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“Edo 2024: Shaibu Refutes Betrayal Claims, Insists Support for Obaseki Incurred Political Cost”

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Gubernatorial aspirant and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has responded to allegations that he betrayed Governor Obaseki after serving as his deputy in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Shaibu emphasized that he was convinced to become the deputy governor in 2016, and there were no objections to his appointment during that time.

While appearing on Arise TV’s flagship program “The Morning Show” on Wednesday, he dismissed the claims of his ineligibility to contest the election on the fact that he is from the same place as Oshiomhole, as a tactic employed by the governor and his supporters to divert attention from the real issues of the upcoming election. He stressed that the people of Edo State are not interested in experimentation but instead want a candidate who is accessible and action-oriented from the start. Shaibu highlighted his close connection with the people and clarified that his relationship with Oshiomhole’s clan is not the focus; rather, it is his qualifications and offerings. He also mentioned that the PDP has not previously awarded its ticket to someone from Edo North, yet this has not hindered others from the same region from participating in the race.

In regards to the purported meeting at Chief Mike Oghiadomhe’s house where an aspirant was endorsed, Shaibu acknowledged his respect for him but clarified that the gathering consisted of mutual friends as Chief Ogiadomhe did not have the authority to convene a PDP meeting. He also dismissed the significance of those present, noting that they were individuals who consistently lost elections in recent times, thus rendering their meeting irrelevant to his campaign.

Regarding the recent actions taken by the governor against him, Shaibu expressed feeling betrayed as he played a significant role in Obaseki’s electoral victories in both elections. He claimed to have contributed politically and financially to the campaigns, providing vehicles and even falling victim to fraud during the electoral process. Consequently, Shaibu estimated that he lost approximately 20% of his political capital in Edo North due to his support for the governor in 2020.

Disputing allegations of betrayal against Comrade Oshiomhole, Shaibu contended that such claims demonstrated a lack of political insight. He asserted that his disagreement with Oshiomhole was part of their agreement to combat godfatherism in Edo State. Shaibu clarified that Oshiomhole did not make him politically but rather supported his appointment as deputy governor. Furthermore, Shaibu asserted that he was instrumental in convincing Oshiomhole to join politics in Edo State, having established the initial structure for his gubernatorial campaign.

Shaibu emphasized that the election should not revolve around Edo Central alone, as he aimed to transcend ethnic politics and focus on propelling the state’s development. He outlined his plans for infrastructural advancement, including investment in rail lines and road improvements to stimulate the state’s GDP growth. Additionally, Shaibu pledged to drive agricultural development and create over 300,000 jobs in the sports sector. He also vowed to revitalize the industrial park to ensure sustained economic progress in Edo.

Addressing the concern of outsiders becoming governor, Shaibu underscored the desire of the people for someone familiar with their needs and experiences. He emphasized that his involvement in the system has equipped him to tackle the challenges facing Edo. Shaibu promised not to appoint Special Advisers younger than himself but assured that his commissioners would be younger, as energy was crucial for effective governance and seamless succession planning.

Shaibu emphatically stated that he would not utilize public funds for private infrastructure projects, emphasizing his commitment to ethical governance.

Regarding funding for his campaign following the withdrawal of allocations to his office, Shaibu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and goodwill he has received from the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence that his campaign has gained momentum and that the electorate desires positive change, which he believes he can deliver.

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Politics

Tinubu Assures Investors Nigeria Is Open for Business, Welcomes Coca-Cola’s $1bn Plan

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By Francis Wilfred 

President Bola Tinubu has assured local and international investors that Nigeria remains open for business, saying his administration is implementing reforms aimed at creating a more predictable, competitive and investment-friendly environment.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the 75th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) in Abuja on Monday, the President said the government is addressing key challenges facing businesses under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Our message to investors, both Nigerian and international, is clear: Nigeria is open for business,” Tinubu said,

He noted that reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics, access to foreign exchange, stable regulations and a supportive tax system are critical to attracting investment and expanding production.

According to Yomi Odunuga, the President said ongoing economic reforms are designed to build a more productive and competitive economy, reduce dependence on imports, strengthen local manufacturing and create jobs for Nigerians.

Tinubu welcomed the Coca-Cola System’s proposed $1 billion investment in Nigeria over five years, announced in 2024, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economy. 

He said the administration is focused not only on the volume of investment attracted but also on its impact on employment, skills development, technology transfer and local sourcing.

“We are interested not only in the amount of capital that comes into Nigeria, but in what that capital does here,” he said.

The President also praised NBC’s continued expansion of production capacity, including new production lines in Oyo and Kano states, describing such investments as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving policies, infrastructure and regulations to support businesses, while urging the private sector to complement government efforts through investment, innovation and job creation.

Tinubu further highlighted the importance of human capital development, commending NBC’s Supply Chain Academy for training over 1,400 young Nigerians and supporting women’s empowerment and community development initiatives.

He urged investors to take advantage of opportunities across Nigeria, expressing confidence that the country can build a stronger economy driven by local production, exports and globally competitive industries.

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Kano  Governorship: Accord Party Governorship Candidate Gashash Getting More Endorsement From Kano Electorates.

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By Jabiru Hassan.


The movement for Democratic Protection and good governance (MDSG) declared it's full support to the Accord Party Governorship Candidate Ambassador Dr. Mukhtar Gashash in the forthcoming general elections.

In a chat with our correspondent in kano, the national president of the movement, Alhaji Dauda Mohammed Ali,  stated that it is time for the people of kano state to bring new steward who is seriously planning to transform the state with highest regard.

He expressed his confidence that Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash will do his best to ensure that kano state becomes more examplary at both sector without bias which is the task previous administrators failed to achieve.

Alhaji Dauda Mohammed Ali reiterated that " this time around, our movement is working day and night to make sure that Kano people mostly youths remained Committed to actualize real change in the state's politics, leadership and transformation under the Accord Party government".

He called on the people of kano state especially the eligible voters to vote Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash due to his Transformation plans for the progress of kano state and it's citizens at both Urban and rural settlements.

Responding to a question about Accord party's strength in kano state, Dauda Mohammed Ali disclosed that in today's democracy, competent candidates should be tipped for an elective positions not the popularity of the political parties stressing that Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash has been found to be the best option for kano state due to his track record on competency, transparency as a real democrat.
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Caught in the middle: Ortom’s silent dance between two camps.

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There are growing questions about where Mr. Samuel Ortom, a former Governor of Benue State and a prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), truly stands politically ahead of 2027.

Ortom was a key figure in the divisions within the PDP before the 2023 general elections and was widely associated with support for Mr. Peter Obi, who finished third in that contest. More recently, however, he has publicly expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The latest discussion began after a visit by Mr. Peter Obi to Benue State. Reports indicate that a vehicle said to belong to Ortom was used to receive Obi at the Air Force Base airport in Makurdi. It is not clear who authorized the use of the vehicle, and Ortom has not commented publicly on the matter.

During the same visit, Obi was reportedly prevented from travelling to Yelewata, where he had intended to condole with families affected by violence. Obi’s team attributed the blockage to supporters of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The Governor’s spokesman, Sir Tersoo Kula, denied any involvement by the Governor. He suggested the incident may have been staged to damage the Governor’s reputation, or that it could have resulted from disagreements within Obi’s own support base.

Ortom has not issued a statement clarifying his position on the 2027 elections or on the vehicle in question. Attempts to reach him were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

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