Politics
Leadership should shift to under 50s – Jonathan
Jonathan cited the example of General Murtala Muhammed, who became Head of State at 38 and, despite serving for only 200 days, left what he described as a lasting legacy of decisive and visionary leadership.
“If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age brackets. That is when you can be vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” said former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Jonathan gave the insight on Thursday in Abuja during the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.
He urged African nations to promote younger leaders, arguing that those between the ages of 25 and 50 are better equipped to handle the physical and mental demands of modern governance.
Reflecting on his time in office, Jonathan said leadership requires exceptional stamina and resilience, noting that he often slept for only a few hours while serving as president.
Jonathan aligns his remarks with the objectives of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which advocates reduced age limits for elective positions to encourage youth participation in politics.
Jonathan cited the example of General Murtala Muhammed, who became Head of State at 38 and, despite serving for only 200 days, left what he described as a lasting legacy of decisive and visionary leadership.
“Murtala’s leadership sent a clear message that governance is about serving the national interest, not personal ambition,” he said.
He also referenced General Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing him as another example of youthful leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.
However, Jonathan cautioned that age alone does not guarantee effective leadership, emphasising the importance of discipline, patriotism and strong institutions.
Politics
ADC unveils 28 governorship candidates for 2027 election
Among the candidates are Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for Lagos State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru for Kaduna, Great Ogboru in Delta, Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita in Katsina and Abubakar Malami in Kebbi.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled its governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections across 28 states.
The party announced the candidates in a statement on Friday, highlighting its commitment to presenting what it described as credible leadership and a viable alternative for Nigerians.
Among the candidates are Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for Lagos State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru for Kaduna, Great Ogboru in Delta, Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita in Katsina and Abubakar Malami in Kebbi.
The party also fielded candidates in several other states, including Adamawa, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, Ogun, Plateau and Zamfara.
The party said the candidates would carry its banner and its commitment to offering Nigerians credible leadership and a “real alternative” in the elections.
Politics
Nduka Obaigbena Challenges Tinubu, Atiku, Obi on 2027 election campaigns
” How do we deal with insecurity? Is state police an answer? What does Abubakar Atiku think? What does Peter Obi think? Let us debate our future on policies.”
PUBLISHER and Broadcaster,Prince Nduka Obaigbena, has urged 2027 presidential candidates to shun smear campaigns and focus on policy issues.
Obaigbena made the call, yesterday, during a panel discussion at the centenary celebration of the Daily Times of Nigeria held at the THISDAY DOME in Abuja.
The event, themed: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future,” also featured the unveiling of the Nigerian Grand Book and the recognition of Nigerians, who have contributed significantly to the development of the country.
The media mogul participated in the session with a former Managing Director of the Daily Times, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, and business executive, Mustafa Chike-Obi.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, Obaigbena enjoined the presidential candidates and other political leaders to engage Nigerians in substantive debates on policies, rather than spend time on frivolities.
He said: “I believe I should implore our leaders to fight the election on policies. Should we have subsidy or should we not? Let us debate it.
“Should we go back to the command-and-control exchange rates, or should we allow the markets? Should we have tax reforms such that we can equaliser the gaps between the rich and the poor?
“How do we deal with insecurity? Is state police an answer? What does Abubakar Atiku think? What does Peter Obi think? Let us debate our future on policies.”
Politics
Timipre Sylva resigns from APC membership
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.”
Former governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva on Monday resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect.
Sylva announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Sylva, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he was saddened by the direction the party had taken.
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted,” he said.
His resignation comes amid legal and political controversies surrounding him.
In November 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Sylva wanted over an alleged case involving conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.
He was also named among suspects in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration and is listed as one of the defendants in a 13-count charge filed by the federal government over the alleged coup plot.
Sylva, however, said his decision to leave the APC was driven by his opposition to what he described as a political mentality that considers “all is fair in politics”.
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