time to remind our hitherto
astute former Head of State, in the words of the late Albert Einstein, that he
should “try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of
value”, if he truly treasures the unity of Nigeria and his statesmanship as he
wants Nigerians to believe.

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Makinde Renames Polytechnic After Late Ex-Gov

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Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has renamed The Polytechnic, Ibadan as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of a late former governor of the State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo.
Dr Olunloyo, who died on April 6, 2025, was the pioneer Principal of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, while he also served as Governor of Oyo State between October 1 and December 31, 1983.
Governor Makinde made the announcement at the state interdenominational funeral service held yesterday in honour of the late former governor at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde said Dr Olunloyo lived an eventful life, adding that his attainment and personality could not be summarised in one sentence.
“He was not a man we could summarise in one sentence. He was a scholar, a statesman, a technocrat, a lover of culture and, above all, a man of deep conviction.
“While giving the exhortation, I was listening to Baba Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and he said in 1983, Baba became Governor of Oyo State. Though his time in office was brief, his election victory over a popular incumbent remains a powerful testament to the trust people gave him.
“I talked about preserving and digitising his library yesterday [Wednesday] as a mark of honour to Baba Olunloyo.
“Today, we will be giving Baba another honour to immortalise him. He was the first Principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan; that institution will now be named Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”
Earlier in his sermon, a retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Ayo Ladigbolu, described the late Olunloyo as a role model with intellectual inspiration and unassailable integrity.
The cleric said the deceased also demonstrated leadership in most superior quality during his lifetime.
In attendance were the state Deputy Governor, Chief Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; wife of a former Military Governor of the old Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Jemibewon; wife of a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; and former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Others were the member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Oyo State Exco members; Chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; Chairman of All Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeniyi Ajewole; religious leaders and family members, among other dignitaries.

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10 NWC Members Oppose Damagum Over National Secretary’s Reinstatement

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Ten members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) have countered the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, on the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
The dissenting members, led by the Deputy National Chairman ( South), Taofeek Arapaja, in a joint statement, said no organ of the opposition party could overturn the decision of the 99th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The dissenting NWC members include Arapaja; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary; Okechukwu Obiechina-Daniel, National Auditor; Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Ologunagba; Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary and Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, National Treasurer.
Others are Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman (South East); Emmanuel Ogidi, Caretaker Committee Chairman (South South); Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm, National Woman Leader and Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese, National Vice Chairman (South West).
The group also insisted that contrary to the position of the acting National Chairman, the 100th NEC meeting of the party would be held on June 30 as earlier scheduled.
The statement read: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a press briefing by the acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, today Wednesday, June 25, wherein he attempted to overturn the resolution of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which scheduled the 100th NEC meeting for Monday, June 30.
“The acting National Chairman in the said press briefing also reportedly announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume as National Secretary of the party contrary to the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting, which referred all matters relating to the office of the National Secretary to the 100th NEC meeting.
“The pronouncements by the acting National Chairman have no foundation as no organ of the party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party, second only to the National Convention. By virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the resolution of the NEC to hold its 100th meeting on Monday June 30, is binding on all organs, officers, chapters and members of the party and no organ, group or individual can vary or veto this resolution of NEC.
“Furthermore, the claim by Damagum that Sen Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the party is, therefore, misleading being contrary to the resolution of NEC.
“In the light of the foregoing, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled for Monday, June 30, has not been canceled or postponed.”

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Presidency Slams El-Rufai Over Tinubu Criticism …Says He Suffers From Small Man Syndrome

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The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has fired back at former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the latter’s scathing criticism of President Tinubu’s administration and his 2027 re-election prospects.
In an interview on live television, Mallam El-Rufai said it would take a “miracle” for President Tinubu to be re-elected in 2027, citing an internal poll that purportedly shows a 91 percent disapproval rating for the president across key regions in the country, including the South-East and the North. He also claimed that President Tinubu’s disapproval rating in Lagos stood at 78 percent.
Reacting on Wednesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Onanuga took a swipe at the ex-governor, quoting a harsh assessment of Mallam El-Rufai’s character from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s memoir, My Watch.
“Nasir’s penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological,” Mr Onanuga wrote, citing Chief Obasanjo’s words. “Why does he do it? Very early in my interaction with him, I appreciated his talent. At the same time, I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir El-Rufai.”
The presidential adviser emphasised Chief Obasanjo’s remarks that Mallam El-Rufai often tries to elevate himself by diminishing others. “He lied brazenly, which he did to me, against his colleagues and so-called friends,” Mr Onanuga continued, quoting the former President. “I have heard of how he ruthlessly savaged the reputation of his uncle, a man who, in an African setting, was like a foster father to him.”
Chief Obasanjo, who appointed Mallam El-Rufai as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2003 and 2007, did not mince words in the memoir, describing Mallam El-Rufai as suffering from “small man syndrome.”
Mr Onanuga’s post is seen as a direct rebuttal to Mallam El-Rufai’s recent criticism and growing opposition role. The former governor is reportedly playing a central role in forming a new coalition to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
In March 2025, El-Rufai officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), intensifying speculations about his 2027 political ambitions.
As the political rift deepens, Mallam El-Rufai remains one of the most vocal critics of the Tinubu administration, while Mr Onanuga and other presidential allies continue to push back against what they describe as “reckless” opposition rhetoric.

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