It is no longer a matter of speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan is contemplating a bid for the presidency in the 2027 election, as evidenced by his numerous consultations with prominent political figures in Nigeria.

Jonathan seems to remain uncomfortable with the manner in which he lost the 2025 presidential election to the late Muhammadu Buhari, who notably became the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history to successfully unseat a sitting president.

Several months ago, high-ranking stakeholders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly traveled to The Gambia to engage with Jonathan and persuade him to accept the party’s nomination for the upcoming election.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has recently positioned himself as a facilitator in both national and continental matters, particularly concerning conflict resolution and the enhancement of democratic practices throughout Africa and beyond.

Political expetrs assert that the recent decision by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP to designate the 2027 presidential ticket for candidates from the Southern region was a strategic move intended to create favorable conditions for Jonathan’s candidacy.

During a speech in Benin City, at the 70th birthday celebration of his longtime ally and former Chief of Staff, Mike Aiyegbeni Oghiadomhe, Jonathan expressed sentiments of betrayal by individuals he had previously placed his trust in during his re-election campaign.

Most recently, a significant meeting took place in Abuja between former President Jonathan and Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

However, Jonathan’s aspiration to secure a nomination from the coalition party may face challenges, as Senator Mark clearly indicated that the only pathway to attaining the party’s nomination would require Jonathan to formally join the ADC and actively participate in a transparent presidential primary process.

On September 12, 2025, Jonathan extended his consultations to Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate from the Labour Party (LP), engaging in discussions in Abuja concerning potential strategies for forming a unified opposition front in anticipation of the 2027 presidential election.

In recent months, the prospect of Jonathan and Obi as potential challengers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has garnered considerable attention.

Following various reports regarding his prospective return to Aso Villa in 2027, Jonathan privately visited notable former military leaders, Generals Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Minna, Niger State, on September 15, 2022.

During separate meetings with the two leaders, Jonathan characterized his visits as routine engagements with esteemed elder statesmen, emphasizing, “The visit is simply a regular occurrence, particularly as I am the youngest of all former leaders. It also provided an opportunity to check in on General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who has recently returned from medical treatment, and to visit General Babangida.”

Moreover, former Minister of Information and Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, has publicly stated that Jonathan will indeed contest in the 2027 presidential election, positioning him as the flagbearer for the PDP.

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has further expressed his belief that Jonathan represents the PDP’s strongest candidate for the 2027 presidential election, urging concerted efforts from the party to facilitate his return as a viable contender.

As the sitting president and a significant political figure, it is improbable that Goodluck Jonathan, despite extensive consultations, would be able to defeat Bola Tinubu. In the 2023 elections, regardless of the challenges he faced with his political party, he emerged victorious and continues to serve as president, commanding respect from both his supporters and opponents alike.

Tensions appear to have escalated between the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the influential General Overseer of Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo.

This schism became evident when Obi declined to extend a congratulatory birthday message to the Bishop, a decision interpreted as a significant slight within certain Christian communities. Click link to continue reading.

The backdrop to this rift is a controversial leaked audio recording in which both Obi and Oyedepo discussed the 2023 elections, characterizing them as akin to a religious battle.

This conversation has further fueled divisions among their respective supporters, heightening the stakes in a politically charged atmosphere. As both figures represent substantial constituencies—one rooted in political ambition and the other in religious leadership—this fallout could have far-reaching implications for their followers and the broader socio-political landscape.

In the viral leaked audio published by People’s Gazette, Peter Obi was heard begging David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church for support.

Obi asked Mr Oyedepo to help spread the message to his followers in the southwest and northcentral states.

The leaked audio had since generated heated conversations and controversies on social media with many Nigerians condemning Peter Obi for championing religious-driven campaign in a multi-dimensional country like Nigeria.

Read the conversation word for word below:

Peter Obi: Good morning Daddy.

Bishop Oyedepo: Praise the Lord, how are you Sir?

Peter Obi: Fine Daddy, good morning Sir.

Bishop Oyedepo: Amen, in Jesus name we are going to get bright results.

Peter Obi: Thank you Daddy, when I hear these your calls and prayers, Daddy it’s very dear to me. Like I keep saying if this works, you people will never regret the support.

Bishop Oyedepo: Amen! Amen! We look forward to God’s intervention.

Peter Obi: Thank you, Daddy, I need you to speak to your people in South West and Kwara, the Christians in South West and Kwara, this is a religious war.

Bishop Oyedepo: I believe that… I believe that… I believe that… You know I did a release ‘Nigeria Going Forward’ and I am coming with the second one today. I wanted it out when they won’t have any time to do damage control. But in the name of Jesus this would be a success. You know what I said in today’s own? A sickling nation like Nigeria will require a strong and healthy personality. I said anyone whose source of wealth could not be verified should not have access to governance. So all we are doing is appealing to the conscience of people to know where to go. But I want to assure you, in the name of Jesus, that the result will be favourable.

Peter Obi: Thank you Daddy.

Bishop Oyedepo: So relax yourself don’t be apprehensive. Are you in Lagos or Abuja?

Peter Obi: I am in Onitsha now

Bishop Oyedepo: So you will be there for the election?

Notable figures in Nigeria, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have extended their warm congratulations to the esteemed and Africa’s wealthiest pastor, Bishop David Oyedepo, as he celebrates his 71st birthday.

This event has stirred various reactions, particularly from former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who criticized former presidential candidate Peter Obi for failing to acknowledge the influential pastor with a congratulatory message.

Omokri’s remarks, shared on his X account, sparked a wave of mixed responses from users, highlighting the complexities of public sentiment surrounding such high-profile interactions.

He said: “He did not congratulate Prof Wole Soyinka on his birthday.

He ignored the Ooni of Ife on his 50th birthday and only posted about it a week later.

He refused to send birthday greetings to his ‘Daddy’ Bishop David Oyedepo on his birthday, which is today, but found time to celebrate his ‘brother’, the Olubadan of Ibadan.

And he totally sidelined Pastor Poju Oyemade on his birthday.

All of these men have assisted Peter Obi at one point or another.

Does Nigeria need such a petty President? God forbid!”

One of the significant outcomes of marriage is procreation. The ability to have children not only demonstrates the fertility of the couple but also ensures the continuity of the family lineage.

The narrative of Mrs. Chinyere Onyebuchi Elendu exemplifies this experience. It recounts the journey of a woman whose prayer for a child was realized in the sixteenth year of her marriage, a time when her hopes for conception and childbirth had seemingly diminished. Click link to continue reading.

Sunny Nwankwo of The Nation spoke with the indigene of Amaeke Alayi, Bende Local Government Area  of Abia State at their family house in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state.

How did you meet your husband?

I didn’t know my husband. until a friend who was close to the family told me that their son was looking for a woman. I was not the only person that was introduced to the family. However, it pleased the Lord that at the end of everything, I was the one whom he decided to settle down with.

When did you get married?

I got married on December 19, 2006.

How is your marriage with your husband?

We have been living in peace since we got married.

Was there any kind of hindrance in terms of conception after your marriage?

After our wedding, we stayed for a year without conception, and it called for concerns. From that moment, we started seeking medical help. About two years  after our marriage, I conceived a baby boy in 2009 and gave birth in 2010. Sadly, after two months, the baby died. We thought that since I was able to conceive,  the door to conception had opened. But our hope and expectations  diminished as years passed without any positive outcome.

It was not as if we kept quiet; we were doing all that we could do to seek a solution, and we were taking the drugs that were recommended for us. Why we didn’t go seeking medical help outside Nigeria is because we didn’t have the money to cater for such trips. We went to Abuja, Cotonou, Asaba, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, among others. I personally was willing to go wherever people suggested that we should go for medical attention, and I thank my husband ,who was supportive all the way. However, 14 years after the death of our first baby and 16 years after our marriage came these miracle babies.

What was life like for you in those 14 years of waiting?

It was not easy. I went through hell and pain because in every visit to the hospital, the man would only undergo one test. But when it comes to the woman, a lot of things are usually involved. Sometimes, after going through tests, I would not be able to move my body. I would not be able to sit or lie down. My entire body would be in pain because of what I went through. Sometimes I would be unconscious after going through some rigorous tests. But at the end of the day, God would help me to get better and stronger.

I told myself that as long as this life is concerned, as long as I am still breathing, I must bear children for my husband. I had that determination even when people were saying that I had tried and that I should take a break. But the more you take a break as a woman, the more you are ageing, so you have to do fast while asking for the mercy of God.

My situation made me very close to God. It made me realise that it is only God who gives children. I went to several “best” gynecologists on fertility matters, and after spending all that I spent, there was no result. You would go there, spend money and be disappointed because the purpose for spending such an amount of money was not achieved.

When it appeared that the efforts of men had failed, I started asking God for mercy. I reminded Him that He is the only one who gives children, using related scriptural chapters and verses. In 2024, God showed up for me.

Was there a time you contemplated giving up or quitting your marriage?

There were occasions when the going was very tough, but I never considered leaving my husband or my marriage, because he was not the cause of my problem. However, I would tell him at times that I was getting tired, because I was the one going through the pains. Like I told you, the process of examination in women is always rigorous, stressful and painful.

When other people were sleeping, I would be crying. Sometimes I cried from night till morning. No one would know what you are passing through. Sometimes, people will tag you as a wicked or unhappy person, not knowing what you are going through..

It is only when people go through the same pain that you are going through that they will understand what you are going through. You would only know how someone feels if you have gone through what that person is going through. So, it was a tough journey for me, and it takes someone who is wearing the same shoes with you to know exactly how you feel. So, it was a tough journey.

What month in 2024 did you notice that things had changed?

It was in April 2024 when I went to the hospital for a medical test to check for my menstrual period, because I wasn’t seeing it. Then they said that they would test for pregnancy. That wasn’t what I was expecting at that time. I was a little bit hesitant about it, but they insisted that we should do a pregnancy test.

At that point, I became nervous because it was the last thing on my mind. After they took my blood sample, I couldn’t stay within the vicinity. I had to leave the place in my state of nervousness as my body suddenly became hot. Suddenly, a feverish condition gripped me. About five minutes later, a nurse from the hospital who had gone to look for me but couldn’t see me, called me on the phone and started congratulating me.

She told me that I was pregnant. She said that the pregnancy test showed thick red, meaning that it was not going to be one baby. I couldn’t believe it. I pinched myself and asked if I was in a dream. At a time, I held back my joy, waiting for the time I would go to scan to confirm the pregnancy and to be sure that the babies were breathing and growing. I started asking God for mercy. I started praying that the affliction would not happen a second time. It was not that I was not getting pregnant; what happened was that most times, I would lose the pregnancy.

Four weeks into my pregnancy, we went for a scan and they noticed that there was a heartbeat (apart from the first time that I gave birth to the first one that died, I had never crossed this line before. I couldn’t believe it; it was like a dream. As the pregnancy progressed, we did another scan and they saw that there were babies. From that moment till the day they were brought out, God kept all of us in good health.

How did you break the news of your pregnancy to your husband and loved ones, as some people might choose to keep It secret until they were delivered of their babies?

You know that this is our 18th year of marriage. Our case is well known in the hospital. The hospital knows my husband, so before I could call him to share the good news, they had already called to break the news to him. So, when I called my husband, he was singing to me. When I asked why he was singing, he told me that the hospital had already informed him of the cheering news.

There was so much joy between the two of us. We, however, decided to keep the news to ourselves until the pregnancy got to the fourth month. Within this period, I was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a friend’s house until the fifth month, when I returned to Aba. While we were planning to come back to Aba, we felt that it was good that we should break the news to our families before others got to know about it.

When I came back to Aba, my house turned into a Mecca of sorts as many people who heard the news came either to confirm what they heard or to celebrate with our family. I was answering calls from people whom I had gotten tired of answering calls from.  My mother-in-law, who was in the US when we broke the news to her, started shedding tears of joy. Before now,  we had done nine IVFs (In Vitro Fertilization) and they all failed. I want to commend my in-laws from the Elendu family for their support to us financially during the trying period.

In the eighth month of the pregnancy, the devil came again, but God didn’t allow the desires of the enemy to come to fruition. I had what they called placenta previa. I started bleeding, but I laid my hands on my stomach and prayed. As God would have it, the bleeding stopped before we got to the hospital. We got to the hospital at about 9:30am. By that time, both the Director and his assistant had gone home to rest. We tried their number,s but they were not connecting. As God would have it, we met a doctor on duty, who called for my file. This was happening on Saturday after I had gone for a scan on Wednesday.

According to the doctor, when the Wednesday scan was brought to him, they discovered that all the children had turned and were struggling for space, leading to the placenta previa. The doctor checked the heartbeat of the babies and confirmed that they were okay. He, however, said that I would no longer go home. He said that my cesarean section would only be done by a surgeon, as the case, if not well handled,  would lead to complications. I was in the hospital from that Saturday till the next Thursday when the doctors who were needed to assist in the operation were available.

So, how did you feel having being delivered of your babies?

The truth is that I was in pain, but my husband was on hand. You know that the babies didn’t stay up to nine months. So, they were moved into the incubator. After delivery, all I wanted was to rest as I was battling with the pains of the surgery. However, after days, a pediatrician came and urged me to start going to the incubator to see them so that they could come out of the incubator soon.

According to him, there is a bond that mothers share with their children. He said that, if they heard my voice, they would come out quickly. Two weeks after my regular visit to the incubator, they were brought into my room. Looking at their faces, I was filled with so much joy.

How do you cope with feeding the five babies in these austere times?

There is nobody who does not know how tough the country is now. It has not been easy for me. You have seen five children at a time. People who have just one are not finding it easy, not to talk of someone who has five at a stretch. It is not easy, but with God, all things are possible. Family, friends, and well-wishers have been trying their best to rally around us. But it has not been an easy moment for us.

My mother has been here since December. She has been helping out in her little way. I have been getting assistance from my husband’s younger sister and other concerned loved ones, including some women who were around to help me feed the babies. My children, though they sleep well at night, are usually fed every four hours. I breastfed them, but it is not usually enough for the five of them. I sit for two and a half hours to breastfeed five of them (30mins each). Sometimes, one or two of them might stay longer than the 30 minutes the doctor says I should be breastfeeding them. Today, three of them have stopped breastfeeding on their own. So I sleep around 12 am now.

Before the birth of your children, what were you doing?

I was a trader. My husband is a contractor. He drills a borehole and does plumbing work. Since their arrival, I have been at home. My customers know that I gave birth and they want me to stay at home to take care of my children.

What would you say to women who are still in your former condition?

Since I gave birth, a lot of people have been coming here to tap into this blessing. Some people who come here would ask me to pray for them. There have been testimonies from people who have come here to tap from the blessing as they have taken in since they came to the house, including a woman who had stayed for eight years in marriage without the fruit of the womb. God has been using these children to bless a lot of families. Barrenness is not something that someone should wish even their enemies.

Was there anything special you did to impel the coming of these babies?

They came when God wanted them to come, because there was nothing special that I did. In fact, they came when all hope was lost. I just told God that I was done. If it were before, I would be praying and having sleepless nights. But I just handed over everything to God.

Mrs. Chinyere Elendu can be reached on 07035371131

According to Abdulrasaq: “The former governor is fully committed to the progress of Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole. This is the reason he joined ADC,”  

With the 2027 election fast approaching, political maneuvering by key figures across the nation has reached new heights, resulting in a dynamic landscape of strategic alliances and deliberate calculations.

This election is poised to be a crucial opportunity for robust dialogue and debate, as several influential political leaders are stepping up to confront the ruling party, APC, in the upcoming 2027 election. …Click link for full details here 

Nigeria’s talented defender, Sodiq Anthony Rasheed, has made an exciting transition in his football career by signing a two-year contract with Kolocity Kazincbarcika, a premier league club in the Hungarian football league.

Known for his versatility on the field, Rasheed has consistently showcased his skills and maintained exceptional performance while playing for his previous team, FK Rabotnichki.

Recognizing his potential, Kolocity Kazincbarcika was eager to bring him on board to bolster their defensive line as the new season kicks off.

His arrival is anticipated to significantly enhance the team’s defensive capabilities, marking a promising chapter in his journey in European football.

In Macedonia, Rasheed earned a reputation as one of the most exceptional African players, earning the title of “genius” from the local media after consistently demonstrating his prowess as the most productive player in the Macedonian top football league.

His skill on the pitch captivated fans and analysts alike, highlighting his ability to influence games and secure victories for his team.

Now, as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in Hungary, Rasheed expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I feel incredibly happy and proud to join this club. This presents a tremendous opportunity for my career. I want to work hard, contribute to the team’s success, and showcase my talent for better offers to bigger clubs.”

Rasheed wasted no time in proving his talents, shining like a constellation of stars in his debut match. He played brilliantly during their 2-0 victory last weekend, captivating the hearts of coaches, officials, and fans alike.

He emphasised his commitment to hard work, aiming to not only contribute to the team’s success but also to showcase his talent, potentially attracting interest from larger clubs in the future.

Similarly, his uncle and manager, Anthony Ushurhe, echoes this sentiment. He believes that Rasheed’s transfer to Hungary is a significant and strategic move for his career.

Anthony is optimistic that Rasheed will continue to deliver standout performances and ultimately help his new club achieve great success.

The defender has expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his uncle, who also serves as his manager, for his unwavering support throughout his career. He emphasized his determination to make him proud and show his appreciation for everything he has done.

President Bola Tinubu is said to be at the junction of where different parts meet as the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ends next month.

According to a report, the president was said to be considering someone from the southwest, but other factors have set in for the president to consider in choosing the next chairman of INEC

The question of who will be Yakubu’s successor has become of interest to many Nigerians.

As a matter of fact, the southwest and north-central are the only two regions that have not produced an electoral chairman since the inception of the body in 1966

Yakubu was first appointed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020 and was reappointed in 2025, making him the longest-serving chairman of the electoral body.

How to appoint next INEC chairman
According to Daily Trust, Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stated that the president shall appoint the chairman of INEC, and the appointee would be subjected to Senate confirmation.

Furthermore, paragraph 14 of Part I of the Third Schedule explained that anyone who will be INEC chairman must be someone “of unquestionable integrity” and at least 50 years old.

President Tinubu has been said to be keeping his choice to himself, and sources have reportedly advised him to reconsider and review options so that the number of those who would be screened for the position would be increased.

Some sources disclosed that Tinubu initially preferred a particular candidate from the southwest for the position before the advent of other factors, which left the president with no choice but to include other people from other geopolitical zones.

Project names of the next INEC chairman
However, the report has listed five prominent Nigerians whom President Tinubu may appoint as the next INEC chairman.

Below is the list of the possible nominees:
1. A judge of the Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman.
2. Lai Olurode, a former INEC national commissioner and retired professor at the University of Lagos.
3. Kenneth Ukeagu, a former director of procurement of INEC.
4. Sam Olumekun, the current INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education.
5. Professor Bashiru Olamilekan

Who is Professor Bashiru Olamilekan
However, the last person mentioned in the report, Professor Bashiru Olamilekan, has earlier been debunked. He was earlier rumoured in April 2025 to have been appointed as the new INEC chairman.

A fact-check report by Reuters debunked the claim and could not trace the name to any individual. Also, an opinion by Farooq Kperogi, a political commentator, in an opinion on The Tribune, summed up the Reuters’ fact-check about Professor Olamilekan as “simply doesn’t exist.”

Meanwhile, since the establishment of the electoral body in 1966, only the southwest and the north-central have not produced a chairman of INEC.