News
YPP Leader Says 85% of Coalition Leaders Have Failed the Nation
Bishop Amakiri, the National Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), has criticized the opposition coalition, asserting that most of its leaders have previously failed the Nigerian people.
He also said that they lacked the moral authority to offer meaningful political change.
Amakiri, who made a guest appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday (today) monitored by the column.ng, described the coalition as a recycled group of political elite whose past performances had contributed to Nigeria’s leadership crisis.
“I have a problem, and it is whether 85 per cent of people in that coalition have the moral justification to tell us about a coalition that will liberate the Nigerian people from the political leadership quagmire we find ourselves in. Nigeria is in an emergency need of political leadership substitution.
“Eighty-five per cent of them are people who belong to the PPM coalition group, and those people, a conglomeration, almost 85 per cent gathering of people who have failed the nation.
“I don’t know how prospective that kind of group can actually push the agenda that they are talking about. The task is now left for Nigerians to decide,” he said.
The YPP leader described the coalition as one filled with “political power mongers” who were primarily interested in reclaiming power for selfish purposes.
“You can’t have a gathering of over 85 per cent of persons who have been given the opportunity to lead this country before – and where have they taken the country to? Abysmal failure.
“These are people who once threatened the sovereignty of a nation. Now they’re telling us they want to form a coalition? They have nothing to offer. They are just political power mongers trying to advance their interests,” he said.
Amakiri questioned the viability of any group that consisted largely of those who had already failed the nation.
“When 85 per cent of them belong to this so-called PPM – Political Power Mongers – I don’t know how prospective that kind of group can be. It’s now left for Nigerians to decide.
“Maybe they’ve taken Nigerians for granted – perhaps due to the docility of our people. Every year, they gather, give it a new name, and play with Nigeria like it’s table tennis, back and forth, while young people just watch,” he stated.
He likened the coalition to a repeat of events in 2015, when, according to him, a similar alignment of political actors succeeded only in unseating a functioning government without offering better leadership.
“It’s the same thing they did in 2015 when they just wanted to kick out a president who was doing very okay. We had people in this country threaten to make the government ungovernable. Is this the kind of people we want to see forming a coalition again?” he said.
Asked to respond to claims that even some of his party members had defected to the coalition, Amakiri defended the YPP’s ideological stance and long-term strategy.
“We are not in a hurry to produce a president. Our major ambition is to take over the parliament. That’s why the YPP’s strategy is a more realistic one, aimed at legislative control. We are constrained, but we are focused,” he explained.
His comments came days after the opposition coalition held a high-profile meeting at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where it formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
At the event, ADC’s founder, Ralph Nwosu, handed over the party’s membership card to former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, who were announced as the interim national chairman and secretary of the coalition, respectively.
Notable attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi; former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Dele Momodu, Solomon Dalung, Emeka Ihedioha, Dino Melaye, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
The event also drew participation from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the LP, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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