Politics
Peter Obi Misread Soludo’s Ekwulobia Rally Remark — Barrister Darlington Agomuo Speaks Out
The political atmosphere in Anambra State is heating up following a widely circulated misinterpretation of a recent campaign statement made by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. A senior legal practitioner, Barrister Darlington Agomuo, has criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi and his supporters for prematurely reacting to a statement that, according to him, was not directed at Obi.
Speaking at a political rally in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, Governor Soludo remarked that “some politicians come with the idea of ruling for only one term.” The comment was quickly linked by supporters of Peter Obi to the Labour Party leader’s recent commitment to serve just one term if elected in 2027.
However, Barr. Agomuo dismissed these interpretations as entirely off the mark.
“I will advise Peter Obi to stop talking ahead of time. If you check very well, Soludo was not referring to Obi,” said Barrister Agomuo. “Go and listen to the context of that statement. Ukachukwu said he would take one term in Anambra, and Soludo told him that it would alter the political permutation in Anambra, and that was why he said so.”
He further explained that Soludo made the comment in direct response to political aspirant Nicholas Ukachukwu, who declared his intention to run for a single term in the upcoming Anambra governorship election.
“He didn’t mention Peter Obi; it was a coincidence that Soludo made the statement when Obi was talking about one term,” the lawyer clarified. “If you look at the campaign statement, Governor Soludo was not referring to Peter Obi specifically.”
Barr. Agomuo expressed disappointment at how the situation has been manipulated by some media platforms and Obi’s supporters.
“Peter Obi replied ahead of time without looking to see whether it was for him or Ukachukwu. If it is for Obi, Governor Soludo would not have said it would alter the political permutation in Anambra, that after him, Anambra Central will take, and that was why I said it wasn’t for him,” Agomuo noted.
Obi, during a recent public appearance, reaffirmed his commitment to serving only one term if given the opportunity, drawing inspiration from former US President John F. Kennedy and South Africa’s Nelson Mandela. But Agomuo questioned the relevance of those historical comparisons.
“Mandela served one term because of ill-health, Kennedy was killed in office. Those permutations are not in our constitution,” he said. “The constitution recognises that you must serve one term, so why are you repeating it, as if you are entitled to two terms but want to take only one term?”
Agomuo also took aim at what he described as a growing culture of entitlement to a second term in Nigerian politics.
“That convention that when you enter into office, you must serve two terms is affecting our country — that even if you are not doing well, you must serve the two terms.”
In a separate reaction from a political stakeholder in the state, the supporter strongly rebuked those attacking Soludo for simply performing his duties.
“If Soludo eats lunch, the hypnotised Obidiots will say it is because Peter Obi has not had breakfast. Should he stop being himself, a performer, or deliberately fail to make Obi shine? No discerning mind will approve the latter,” the stakeholder stated.
Political Undercurrents in Anambra
Observers say the latest misunderstanding underscores the political tension ahead of the next electoral cycle in Anambra. Governor Soludo, widely acknowledged for his reforms and infrastructural development across the state, has faced pressure from some quarters that appear keen to pit him against Peter Obi, a former Anambra governor and prominent figure in southeastern politics.
“While Soludo is busy transforming Anambra, some people are uncomfortable because no man in Igbo land must do well just to let Obi shine,” read a statement attributed to a political analyst close to APGA.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has also refuted claims that Soludo’s remark was aimed at Obi, insisting that the opposition is orchestrating a media campaign to stoke division and discredit the governor’s performance.
Background:
Governor Charles Soludo is the incumbent governor of Anambra State and a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Peter Obi is a former Governor of Anambra and was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election.
Nicholas Ukachukwu is a gubernatorial aspirant in Anambra State who recently announced plans to serve for only one term.
As the 2025 election season approaches, political analysts warn that misinterpretations and media spin could further destabilise the fragile harmony within the state’s political space.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has dismissed the reported suspension of Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal as “callous” and politically motivated.
What happened
In a statement issued on Thursday, Eze described the alleged suspension by a faction of the African Democratic Congress in Adamawa State as illegitimate.
He argued that the move was driven by “hunger-driven sycophants and enemies of democracy.”
“The purported suspension of Atiku, and Babachir is a callous act by a few ADC hunger-driven sycophants and enemies of democracy in Adamawa State.”
Eze insisted that no group within the party has the authority to suspend the former vice president, describing Atiku as a dominant political figure in Adamawa State.
Why it matters
The development highlights growing tensions within opposition ranks and raises concerns about internal party stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say disputes like this could weaken opposition parties at a time when they are expected to present a united front against the ruling government.
Eze’s claims against APC
Eze accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to destabilise opposition figures.
“Attempting to destabilize opposition politicians using INEC and the Judiciary to meddle into the internal affairs of political parties is a sign of a drowning goon, who is afraid of competitive election.”
He further alleged that key institutions, including Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were being used to influence political outcomes claims that have not been independently verified.
Political context
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president and a veteran opposition figure, has maintained strong political influence, particularly in Adamawa State.
Eze described him as:
“A political institution and beacon of democracy in Nigeria… no living individual or group can make Atiku irrelevant in the politics and culture of Adamawa State.”
The statement also questioned the legitimacy of the factional leadership reportedly behind the suspension.
Industry and public reactions
While the ADC has yet to issue an official unified response, political observers note that factional disputes are not uncommon in Nigerian party politics.
Some analysts warn that prolonged internal crises could reduce the credibility of opposition parties in the eyes of voters.
Others argue that such controversies may reflect broader struggles for control and influence ahead of the next election cycle.
What’s next
There has been no official confirmation from Atiku Abubakar or Babachir Lawal regarding the alleged suspension.
Political watchers expect further clarification from the ADC’s national leadership and possible legal or party-level resolutions in the coming days.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he will not contest for president again after the 2027 election, describing the race as his “last outing”.
He made the declaration during an interview on Arise News Channel, where he reflected on his long political career and repeated attempts to lead Africa’s most populous country.
“Certainly yes,” he said when asked if 2027 would be his final bid.
“Because the stakes are higher, because I believe that will be my last outing. So that’s incontrovertible.”
A final push after decades in politics
Atiku, who has contested multiple presidential elections across different political platforms, said his persistence is driven by what he sees as unfinished business.
The African Democratic Congress chieftain described his experience as a key strength in a country grappling with leadership challenges.
“I represent both the past and the future,” he said.
“We have seen various levels of leadership in the country, both young and old, and we’re experiencing them.”
Experience vs youth debate
Atiku argued that while younger leaders have taken up roles across Nigeria, expectations have not always been met.
“And I still believe that our expectations of the young leadership is below what we thought,” he said.
“They require experience and they require tutelage from the older generation.”
His comments come amid ongoing national debates about generational leadership and calls for younger politicians to take the reins.
Lessons from power
Atiku served as vice-president under Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, a period he says shaped his political philosophy.
“There was a lot I learned,” he said.
“I don’t think I could have learned what I learned being vice president outside that system.”
Criticism of governance and leadership
Responding to criticism that he represents Nigeria’s entrenched political elite, Atiku said governance problems are systemic rather than generational.
“We have had so many young governors in a number of states who have failed woefully when it comes to governance challenges,” he said.
He added that weak leadership structures and lack of mentorship have contributed to governance deficits across the country.
Why it matters
Atiku’s statement could reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 election.
As one of Nigeria’s most recognisable opposition figures, his decision to frame the race as a final bid may influence alliances, voter perception, and succession debates within opposition parties.
What’s next
Political analysts say attention will now turn to:
Coalition-building among opposition parties
The emergence of younger presidential aspirants
Voter sentiment on experience versus generational change
The 2027 election is expected to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s political direction.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved a sweeping set of decisions affecting healthcare, education, and traditional institutions in Ondo State.
The measures include a 500-bed hospital expansion plan across multiple towns and the creation of a committee to review minimum wage implementation at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo.
Officials say the decisions are aimed at improving public services, stabilising tertiary institutions, and addressing growing healthcare demands.
Committee to review minimum wage at RUGIPO
The state government has set up a committee to review how the new minimum wage is being implemented at RUGIPO.
The panel, chaired by Budget Commissioner Olaolu Akindolire, will audit payroll data, identify gaps, and recommend a sustainable payment structure.
The move follows discussions between the government, the polytechnic’s management, and labour unions over payment harmonisation.
Authorities say the goal is to ensure fairness and long-term stability for both academic and non-academic staff.
Salary arrears cleared, rector confirmed
In a related move, the governor has approved the payment of three months’ outstanding salary arrears owed to RUGIPO workers.
The Commissioner for Education, Igbekele Ajibefun, said resolving the backlog was critical.
“Resolving the salary issues was necessary to stabilize the institution and restore confidence among academic and non-academic staff,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also confirmed Simeon Olorunwa Adegun as the substantive rector, after months in an acting role since October 2024.
500-bed hospital expansion across Ondo
The State Executive Council has also approved the construction of hospital facilities with a combined capacity of 500 beds.
Projects include:
100-bed hospitals in Ikare-Akoko, Ore, and Okitipupa
Additional specialist hospitals in Igbokoda and at the state level
50-bed hospitals in Irele and Igbokoda
“One-stop shop” general hospitals integrating lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and consultation services
Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said the plan would improve access to care.
“The development is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services across the state,” he said.
Mental health services expanded
The council also approved a new neuropsychiatric hospital and the upgrade of the existing facility in Akure.
Officials say the decision reflects rising mental health challenges and increasing cases of drug abuse.
Ajaka noted that current facilities are overstretched, with patients sometimes waiting months for admission.
Why it matters
The decisions highlight two pressing issues in the state:
Healthcare pressure: Growing population and mental health cases are straining facilities
Workers’ welfare: Salary delays and wage disputes have affected morale in public institutions
Experts say investments in healthcare infrastructure and timely salary payments can improve productivity and public trust.
Traditional institutions and governance
The council also approved several chieftaincy appointments and recognitions across local governments.
According to Information Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku, the decisions reflect broader governance efforts.
He added that the meeting marked the first Executive Council session of the year following the state’s 50th anniversary and one year of the current administration.
What’s next
The wage review committee is expected to submit recommendations after engaging stakeholders.
Meanwhile, implementation of hospital projects and facility upgrades is expected to begin in phases.
Observers say delivery timelines and funding will be key to measuring the impact of the initiatives.
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