Peter Obi: Nigeria Can Work, and Nigeria Must Work

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said Nigeria can overcome its current challenges, declaring that “Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.”

Obi made the statement in an address marking the commencement of the 2027 presidential and National Assembly campaign period.

According to him, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, marked the official beginning of campaigns for the 2027 elections, describing the period as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy.

He said the campaign would give Nigerians the opportunity to assess the records, ideas and plans of candidates seeking their mandate at a time of what he described as grave uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.

“I consider myself quite privileged to be one of those seeking your mandate to deal with these challenges facing our country,” Obi said.

“I enter this contest with one firm conviction: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work.”

Obi highlighted poverty, food insecurity, internal displacement, unemployment, weak infrastructure, unreliable electricity, insecurity and the high cost of doing business among the major challenges confronting the country.

Citing figures attributed to the International Monetary Fund, Obi said 63 per cent of Nigerians, representing more than 140 million people, live at or below the national poverty line.

He also referenced humanitarian estimates indicating that about 35 million Nigerians would require food assistance during the 2026 lean season, while about 3.6 million people remain internally displaced, largely as a result of conflict and insecurity.

The former Anambra State governor said the figures represented more than statistics, arguing that they reflected the everyday struggles of Nigerian families, farmers, workers, students and businesses.

Despite the challenges, Obi said he remained confident in Nigeria’s ability to overcome them.

He said the country possesses the people, resources, market, talent and entrepreneurial capacity needed to build a prosperous economy, but stressed that these strengths must be converted into security, productivity and shared prosperity.

Obi said his experience in the private sector, studies in policy and business and his time as governor of Anambra State had shaped his understanding of public leadership.

According to him, government must manage public resources responsibly, establish clear priorities and measure the results of its decisions.

“Public office is not a reward; it is a responsibility to the people,” he said.

Reflecting on his record in Anambra, Obi said his administration prioritised education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline and institutional capacity as foundations for long-term development.

He acknowledged that his record was not perfect but said it represented an experience from which Nigerians could draw their own conclusions.

Obi also highlighted the governing experience of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing their experiences as different but complementary.

He said Kwankwaso’s administration in Kano focused on education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development.

According to Obi, investments in education and skills demonstrated the importance of treating people as the most important long-term resource of any state.

“Our experiences are different, but our conclusion is the same: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline,” he said.

On the economy, Obi said Nigeria needed to move beyond reactive reforms and focus on whether government policies were actually improving the lives of citizens.

He questioned whether Nigerians were better off than they were four years ago, whether families could afford food, education and healthcare, and whether businesses could produce, expand and create jobs.

He also raised questions about opportunities for young Nigerians and the ability of farmers to work safely and transport their produce to markets.

Obi said these questions should remain central to the 2027 election debate as Nigerians assess the candidates seeking to lead the country.

NDLEA Dismantles Cocaine Cartel, Arrests Socialite KC Luxury at Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel that allegedly used Nigeria as a transit hub for moving illicit drugs to the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and Asia.

The agency also arrested the alleged Nigerian arrowhead of the syndicate, identified as Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known online as “KC Luxury,” as he attempted to leave the country.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Marwa described the operation as one of the most significant narcotics investigations undertaken by the agency in recent times, saying it resulted in the largest cocaine seizure made through a courier company in Nigeria.

According to him, the investigation began after NDLEA operatives intercepted 184.50 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in a consignment destined for onward export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos.

Following the scale of the seizure, Marwa said he directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to trace the entire network behind the shipment, including the couriers, intermediaries and alleged masterminds.

The cartel was reportedly hoping to make as much as N39 billion from the consignment through its international distribution network.

Working with the management of the courier company involved, NDLEA operatives reportedly uncovered a network of intermediary companies and individuals allegedly used to process the shipment.

The investigation led to the arrest of two key suspects, among others. One of the suspects, Lawal Mujab Kehinde, was identified as a staff member of the logistics company through which the cocaine was processed.

According to the NDLEA, investigations established that Kehinde had a direct and sustained relationship with the cartel’s Nigerian coordinator and allegedly packaged and processed consignments for the syndicate before routing them to the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia in exchange for cash payments.

The second suspect, Atolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as “KC Luxury,” was identified by investigators as the alleged Nigerian arrowhead of the cartel.

The NDLEA said Michael presented himself publicly as a social media influencer and businessman involved in gold, jewellery and luxury goods, but allegedly used the image to conceal a criminal enterprise involved in moving cocaine from South America through Nigeria to international destinations.

Marwa said the alleged cartel leader was arrested on the night of August 13, 2026, after the agency received intelligence that he planned to flee Nigeria on a business-class flight to Paris.

“On the night of 13th August 2026, upon credible intelligence that he intended to flee the country on a business-class flight to Paris, our operatives moved decisively and apprehended him at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,” Marwa said.

According to the NDLEA chairman, the suspect was found in possession of €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000 in cash, as well as expensive jewellery.

A subsequent search of his luxury apartment in Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, also led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, according to the agency.

Marwa said investigations further revealed that the cartel allegedly used false identities to conceal the real consignors of its shipments and relied on financial facilitators who moved billions of naira on its behalf.

He added that the syndicate maintained criminal contacts in the United Kingdom, some of whom had reportedly been arrested by British authorities in connection with the same network.

The NDLEA chairman linked the latest operation to a series of recent investigations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks, including the dismantling of the Switzerland-based Simon Amadi drug cartel, which the agency said laundered millions of dollars through dark web marketplaces.

He also referenced the recent takedown of two Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicates allegedly operating clandestine laboratories in forests in Ogun and Oyo states.

“These operations send an unmistakable signal that this Agency’s reach extends into the ports, the forests, the luxury apartments, and the departure lounges alike, and that no sanctuary exists anywhere in Nigeria for those who traffic in poison,” Marwa said.

He also warned that drug trafficking organisations were increasingly moving away from traditional routes such as seaports and airports, where security scrutiny has intensified, and turning to courier and logistics companies.

According to Marwa, traffickers wrongly assume that courier companies provide softer and less monitored channels for transporting narcotics across international borders.

He said the successful investigation demonstrated the agency’s ability to identify and disrupt drug networks regardless of where they operate.

“The dismantling of this cartel, from the interception of the consignment at a courier logistics channel right through to the arrest of its Nigerian arrowhead, is a clear demonstration that this Agency has both the capacity and the capability to fish out traffickers wherever they choose to hide,” he said.

Marwa described the operation as an example of successful international cooperation, particularly following the near-simultaneous arrests of suspected members of the syndicate in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

He commended the agency’s international partners and members of the Special Investigation Team, coordinated by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, for their role in tracing and dismantling the alleged network.

The NDLEA said investigations into the cartel are ongoing.

“Mr Little Penis”, “Mr Toto Beggar”: Davido and Wande Coal Trade Words on Social Media

Afrobeats stars Davido and Wande Coal have traded insults on social media following a disagreement over an unreleased version of Wande Coal’s 2021 song, “Come My Way.”

The exchange began after a viral interview in which Davido discussed his unreleased contribution to the song, claiming that Wande Coal had approached him to record a verse before the original version was released.

Davido explained that he believed Wande wanted to release the original song first and later put out his contribution as a remix, a plan he said he did not agree with because he had not recorded the verse as a remix.

The comments caught Wande Coal’s attention, prompting him to challenge Davido’s account on X.

Wande argued that “Come My Way” already had a release plan and date before Davido recorded his contribution. He also accused Davido of attempting to dictate how a song that belonged to him should be released.

“Carry song come give you as how? Song wey been get release plan and date!!! Song wey no be your own you wan dictate release plan. That song fuckin did well without you on it bruv,” Wande wrote.

Davido responded to the singer with a personal jab, writing: “No vex Mr little penis.”

Wande Coal quickly fired back, replying: “No vex too Mr toto beggar,” a reference to a previously viral video involving Davido.

The exchange has since attracted significant attention from fans and other social media users, with many reacting to the unexpected war of words between the two established Nigerian artistes.

While the disagreement centres on the unreleased version of “Come My Way,” the exchange has now shifted from the song’s release history to a personal back-and-forth between the two singers.

It remains unclear whether Davido’s unreleased contribution to “Come My Way” will ever be officially released.

Taiwo Hassan’s Daughter Debunks Death Rumour, Says Actor Still Alive

The daughter of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that the 66-year-old actor has died.

The death rumour surfaced on Tuesday after a Facebook user claimed that one of Ogogo’s daughters, Haleemah Taiwo, had announced his death.

The post alleged that the actor had died after being rejected by different hospitals and claimed that he was survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

However, Ogogo’s daughter, Lima Taiwo, dismissed the report as false, urging members of the public to stop spreading the claim.

In a reaction shared on Instagram, Lima repeatedly described the report as fake, writing: “This is false!!!!!!! This is false!!!!! This is false!!!!! This is false!!! THIS IS FAKE… PLEASE STOP SPREADING FAKE NEWS.”

Her clarification came a day after she and her sister, Kira Taiwo, separately appealed for urgent medical assistance for their father, who is battling cancer.

In an emotional video shared on Instagram on Monday, Lima disclosed that the actor’s health condition had deteriorated and alleged that some hospitals had declined to continue treating him.

Fighting back tears, she appealed to medical professionals, hospitals and individuals with access to advanced cancer treatment facilities to assist the family in finding a way to continue his treatment.

Lima said the family only became aware of the seriousness of her father’s condition about three weeks earlier, explaining that his physical appearance had initially not suggested the severity of the illness.

She also stressed that the family was not seeking financial donations but urgently needed medical assistance, including access to specialists and facilities capable of treating his condition.

In a separate emotional video, Kira revealed that her father’s cancer was at Stage 4 and said the hospital currently treating him had informed the family that it could no longer administer chemotherapy.

Kira also appealed to hospitals, cancer specialists and medical professionals with possible treatment options to come forward and assist the veteran actor.

She urged anyone who could help the family access appropriate medical care to contact either her or her sister, stressing that she remained determined to find a way to secure treatment for their father.

The latest clarification means reports of Ogogo’s death are false, although his family has confirmed that he is facing a serious health challenge and is in urgent need of medical assistance.

The family is therefore appealing to the public to avoid spreading unverified reports about the actor’s condition and instead help connect them with credible medical professionals and cancer treatment facilities.

Shemariah Newsroom urges members of the public to rely on verified information from the actor’s family and credible sources regarding his health.

“Agreement Is Agreement” - Keyamo Hails Adeleke for Endorsing Tinubu’s Re-election

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has praised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, following the governor’s renewed endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.

Adeleke, who was re-elected as Osun State governor in the August 15 governorship election, expressed appreciation to Tinubu for what he described as a free and fair election.

“I must deeply appreciate the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a free and fair election,” Adeleke said.

The governor subsequently reaffirmed his earlier decision to support Tinubu’s bid for another term in office.

“I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election,” Adeleke added.

Reacting to the governor’s statement, Keyamo thanked Adeleke for what he described as his “public and unequivocal endorsement” of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Keyamo also praised the Osun governor, describing him as a man of integrity and honour.

“Thank you, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for the public and unequivocal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 Presidential Election. You are a man of integrity and honour,” Keyamo wrote.

He concluded his message with a phrase that quickly drew attention online:

“Agreement is agreement.”

Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu has remained a significant political development, particularly following his re-election under the Accord Party and the broader realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The governor had previously declared his support for Tinubu despite belonging to a different political camp at the state level.

His latest statement indicates that he intends to maintain that position as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election begin to gather momentum.

Makinde, Atiku, Obi Congratulate Adeleke on Osun Victory

Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde; African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; and National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have congratulated Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State.

The three presidential contenders, who are expected to be major figures in Nigeria’s 2027 political contest, separately reacted to Adeleke’s victory, describing it as a reflection of the choice of Osun voters.

Makinde, who described Adeleke as his brother, congratulated the governor on what he described as a long and arduous journey.

“Hearty congratulations to my brother, His Excellency Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election as Governor of Osun State,” Makinde said.

He added that he was delighted that the will of the people of Osun State prevailed in the election.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the ADC, also congratulated Adeleke, saying his victory demonstrated the choice of Osun voters at the ballot box.

“I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State,” Atiku said.

The former vice president commended the people of Osun for their passion and peaceful participation in the election, while wishing Adeleke continued success in his service to the state.

Meanwhile, Obi, the presidential candidate of the NDC, described the outcome under the headline, “Osun: When the People Stand, Democracy Wins.”

Obi congratulated Adeleke and the people of Osun State, saying the electorate had once again demonstrated its power to choose its leaders.

He attributed Adeleke’s renewed mandate to what he described as the governor’s commitment to the people, compassion for their needs and achievements in office.

Obi also singled out young people in Osun for praise, saying they demonstrated courage by peacefully defending their democratic mandate.

“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count,” Obi said.

The NDC presidential candidate further urged Nigerians to take lessons from the Osun election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called on citizens to remain informed, participate actively in elections and protect their votes, arguing that Nigerians have the power through the ballot to influence the direction of the country.

Obi also urged political actors to place the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity and the rule of law.

The separate messages from Makinde, Atiku and Obi come as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift towards the 2027 presidential election, with all three men expected to play prominent roles in the opposition and wider political contest.

Their reactions also highlight the significance of the Osun election as an important electoral test ahead of the 2027 polls.

With Adeleke now set to begin another four-year term, attention will turn to how his administration responds to the renewed mandate and the expectations of Osun residents.

ADC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plan to Arrest Aregbesola Ahead of Osun Election

ADC has raised concerns over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of the Osun election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it had received what it described as credible reports of plans to arrest Aregbesola in the days leading to the election.

The party said the allegation could not be ignored, given what it described as a pattern of intimidation, harassment and alleged misuse of state institutions against opposition figures.

Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and former Minister of the Federal Republic, currently serves as the National Secretary of the ADC, which is participating in Saturday’s governorship election.

The party argued that if any security agency has a lawful reason to question or invite its national secretary, there are established procedures that should be followed.

According to the ADC, any attempt to arrest Aregbesola immediately before the election could raise concerns about the motive behind such an action, particularly because of his role in coordinating the party’s activities.

“An arrest on the eve of an election in which his party is participating would invite only one reasonable conclusion: that the purpose is to prevent him from leading and coordinating the party’s election activities,” the statement said.

The opposition party therefore called on the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise caution in their actions ahead of the election.

The ADC warned that developments in Osun State were being closely watched by Nigerians and that actions taken before, during and after the election would be judged based on what authorities do rather than explanations offered afterwards.

“The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun,” the party said.

The party also warned against any action that could increase political tension in the state, urging the Federal Government to avoid measures that could trigger what it described as a needless crisis.

“Nigeria is still a democracy, and the government would do well to remember that before Saturday,” the ADC said.

The statement comes as political tension continues to rise in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with opposition parties raising concerns over alleged intimidation and possible interference in the electoral process.

The ADC did not provide details of the alleged plan to arrest Aregbesola or identify the security agency it believes may be behind it.

There has also been no independent confirmation from security authorities that any arrest warrant or plan to arrest the former Osun governor exists.

Aregbesola’s role as ADC National Secretary makes him one of the party’s key figures in the final stage of its campaign and election preparations.

The development is therefore likely to attract further attention as political parties and security agencies prepare for Saturday’s closely watched election.