Politics
Nigeria’s Politics, For Disintegration?
Politics has been conceptualised by some politicians as game of do or die affair. But to political scientists, it is defined as the activities judiciously concerned with governing a society or nation by people with same political ideology or beliefs.
In Nigeria, it is clear that the activities of the Northern political stalwarts are very disey and capable of dichotomizing the stability of the Nigeria Sovereignty, which might likely lead the nation to disintegration.
Before Independence in 1960, there were two major entities existing distinctly as Northern and Southern Protectorates.
The buoyancy of the Southern – protectorate was the main sustenance of the Northern protectorate due to their lean economy. Infact, these necessitated the diplomatic device of integration with the Southern protectorate.
The scheming and tactics was implemented as the Southern region elites were lived to sign the agreement, which brought about the amalgamation of the two distinct entities in 1914 through the instrumentality of a British administration of Sir Fredrick Lord Lugard. The amalgamation led to the formation of an entity called Nigeria which later became the federated status in 1954.
It is on record that since 1914 till present, the Coastal part of the Southern region, now known as Niger Delta region has been under socio-economic and political pressure by the rest of the regions, particularly the Northern counterparts.
In the present dispensation, Nigeria has four cardinal regions named, East, West, North and South with what is known as six geo-political axis. Going by the six recognised geo-poltical zones of the four cardinal areas of Nigeria, the North Central zone comprises, Benue, Plateau, Kwara Nasarawa, Niger – Kogi states, including the federal capital Territory (Abuja), North Eastern Zones comprises Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba states and North-Western zone comprises Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara Kastina, Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna States.
South Eastern zone is made up of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi States, while Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Osun and Oyo States make up the South Western zone, with Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa-Ibom and Rivers States constituting the South-South zone.
It is obvious that amongst the six gro-political zones, close observation has indicated that it is only the South-South zone (Niger Delta region) that have not produced any Head of State or President by normal electoral procedures in Nigeria. The only privilege that came to the Niger Delta region was the recent one that brought in the incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan through the April 2011 general elections.
However, since the emergence of Dr. Jonathan to the seat of governance, there have been politically by motivated insecurity, the Boko Haram Sect believed to be sponsored by key political stalwarts from the norths who have vowed to make the country ingovernable for Jonathan.
It is note worthy that between 1960 and 2010, thirteen personalities have emerged as National Leaders of Nigeria, statistically, out of these lot, eight hails from the Northern geo-political zone, they are: General Yakubu Gowon (alias go on with one Nigeria), 1966-1875, General Murtala Mohammed, 1975-1976; Alaji Shehu Shagari, 1979-1983, General Mohammadu Buhari, 1984-1985; General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, 1985-1993; General Sani Abacha, 1993-1998; General Abdulsalami Abubakar, 1998- May 29, 1999; Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, 2007- May.
In the same vein, two of the National Leaders that hails from the Eastern geo-political zone were Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (the first Executive President at Independence – 1960 – Mid 196) and General Aguiyi Ironsi, 1964-1966. Two other leaders from the Western geo-political zone were Chief Matthew Olusegun Obansanjo (OBJ) and Chief Ernest Shonekan of the short-lived Interim National Government (ING), from August to November, 1993.
In addition to being sidelined in the leadership, the Niger Delta or South-South region was also relegated in the areas of Ministerial positions. All the while, it has been the Northerners usurping sensitive organs of administration as Petroleum, Energy, Power, Education, Agriculture etc. the only time Petroleum Minister was given to a true son of Niger Delta in the person of Professor Tam David-West, during the IBB Military regime, it became very controversial and agitated as unfounded allegations were levied on David-West to a point that he was replaced by a Northerner – Alhaji Rilwanu Lukman.
In the midst of the foregoings, Niger Deltas held her peace in order to move the nation forward, irrespective of the enormous economic viability and contributions of the oil rich States and communities, she was treated with ignominy.
For instance, under the present democratic dispensation, late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua could only appoint a bonafide son of the core Niger Delta, on. Odein Ajumogobia, who was nominated for ministerial portfolio, a subordinate to a Northerner as Minister of State (Petroleum) before he was reassigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs after the demise of President Yar’Adua. It is thus amazing that Northern leaders are not satisfied with all this. This is the only explanation for their demand for more revenue allocation in recent times.
It is pertinent to note that some individuals and interest groups are through this means working assiduously to dichotomise the society which might lead to disintegrating the solid foundation laid by the founding patriarchs of this nation. By debating blindly and chasing shadows instead of reality, they inadvertently call for all other segments of the nation to have a rethink on their position in the country.
It is more ironical that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has been focused as inferior who does not deserve or have right to contest for second tenure as a free citizen of Nigeria despite being the incumbent, having emerged from the so degraded Niger Delta region. His intention to contest is looked upon as an abomination. The Northerners are always claiming superiority over the Southerners. The position is: how long shall they continue to picture the Niger Deltan as kids? Of Course, that era of deceit is gone. This is time to arise and possess the rightful position of the so neglected region for decades.
Frankly speaking, based on the leadership statistics forestated, it is enough evidence that 2015 Presidential portfolio is due for the South-south geo-political zone again, which falls on the right peg of the incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. It is unforuante that the elderly is not dreaming for the progress and development of the younger generation in the system. Civilian administration is government of representation by the people and not by authoritative or dictatorial pattern. Therefore, politics should be in the spirit of sportsmanship and not of bitterness as viewed by some unscrupulous elements that bent on selfish interest. Remember one time American President Kennedy who asserted: “Think on what you can do for America and not what America can do for you”.
The Northern politicians should think the best to do, to move this nation forward and not to sponsor an unpatriotic group to cause security stress in the Nigerian environment. Without doubt, precious lives and properties of unquantifiable worth have been wasted in Nigeria, especially Christians dwelling and transacting business in the Northern domain. Meanwhile the Northerners are walking and transacting their business freely in the Eastern, Western and Southern axis of same country. Why the dichotomy? It is fascinating that the Leader of Boko Haram recently threatened the government of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would be tracked down within the spectrum of one year because the sect was fingered as the cause of insecurity stress in the country.
There is no doubt that with the political insinuations of the Northern leaders does not portray the spirit of ONE NIGERIA. However, the south-South geo-political region will not continue to be fools, watching helplessly to her detriment. Therefore, good thinking citizens of Nigeria should delight on how to move the giant of Africa forward to a greater height of progress and manpower development and not for a retrogressive bargain. Enough is enough of the ugly characteristics against the South-South region!
Enoch Epelle
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, the party said it had taken note of Mr Obi’s defection alongside some of his supporters, as well as what it called a “lacklustre speech” delivered by the former Anambra State governor at the defection event.
“We wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians,” the party said, adding that it was not surprised by the move, having “since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly.”
According to the statement, the faction said it had patiently awaited Mr Obi’s exit, describing it as a blessing.
“The party is finally liberated by this defection and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing,” the party said.
The faction further disclosed that it had previously urged Mr Obi and his supporters to leave if they were unable to work with the party leadership.
It claimed that several lawmakers had been suspended for anti-party activities and that similar action would have been taken against Mr Obi but for the intervention of “some well-meaning Nigerians.”
It also blamed its internal crisis on Mr Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing them of sponsoring what it described as an insurrection against the Julius Abure-led leadership.
“The crisis we had in the Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia State governor, Alex Otti,” the statement alleged, adding that it was surprising Dr Otti had not followed Mr Obi out of the party despite his suspension.
Reacting to Mr Obi’s defection event in Enugu, the faction claimed the gathering was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East, insisting that those present were “political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today.”
It warned that this development signalled the failure of any future Mr Obi presidential or vice-presidential ambition, claiming he had “clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior to 2023.”
The faction also accused Mr Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, alleging that the region suffers political marginalisation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a result.
“He must be told that the South East lost out completely in President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023,” the statement said, alleging disparities in ministerial appointments and infrastructure allocation to the zone.
The Abure-Led LP apologised to Nigerians for its decision in the last election.
“We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians,” the party said.
It urged Nigerians to watch out for a rebranded Labour Party, promising to present “the best prospect” capable of returning Nigeria to what it described as its “glorious days.”
steadily toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity”, he said.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Oluyede said the development came as a shock, stressing that INEC supervised and monitored the PDP governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate.
According to him, INEC officials documented the process, completed all required forms, and even affirmed his candidacy in court through sworn affidavits arising from cases linked to the primary election.
He maintained that no court order or injunction currently restrains INEC from listing his name as the PDP candidate, arguing that the electoral body lacks the constitutional power to determine who emerges as a party’s nominee.
Dr Oluyede described such decisions as the exclusive responsibility of political parties, not the electoral umpire.
While playing down panic over the released list, Dr Oluyede noted that electoral processes often involve reviews and corrections.
He disclosed that he had commenced wide consultations, including engagements with PDP leadership and formal correspondence with INEC, to seek clarification on the omission and determine the next line of action.
The PDP candidate assured his supporters across Ekiti State that he would appear on the ballot, expressing confidence that the situation would be resolved in his favour.
He described attempts to exclude candidates from elections as dangerous and undemocratic, warning that such tactics undermine the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.
Dr Oluyede called on the people of Ekiti to reject any form of disenfranchisement, insisting that elections should be contests of ideas, records, and acceptance by the electorate rather than exclusionary maneuvers.
He also declared that the PDP in Ekiti had resolved its past internal crises and was now united, focused, and ready to win the forthcoming governorship election.
He urged party members and supporters to remain calm and focused, expressing optimism that, with divine grace and the will of the people, the PDP would emerge victorious at the polls.
Mr Obi spoke while formally declaring for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at a well-attended event in Enugu on Wednesday, where he outlined what he described as a fresh roadmap for rescuing the country from its socio-economic challenges.
Addressing party members, supporters and other stakeholders, the former governor stressed that leadership must be driven by integrity and accountability, warning against the culture of double standards in public office.
“We cannot continue to deceive our people. Leadership is about telling the truth and leading by example. You cannot promise one thing in public and do another in private. That is not leadership, and that is not the change Nigeria needs”, Mr Obi said.
He maintained that genuine national rebirth would only be possible if entrenched wrongs were corrected, adding that governance must be guided by competence, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
Mr Obi also underscored the need for fresh thinking in the nation’s political space, urging political actors to move away from recycled ideas that have failed to deliver sustainable development.
“We must come with new ideas,” he said, adding that “Nigeria’s problems are not mysterious; what has been lacking is the courage and competence to address them differently. We need a new approach that puts people first and focuses on production, not consumption.”
Calling for a broad based political collaboration, Mr Obi appealed to parties and stakeholders across ideological divides to work together in the national interest.
“This country is bigger than any party or individual. All parties must come together to change the present trend. What matters is not the platform, but the future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its citizens”, he declared.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mr Obi challenged aspirants seeking elective offices to ensure transparency in their credentials, warning that the era of falsified certificates was drawing to a close.
“Anyone contesting for any position in 2027 must come with genuine certificates. All the machinery is now in place to verify what is genuine and what is not. Integrity must start from the very foundation of leadership”, he stated.
Drawing lessons from international development models, Mr Obi cited Rwanda and Indonesia as examples of countries that rose from difficult beginnings to become thriving economies through disciplined leadership and sound policies.
“These countries were once behind us,” he noted, adding that “Today, they are moving ahead because they chose competent leadership, clear vision and policies that support local production and human capital development.”
He also criticised the economic policies of the present administration, particularly the continued importation of food items that can be produced locally, describing such practices as inimical to national development.
“You cannot grow an economy by killing local production. Importing food that we can produce in Nigeria destroys jobs, weakens our farmers and drains our foreign exchange. A serious country must produce what it consumes”, he argued.
The event featured renewed calls from ADC supporters for sustained engagement and mobilisation, as Mr Obi reiterated his belief that Nigeria remains redeemable if led with honesty, competence and a commitment to shared national progress.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, expressed confidence in the emerging coalition, assuring Nigerians that the party would deliver good governance at all levels of administration if entrusted with power.
The gathering also witnessed the defection of several prominent politicians from different political parties across the South-East and beyond.
The motion endorsing the defection was moved by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, and seconded by former economic adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Osita Ogbu.
Goodwill messages from notable political figures, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mrs. Aisha Yesufu, Chief Sam Egwu, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chief Achike Udenwa, Mr Onyema Ugochukwu and Senator Gilbert Nnaji among others, further underscored the growing momentum within the ADC.
