Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the 2027 general election could be his last attempt at the presidency, citing Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Rufai Oseni, the former Anambra State governor said his decision to contest beyond 2027 would depend on the election’s outcome and where the presidency is expected to be zoned in 2031.
“If it goes North in 2031, by the time it comes again to the South, I will be 78 years old, and I don’t think I would be doing this at that age,” Obi said. He added that another bid would only be a possibility if the presidency remained in the South, though he described the chances as “very slim.”
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the release of kidnapped headmaster Mathew Owoade, saying sustained security operations forced his abductors to abandon him.
Owoade, a 60-year-old farmer and headmaster, was abducted on July 12 along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Itesiwaju Local Government Area. Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said coordinated operations and sustained investigative efforts compelled the kidnappers to release the victim on July 13.
The police said Owoade is receiving medical treatment and will be debriefed as investigations continue to identify and prosecute those responsible. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola also commended security agencies and community members for their support during the rescue operation.
In the United Kingdom, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said migrants on temporary work visas should not automatically qualify for permanent residency. In a statement on X, she urged the Labour government to retain its proposal extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years.
Badenoch argued that temporary work visas should not guarantee permanent settlement and warned against exempting an estimated two million migrants who arrived between 2021 and the present from the proposed residency requirement. She maintained that extending the qualifying period would help strengthen border controls and reduce pressure on the welfare system.
Also on Tuesday, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said President Bola Tinubu is committed to establishing a sustainable school feeding programme before the end of his administration.
She made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the World Bank, led by its Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Matthew Verghis, at the State House in Abuja. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration on Early Childhood Development programmes.
The First Lady said the administration remains committed to improving health, education, nutrition and child welfare through a multi-sectoral approach. She also pledged to continue working with the wives of state governors to expand programmes that improve children’s well-being across the country.
