Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of using misleading statistics to obscure Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Obi alleged that the government is “overfeeding Nigerians with wrong statistics” to create a false impression of economic progress.

Obi, a vocal critic of the current administration, pointed to discrepancies in official economic data, including inflation rates, unemployment figures, and poverty indices, which he claims are being manipulated to downplay the severity of the nation’s challenges. “The Tinubu administration is presenting Nigerians with a distorted picture of the economy,” Obi stated. “These inaccurate figures are not only deceptive but also erode public trust in governance.”

He cited rising food prices, fuel scarcity, and a growing unemployment rate as evidence of the government’s failure to address critical issues affecting Nigerians. Obi urged the administration to adopt transparent and evidence-based policies to tackle the economic downturn, emphasizing the need for accurate data to inform decision-making.

The presidency has yet to respond to Obi’s allegations. However, government officials have previously defended their economic policies, arguing that reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange rate unification, are necessary for long-term stability.

Obi’s remarks come amid widespread public discontent over the rising cost of living, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities. Analysts suggest that his comments could further fuel debates about the government’s handling of the economy as the nation prepares for upcoming elections.

The South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA), a prominent support group in the South-East, has pledged ₦200 million to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination form and fund campaign logistics for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. The announcement was made during the inauguration and empowerment event of SERHA’s Imo State chapter over the weekend, attended by political stakeholders, community leaders, and supporters from across the region.

In his keynote address, SERHA National Coordinator, Hon. Belusochukwu Enwere, reaffirmed the group’s unwavering commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “As ambassadors of Renewed Hope, we are fully dedicated to ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Today, we present a ₦200 million cheque for the purchase of the presidential nomination form and associated logistics,” Enwere declared. He praised Tinubu’s leadership, citing advancements in infrastructure, education, and inclusive governance as key achievements the group aims to promote in the South-East.

Enwere highlighted major federal initiatives benefiting the region, notably the $3 billion Eastern Rail Line project, which he described as the largest federal infrastructure investment in the South-East’s history. “This railway development is a game-changer, set to boost trade, reduce transport costs, and address the region’s longstanding sense of marginalisation,” he said. He also commended the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), noting its role in fostering regional growth, improving road networks, and tackling erosion.

Paying tribute to regional icons like the late Chief Sam Mbakwe and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Enwere also lauded Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for his developmental strides under the 3R Agenda. He announced that SERHA would launch a tour across all 95 local government areas and 2,344 wards in the South-East starting in August to galvanize grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election. “This is Southern Nigeria’s turn to complete our eight years, and the South-East will stand firm to secure Tinubu’s victory in 2027,” Enwere affirmed.

The event also featured the distribution of empowerment items, including motorcycles, mini buses, sewing machines, hairdressing kits, and cash support, aimed at promoting self-reliance and community development among local residents. The group’s efforts underscore a strong regional push to rally behind Tinubu’s leadership and ensure his continued tenure.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the immediate expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from its ranks, following a decision by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

In a statement issued on Monday, the SDP declared El-Rufai ineligible to associate with the party in any capacity for the next 30 years. The NWC cited undisclosed reasons for the expulsion, stating that the decision was reached after thorough deliberations and was effective immediately.

El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State Governor from 2015 to 2023, has not yet responded to the SDP’s decision. The move has sparked widespread reactions across political circles, with analysts speculating on the implications for El-Rufai’s political future and the SDP’s internal dynamics.

The SDP has urged its members to remain focused on the party’s objectives and reiterated its commitment to upholding its values and principles. Further details regarding the reasons behind El-Rufai’s expulsion are yet to be disclosed by the party leadership.

Wike paid $30,000 per delegate during PDP 2022 primaries

“A former President of Nigeria sent someone to tell me not to waste my money on the PDP 2022 primaries because Wike had raised the stakes to $30k per delegate; $30k multiplied by 774 delegates.”

“What I expected of him was that if you weren’t going to support a man, if you’re going to run, run a fair race, and let’s leave it there.”

“When a man who had been a nobody gets power, he begins to change slowly and steadily.”

“The oppressed man respects only one man: the oppressor. Wike used to respect only one man—Rotimi Amaechi. Wike is consumed by the power he holds. The spirit of power and money is demonic when not managed properly,”

“He drinks early in the morning. He introduced me to Akeshi, a strong alcohol, saying it helps him function. This is someone in public office.

“My appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that no matter what you are expecting to gain from Wike in 2027, Wike is not the kind of character you should promote; he is not the kind of young man who should hijack our common patrimony.”