Today’s Headlines:’I’m better than Tinubu, Atiku-Obi; INEC rules out shifting 2027 polls

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi has rated himself above President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Obi made the declaration on Saturday during a town hall meeting in Owerri, Imo State, as part of his ongoing engagement with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stated that he stands taller than the two political heavyweights in terms of competence, character, capacity and compassion to lead Nigeria.

According to the former Anambra State governor, his track record in office, his prudent management of resources and his performance in the 2023 presidential election where he defeated Tinubu in Lagos, prove that he is better positioned to rescue Nigeria in 2027.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has ruled out any postponement of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the electoral timetable is fixed and preparations are on course.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, also announced that the commission would release the final voters’ register on December 15, following the conclusion of its ongoing verification and correction exercise.

Amupitan spoke on Saturday during an interactive meeting with INEC staff members and Resident Electoral Commissioners from the six South-South states in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he assessed the commission’s preparedness for the elections.

His assurance comes amid claims by some political parties that the general elections could be postponed.

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the question of whether opposition political leaders can put aside their individual ambitions and rally behind a single presidential candidate remains one of the topical issues in the country.

At the heart of the discussion is the G100 coalition and whether it can evolve from a platform for political engagement into a formidable alliance capable of bringing opposition parties and their leaders together ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The question is not simply whether opposition leaders can meet, issue joint statements or express dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. It is whether they can reach a binding political agreement, settle disagreements over leadership and strategy, and ultimately support one candidate rather than pursue separate presidential ambitions.

With one accord, the governors of Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, and Anambra States yesterday urged the people of the Southeast to avoid political distractions, and vote massively for President Bola Tinubu in next year’s presidential election.

Governors Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodimma, Francis Nwifuru and Charles Soludo, said it was necessary for the zone to support Tinubu’s re-election bid to enable him consolidate the gains of his administration’s economic reforms.

They spoke during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme for the South east, held at Okpara Square, Enugu.