The Betrayal of a Movement: How Political Interests Undermined Peter Obi’s Stronghold

By Tunde Simon

History will judge not only those who openly opposed a cause, but also those who claimed to support it while quietly working against it from within.

Many supporters of Mr. Peter Obi have watched with concern as a number of influential political actors within the South-East appeared more interested in protecting personal interests than strengthening the movement that inspired millions of Nigerians. Rather than consolidating the gains made by Peter Obi and his supporters, actions taken by certain political stakeholders have created the impression of a deliberate effort to weaken the very structures that gave the movement its strength.

One of the most troubling developments was the sidelining of Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, son of the late Senator Annie Okonkwo, a respected political figure and long-time friend and ally of Peter Obi. To many observers, this was not merely an internal political decision; it was perceived as an attempt to dismantle a strategic pillar of support within both Peter Obi’s political and business networks.

Supporters argue that individuals such as Tony Nwoye and other key South East stakeholders such as Sen. Ben Obi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Prof. Udenta Udenta, Sam Egwu amongst others, played significant roles in political manoeuvres that ultimately worked against the interests of the Obi movement. Whether motivated by personal ambition or political calculations, the outcome has left many questioning the sincerity of those who publicly profess loyalty while allegedly pursuing a different agenda behind closed doors.

The replacement of Uchenna Okonkwo with an Aide of Bala Mohammed on the NDC platform has generated considerable controversy among party supporters. Critics have described the decision as a departure from the values of integrity, loyalty, competence, and grassroots representation that many believed the movement stood for. To these supporters, the decision represented not progress but a weakening of the principles that attracted millions of Nigerians to the cause of political reform.

What makes the situation particularly painful is that the perceived attack did not come from political opponents. Rather, it appeared to originate from individuals within the broader South-East political establishment who should have been protecting and strengthening the collective aspirations of the region.

Political movements are rarely defeated solely by external opposition. More often, they are weakened by internal divisions, personal ambitions, and the unwillingness of leaders to place collective interests above individual gain. The lesson from this episode is clear: no movement can succeed when loyalty is rewarded with exclusion and sacrifice is met with betrayal.

For many supporters, the events surrounding Uchenna Okonkwo’s exclusion are not simply about one individual or one political ticket. They symbolize a larger struggle over the future of a movement, the preservation of trust, and the question of whether those entrusted with leadership are truly committed to the ideals they publicly proclaim.

Comrade Tunde Simon is a political analyst and can be reached on tundesimon@yahoo.com

We Didn’t Impose Candidates, Aspirants Were Advised To Consult Caucus Leaders, Says NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primaries, insisting that no candidate was imposed by the party’s national leadership.

In a statement on Thursday by Ikenna Enekweizu, NDC national secretary, the party said aspirants were directed to engage with state caucus leaders, stakeholders and grassroots members in line with its leadership and consultation structure.

The NDC described itself as a party built on “leadership, consultation, inclusiveness and consensus-building”, adding that it operates through an established stakeholder framework across the federation.
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The party said in the south-east, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, came into the party with an existing leadership structure comprising elder statesmen and political leaders serving as caucus heads in their respective states.

According to the statement, the caucus leaders include Onyema Ugochukwu in Abia, Sam Egwu in Ebonyi, Okwesilieze Nwodo in Enugu, and Achike Udenwa in Imo.

The party said the leaders were mandated to consult stakeholders, build consensus and make recommendations based on political realities in their states.

“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the statement reads.

The NDC said the national secretariat was never involved in selecting candidates for constituencies or states.

“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.”

The party added that every aspirant who approached it was received and referred to the appropriate caucus leaders and stakeholders in their states.

The NDC said it also implemented its affirmative action policy by encouraging female participation in elective offices and supporting serving lawmakers in some cases.

The party acknowledged reports of aspirants declaring themselves candidates before the conclusion of the process, as well as complaints from some contestants.

It, however, said such issues had been referred to the appeal panel and party leadership for resolution.

“We are aware of reports of some aspirants prematurely declaring themselves as candidates, as well as complaints raised by others regarding aspects of the process. These issues have been brought to the attention of the appeal panel and the leadership of the party and have been addressed accordingly,” the statement added.

NDC

The party said it would now begin a reconciliation process following a resolution reached at its NEC meeting.

It called on caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders and party officials to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in the interest of unity and party growth.

“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu said.

Umahi: FG Flags Off Gombe-Biu Dualization, Says Tinubu Government Will Defeats Insecurity

The Federal Government on Thursday, June 4, 2026 officially flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major component of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualization Project, with the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges will be overcome under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the ceremony in Gombe State, Umahi described the project as another demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and national unity, while commending Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the transformation of the state.

“I’m very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state. I’m very proud to have you as the Governor of Gombe State. Very proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria,” Umahi said.
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“Just a few hours ago, you took us around, but what we saw, we are honestly very, very proud of what you have achieved in this state. We never knew that Gombe was this developed by you. We thank you, and we thank you because you’re a true Nigerian.”

Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had expanded the scope of the Gombe-Biu section following requests from the state government and assured residents that construction activities would begin almost immediately.

“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway.”

According to him, the Gombe-Biu section forms part of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri.

He explained that the section was awarded to construction giant HITECH after a rigorous procurement process.

“There were five other companies that contested with HITECH, and HITECH won it.”

The Minister also addressed the nation’s security challenges, expressing confidence that the Tinubu administration would overcome them through collective efforts and sustained government action.

“Security should not be politicized. It should not be weaponized. Why is it that anytime we are trying to have an election, there is heightened insecurity? This is very concerning because anybody who takes the life of others under any guise, God is watching, and God is going to pay back.

“If anybody has a hand in the insecurity because the person wants power, God will resist such a person.

“So we stand with the President, we pray for him, and we work with him. This phase will also pass, and we will win our election by God’s special grace.”

He noted that President Tinubu had demonstrated leadership in stabilizing key sectors of the economy and would also succeed in restoring lasting peace across the country.

“The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilize the boat in so many directions.”

“The macroeconomy is stabilized, the naira is stable, and we are descending the gains of the reforms to the micro level. This insecurity will also be solved by this President, and then we will all be grateful to God Almighty.”

The Minister described President Tinubu as a leader committed to delivering projects that had remained unrealized for decades.

“I was shocked when the Governor traced back the history of this project, how past governments attempted it, but it remained a dot in a circle.”

“But the man that God has sent to solve the impossibilities, and that’s why I’m confident that this security issue will be solved by him.”

He cited the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Maiduguri Corridor as examples of long-conceived projects now being actualized under President Tinubu’s administration.

“The Sokoto-Badagry project was dreamt about fifty years ago by the Shagari administration. Who actualized it? President Bola Tinubu.”

“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was dreamt by himself about twenty-eight years ago. Who is actualizing it? President Bola Tinubu.”

“This one also goes back decades. Who is bringing it to fruition? The same President Bola Tinubu.”

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, in his remarks, described the project as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of Gombe State and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for making it a reality.

“The joy and excitement on the faces of our people speak for themselves. Across the state, people are celebrating because this project has come at a very important time in our history,” the Governor said.

He noted that the project aligns with the state’s livestock and agricultural industrial zone initiative and would serve as a major catalyst for economic growth.

“The livestock and agricultural zone will connect directly to the Super Highway, linking economic activities to critical infrastructure and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment.”

Governor Yahaya assured the Federal Government, contractors and stakeholders of the state’s full support throughout the execution of the project.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, I assure you that the security of your personnel, equipment, and machinery is guaranteed throughout the duration of the project.”

Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, assured stakeholders that the company would deliver the project according to the highest international standards.

“We will execute this project to the highest international standards, as I have previously assured Your Excellencies. We will mobilize all necessary resources to ensure its successful delivery.”

He also pledged to create employment opportunities for host communities, particularly young people.

“We are also committed to creating employment opportunities and empowering as many people as possible from the host communities, particularly the youth.”

Umahi

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell H. Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and called on Nigerians to support the administration.

“We know we’ll be coming here often considering the so many federal projects here. And I want to appeal to all of you to support Mr. President. He’s doing very wonderfully for the nation.”

“Forget about induced insecurity that people are trying to bring to destabilize the country, but God will not allow it to work.”

Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, praised the partnership between the Executive and Legislature in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country.

He commended HITECH Construction Company for its quality of work, timely delivery of projects and positive relationship with host communities, describing the company as a strong partner in Nigeria’s development.

“As legislators, we oversee appropriations and project funding. From what we have seen on the ground, the company has delivered work that shows commitment and value.”

The traditional ruler of Yamaltu Emirate, The Mai Tangle and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works and all stakeholders involved in the project. He also pledged the full support of his people toward the successful execution of the highway.

A significant portion of the road within Gombe State passes through the Yamaltu Emirate, and the monarch assured contractors of a peaceful and conducive environment throughout the construction period.

Dignitaries at the flag-off ceremony included Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator Ede Dafinone; Senator Anthony Yaro; Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye; Hon. Ajilosoro; Hon. Inuwa Garba; Hon. Alex; SSA-President Community Development (North East); SSA to President Community Development (SouthEast), Barr. Chioma Nweze, traditional rulers; government officials; representatives of HITECH Construction Company; and other stakeholders from across the country.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
June 5, 2026.
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