Ideas leave a trail.

Our Votes Must Count Unlike in the past, in 2027 our votes MUST count, and all those who are there not to count the votes will be counted among those destroying Nigeria. I encourage everyone to remain at the polling units after voting to count and witness the counting and transmission of results. Those who refuse to allow the votes count will be made to count the full weight of the law against rigging. Let me reiterate: if you do not count our votes, we will count you among those who destroy our democracy, thereby destroying our future, and you must answer to the law. -PO

Building a New Nigeria Yesterday, Saturday, 14th February, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, I attended the meeting of the ADC and the Obidient Movement. In my address at the gathering, I emphasised the importance of unity, calling on all of us to work together as one family toward the common goal of building a new Nigeria. Nigeria must be led by leaders who are competent, compassionate, and committed — leaders who prioritise development, security, education, healthcare, poverty reduction, and creating opportunities for our youth. Our politics must shift from mere consumption to production, harnessing our nation’s resources to generate wealth and prosperity for all. But achieving this requires a renewal of character and accountability. Those who aspire to be called “honourable” must truly act honourably; those who seek to be addressed as “His Excellency” must embody excellence; and those who aim to be “distinguished” must live distinguished lives. Let this be the standard for our leaders and a guiding principle for all citizens committed to the nation's progress. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Remembering Ayo Adebanjo One year ago, we lost a great pillar in the struggle for a new Nigeria, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. A life devoted to justice, equity, and truth, his unwavering commitment to a united and progressive Nigeria left an indelible mark on our nation. I remain personally grateful for his guidance and support during my presidential campaign. His endorsement was more than political - it reflected his belief in fairness, inclusiveness, and the greater good. His words, “Always stand on the path of justice,” remain a guiding principle in my life. As we honor his memory, let us not only celebrate a life devoted to service, integrity, and unwavering principle, but also recommit ourselves to the ideals he championed. May his legacy continue to inspire all who strive for justice, equity, and the relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria. -PO

Farewell to a True Servant of the People Yesterday, we were in Nsukka, Enugu State, for the funeral of one of the most remarkable personalities I met in politics, Distinguished Senator Okechukwu Cleophas Ezea. From the day I met him and throughout our political journey together, he remained deeply committed to the welfare of the people, especially the people of Nsukka. If you gave him a sachet of pure water, he would always ask, “Where is the one for the people of Nsukka? Where is the one for humanity?” I was pleased that the Bishop of the Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Igwebuike Ona, in his homily, said the same thing — that Senator Ezea would often tell him he wanted peace, progress, and unity in his senatorial zone, and that if not being a senator would help achieve that, he was ready to step aside. May God Almighty, who has called him home, grant him eternal rest, comfort his family, and all of us who mourn him, and most importantly, inspire his people with his legacy to continue representing the good people of Nsukka. -PO

Nigeria Needs Our Love in Action My dear young people of Nigeria, This Valentine’s Day, let us celebrate with responsibility. St. Valentine reminds us that love is not just emotion; it is sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to what is right — honesty, compassion, respect, and devotion to the common good. To all Nigerians, let us renew our love for one another and our nation. Like a living being, a country flourishes when nurtured with care and dedication. Loving Nigeria means promoting fair elections, rejecting vices like corruption, greed, division, and mediocrity, and supporting only those with capacity, commitment, and character. True patriotism also means pointing out faults and proposing solutions, while promoting human and developmental values — justice, competence, transparency, and investment in education and healthcare. Where corruption destroys opportunity, integrity restores it; where division breeds conflict, unity fosters progress. On this Valentine’s Day, let us embrace love that strengthens families, communities, and our nation. A new Nigeria is possible when love becomes action. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all. -PO

Supporting Quality Healthcare at Immaculate Heart of Mary Specialist Hospital, Nkpor Yesterday, February 12th, I visited the Immaculate Heart of Mary Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, where I had the opportunity to interact with members of staff and some of the patients receiving care at the facility. After listening to them and observing firsthand the dedication with which they carry out their work, I presented a cheque of ₦10 million to support the hospital’s continued growth and improvement in service delivery. I have remained consistent in supporting missionary health institutions because of the critical role they play in our nation’s healthcare system. They provide a significant percentage - over 60% - of the country’s health services, particularly in underserved communities. Beyond that, they are known for prudent management of resources, transparency, and a deep sense of mission. Most importantly, they serve the people selflessly, complementing and strengthening the work government is meant to do in providing accessible and affordable healthcare. I urge government and well-meaning individuals to support voluntary agencies in recognition of the critical role they play in providing healthcare to underserved communities. These institutions continue to fill important gaps in our health system and have demonstrated capacity for effective and efficient management of healthcare services where they are most needed. I also encouraged the proprietors, as well as the entire staff and management of the hospital, to remain steadfast in their noble mission of delivering compassionate and quality healthcare. Our society depends greatly on institutions like theirs, and they must continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and care. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Identifying with the People Peacefully for Electoral Integrity Yesterday, February 9th, I participated in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly to demand urgent electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people. Our demands were clear and non-negotiable: anyone seeking to hold titles such as Honourable, Distinguished, or Excellency must emerge through a transparent and honourable process. Aspirants for public office should provide verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, along with fulfilling other constitutional requirements such as age and qualifications. No one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process. Beyond eligibility, candidates must engage in open campaigns, public scrutiny, and debates as mandated by law. Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people's mandate and eliminate manipulation. Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable. Financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks to conduct transactions and collect taxes on a daily basis. If banking systems function seamlessly, our electoral system can and should do the same. Nigeria must stop being a so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent and instead become a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections. We owe the younger generation a nation built on order, justice, and trust—not one mired in chaos and impunity. As the agitation continues, I urge our youth, who turned out in large numbers, to remain steadfast and not relent until the necessary reforms are achieved. I remain firmly committed to the vision of a New Nigeria—one that is not only possible, but inevitable if we stand and act together. -PO

My Sympathy visit to the Kano Singer Market and the Mazaf Holdings Warehouse. Yesterday, Sunday, 8 February, I travelled to Kano to commiserate with traders at Singer Market and the Mazaf Warehouse, which were destroyed by fire. Such a disaster at this time can be devastating. Mazaf Holdings is one of the largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in Nigeria, representing many multinational brands operating in the country. The fire incident resulted in the destruction of goods worth billions of naira. I thank the Kano State Government for its visit and support, as well as Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for his visit and support. I will also contribute in my own little way. I also intend to visit other facilities that have suffered similar incidents in recent times but which I was unable to visit earlier due to unavoidable circumstances at the time of the incidents. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks on their well-deserved victory, and to the New England Patriots for their commendable runner-up finish. This game showcased several exceptional athletes of Nigerian descent, including Michael Onwenu of the New England Patriots and Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks, who made their nation proud on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Other outstanding players of Nigerian heritage who contributed to this historic game include Boye Mafe and Nick Emmanwori, key players on the Seahawks’ defense, as well as Olusegun “Olu” Oluwatimi, who anchored their offensive line. Their success highlights the importance of discipline, opportunity, and systems that are intentionally designed to discover, nurture, and reward talent. Watching them serves as a powerful reminder of what Nigerians can achieve when the right environment is created for excellence to flourish. I firmly believe that Nigeria is not lacking in talent; our challenge has always been the absence of leadership that can consistently unlock and utilize that talent through vision, competence, integrity, and strong institutions. When leadership is executed effectively, Nigeria won’t just participate on the global stage; we will excel and lead in sports, science, technology, business, education, and every sphere of human endeavor. A new Nigeria is POssible. - PO

As I prepared to watch the Super Bowl tonight, I was reminded of Nigeria's vast potential. On the field were three exceptional Nigerians making their nation proud on the world's biggest sporting stage: Michael Onwenu of the New England Patriots and Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks. Also, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year from Seattle Seahawks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is of Nigerian descent. Their success is not accidental; it is the result of discipline, opportunity, and systems that recognize and reward talent. Watching them, one cannot help but reflect on what Nigerians can achieve when provided with the right environment to thrive. If our country were governed with vision, competence, and integrity, and if leadership focused on building strong institutions, investing in people, and creating equal opportunities, there would be no limit to what Nigerians could accomplish—not just in sports, but in science, technology, business, education, and every sphere of human endeavor. Nigeria is not lacking in talent. What we have lacked for too long is leadership that unleashes that talent. When we get leadership right, Nigeria will not only participate on the global stage but will consistently excel and lead. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, Saturday, February 7th, in Asaba, Delta State, I attended a meeting with the ADC and the Obidient Movement. During the meeting, I emphasised the importance of coming together as one family to work towards a common goal: the creation of a united and new Nigeria that is achievable. In my remarks, I reminded everyone that Nigeria, today, is a nation that requires unity—from Sokoto to Borno, Nassarawa to Anambra, and Rivers to Lagos. We must unite for the shared purpose of establishing competent leadership that possesses the capacity, compassion, and commitment necessary to ensure good governance. This leadership must prioritise addressing pressing issues such as security, poverty, education, healthcare, and hunger. We must transform our politics from a focus on transactions and rent-seeking to one that utilises our nation’s resources to create wealth for all citizens. In this new Nigeria, a child of nobody can achieve greatness without the support of others. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Interaction with Students of St. John Bosco Group of Schools, Obosi Yesterday Friday 6th February, I had the pleasure of interacting with the students of St. John Bosco Group of Schools in Obosi, where I made a token donation of ₦5 million to support the school’s educational and technical development. Education remains the most critical investment any society can make, and institutions that are shaping young minds deserve strong encouragement and support. I reminded the students that the basic education they are receiving is the most important foundation they will ever have. One of my deepest passions is to help build a country where children from humble backgrounds—the sons and daughters of nobodies—can grow up to achieve greatness. I encouraged them to take their studies seriously and to believe in themselves because education builds confidence and prepares individuals for leadership. I explained that I was present today because the school manager had previously invited me during their feast, which I was unable to attend. This visit was an opportunity to encourage the students directly and to emphasize the value of hard work, discipline, and self-belief. I was taken around the school and was impressed by what I saw, especially the technical department and its well-equipped workshop, where students are being trained with practical, hands-on skills. I was particularly delighted when the manager showed me their major and most expansive three-storey building, which was constructed using Hydraform blocks and technology. Anambra State was the first in the country to introduce this innovative approach to promote affordable and sustainable construction during my tenure. I commend the management and staff of St. John Bosco Group of Schools for their dedication to quality education and skills development. Supporting institutions like this is essential if we are serious about preparing our young people for the future and building a nation that works for all. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Happy Birthday to Prof. Pat Utomi! Today, we celebrate Prof. Pat Utomi as he turns seventy—a significant milestone that prompts us to reflect on a life marked by extraordinary intellect, remarkable courage, and dedicated service to humanity. I had the honor of attending several events held in his honor, including a symposium on Wednesday in Enugu State and today’s celebration in Delta State, his home state. Prof. Utomi stands out as one of Nigeria’s most consistent and principled public intellectuals. For decades, his voice has remained clear, courageous, and unyielding in its commitment to truth, justice, and the common good. Listening to him speak at these events reminds us that his primary focus has always been the well-being of humanity—rooted firmly in his belief that good governance, guided by moral clarity and competence, can help a nation reach its full potential. As a teacher, he has influenced minds across generations; as a moral advocate, he has held power to account; and as a distinguished intellectual and rare polymath, he has connected economics, ethics, faith, and public policy with remarkable depth and elegance. Few Nigerians have blended scholarship with civic courage as seamlessly and consistently as he has. In public affairs, he has never been a bystander but has been a tireless advocate for reform, responsibility, and national renewal. Beyond his ideas, Prof. Utomi leads by example. His life serves as a standard worthy of emulation for all genuinely committed to pursuing what is good, true, and just. In times when opportunism often overshadows principle, his steadfastness remains both instructive and inspiring. I join men and women of goodwill in wishing Prof. Pat Utomi a very happy birthday. I pray that God grants him continued strength, good health, and wisdom so that his voice, ideas, and moral leadership will continue to enrich our national discourse and inspire generations yet to come. -PO

Saving the Only Hospital in Mgbowo Yesterday, after attending the symposium celebrating the 70th birthday of Prof. Pat Utomi, I visited St. Anthony’s Hospital in Mgbowo, Enugu State. This facility was inherited by the Catholic Diocese of Awgu from the former Enugu Diocese. At its peak, the hospital was a large and vital institution, serving both the host community and several surrounding areas. Today, it remains the only health facility available to these communities. After touring the premises and assessing the condition of the facilities, I made a donation of ₦10 million. I realised the extensive work needed to restore the hospital, and I assured the management that, while this task cannot be handled by one person alone, I will continue to contribute monthly towards its rehabilitation. The involvement of missionaries—whether Christian or Muslim—in providing essential social services deserves our support and commendation. Through their efforts, they help fill critical gaps and assist the government in fulfilling its basic obligations to society. I have attached a video of the hospital to illustrate the extent of its deterioration and the urgent help it requires. By offering support, we are not only restoring a facility but also reaffirming our shared responsibility to protect life and dignity in our communities. A new Nigeria is Possible. -PO

We Continue to Confirm our ‘Now Disgraced Status’ as a Nation? Let us all pause and pray for the souls of over 150 innocent lives lost in Kwara yesterday. This tragedy is precisely why I delayed commenting on the outrageous and shameful news surrounding our electoral system. The Senate's blatant rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results is an unforgivable act of electoral manipulation ahead of 2027. This failure to pass a clear safeguard is nothing short of a deliberate assault on Nigeria’s democracy. By rejecting these essential transparency measures, they are eroding the very foundation of credible elections. One must ask: Does the government exist to ensure order and justice, or to institutionalise chaos? Is its purpose to serve the people, or to fulfil the sinister ambitions of a select few? The turmoil, disputes, and manipulations that plagued past elections, especially the 2023 general election, stemmed directly from the refusal to fully implement electronic transmission. Nigerians were fed excuses of a fabricated “glitch” that never existed. While numerous African nations adopt electronic transmission to bolster democracy, Nigeria, the supposed giant of Africa, shamelessly lags behind, dragging the continent backwards. We are wasting time hosting conferences and drafting papers on Nigeria's problems while we, the leaders and elite, are the real issue. Our deliberate resistance to reform is pulling the country backwards, dragging us toward a primitive state of governance. By rejecting mandatory electronic transmission—a critical safeguard for electoral integrity—we are entrenching disorder aimed at perpetuating confusion according to the whims of a small clique. Have we not reached a point where we must think seriously about the future of our country and our children? Should leadership not focus on building a credible, orderly, and livable nation for the next generation, rather than one permanently ensnared in chaos? When the former Prime Minister of the UK, aware of our history, labelled us “fantastically corrupt,” we reacted defensively. When President Donald Trump declared us a “now disgraced nation,” we were incensed. Yet, with every act of resistance against transparency and reform, we continue to affirm their claims. Those responsible will later point fingers at others for harming the country while they quietly suffocate its potential. Let there be no illusion, the criminality witnessed in 2023 will not be tolerated in 2027. Nigerians everywhere must start getting ready to rise up, resist, and reject the backward trajectory, legitimately and decisively reclaim our country from the clutches of deliberate malevolence. The International community must take heed of this groundwork for continued future electoral manipulation, endangering our democracy and development. A new Nigeria is POssible but we must all stand and fight for it. -PO

Killings in Kwara: We Must Act Now I am deeply saddened by the recent attacks in Kwara State, where gunmen reportedly killed about 150 people in villages including Woro and Nuku. Every loss of innocent life is tragic, and these killings represent a major failure for us as a nation. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the affected communities, and the government and people of Kwara State. These recurring acts of violence across our country - now worse than what occurs in some countries at war - underscore the urgent need for us, as a nation, to declare war on insecurity of lives and property and to deploy every possible means to end this scourge. I therefore call on the relevant authorities to act swiftly to restore peace, bring the perpetrators to justice, and reassure the people of Kwara State, as well as all Nigerians, that their lives matter and must be protected. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Connecting with the Residents of Abuja. This week has been incredibly busy as I took the time to connect with the residents of Abuja, our nation's capital. Leadership is not merely about implementing policies and issuing directives; it requires truly understanding the needs of the populace. The upcoming local government area council poll in Abuja on February 21 presents a crucial opportunity for me to engage with the people directly as I seek their vital support for my party’s candidate across the six local government councils in the FCT. Over the past few days, I have travelled through the villages of Abuja, from Abaji to Kwali and beyond, not just to campaign, but to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by rural communities. It is unacceptable to witness the lack of basic services in our capital territory and to consider what this means for the rest of the nation. Despite having compulsory free basic education and proclaiming free primary healthcare, many communities within the capital are grossly underserved, lacking adequate primary healthcare facilities and functional schools. I have met with various community leaders and engaged in meaningful discussions with them. Having served as governor, I understand that these issues cannot be resolved instantly. However, what is profoundly troubling is the persistent lack of prioritisation and commitment to addressing these fundamental needs. Access to education and healthcare is crucial for the development of any society and the well-being of its people. We must do better. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

FISCAL RECKLESSNESS With the announcement that the Nigerian Senate is likely to approve the 2026 National Budget on March 17, every Nigerian is asking an important question: which budget will Nigeria use this year? Will it be the budgets for 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026, or some combination of all these years? It is worth noting that as of last year, in our government, implementation of budget items from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budgets was in a unique approach to budgeting, which continues to perpetuate a trend of fiscal recklessness. President Tinubu inherited a legally signed N21.83 trillion budget for 2023. A few months after taking office, he presented a N2.17 trillion supplementary budget that faced widespread criticism for prioritising benefits for public office holders at a time when Nigerians were enduring painful economic reforms without a credible social protection framework. Instead of restoring fiscal discipline, the President repeatedly expanded the 2023 budget without a clearly defined end date. The pattern persisted with the passage of a N35.06 trillion budget for 2024 and a N54.99 trillion budget for 2025. In less than three years, President Tinubu has exercised appropriation powers over more than N114 trillion in public spending. Yet, the government has failed to achieve even fifty per cent budget implementation, exposing a profound crisis of budget credibility. Alarmingly, until mid-2025, Nigeria was effectively operating with about three overlapping budgets, without clear legal or fiscal guidance on when each one expired or began. No serious country manages its budgets or fiscal operations in such a manner. Even more troubling is the government’s opaque decision to repeal the 2024 and 2025 budgets and re-enact them with extended implementation timelines. Nigerians have not seen these re-enacted budgets, and there is no public information regarding the specific capital projects included or their associated costs. This is not reform; it represents fiscal obscurity elevated to the level of state policy. The proposed 2026 budget, despite still lacking critical details, indicates that the administration has no intention of addressing the structural weaknesses at the core of Nigeria’s public finance system. This lack of transparency is not accidental; it reflects a deliberate pattern of undermining public scrutiny and debate. The Federal Government has stopped publishing treasury reports on the https://t.co/5LPWiKwodE portal, dismantling a vital transparency framework inherited from the previous administration. In 2025, no budget implementation report was released, regardless of how poor the performance was! No nation can operate with such recklessness and succeed. Every effort must be made to quickly return Nigeria to the January-December budget cycle that was inherited and mismanaged by the current government. This change would enhance effective planning and tracking, promote transparency and accountability, and foster sustainable growth and development. A new Nigeria is POssible! -PO

Thanksgiving for Oyo State at 50: Reflections on Leadership, Gratitude, and Service Today, 1st February, I joined my friend and brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State at a thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral of St Peter Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan. The gathering brought together people from across the state to offer thanks to God for five decades of shared history and progress. I thanked Governor @seyimakinde for the opportunity to speak at the event. In my remarks at the church, I recalled that at the onset of his administration, he invited me to address the maiden Executive Council (EXCO) retreat, where we spent a full day exchanging ideas on governance and responsibility. I am pleased to note that the Governor has remained consistent in his approach. Beyond the visible infrastructure across the state, his performance is widely discussed and appreciated by Oyo people wherever they are. I also commend the Governor for his insightful address at the service, particularly his emphasis on building strong institutions and strengthening teams rather than relying on individuals. His focus on continuity, systems, and shared responsibility reflects a statesmanlike vision and offers reassurance that the progress of Oyo State will be sustained beyond any single administration. I thanked The Right Reverend Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe, Bishop of Ibadan North, for his thoughtful sermon, which was both timely and profound, reminding us that thanksgiving is not merely a ritual but a moral discipline that nurtures humility, responsibility, and service to the common good. Finally, I called on the people of Oyo State to continue to support the Governor and to pray that God will guide those in authority to work for the common good of the state and its people. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

A Distressing January for Nigeria This first month serves as a critical measure of the challenges that lie ahead, and it is painfully evident that the situation in the country continues to worsen. Insecurity has surged alarmingly across the nation. In just January, we saw reports of several killings, hundreds of kidnappings and abductions that include children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers with the abductors demanding millions. Farmers remain unable to return to their farms plagued by ongoing insecurity which exacerbates food shortages and rural poverty. Education stands as a cornerstone of national development, yet countless children remain out of school and those in school cannot attend because of insecurity or teachers' strikes. This is particularly tragic in Abuja, the seat of government, where schools remain shuttered. This is the same Abuja where billions were squandered on renovating a conference centre for the president and Bus Terminals. One must question whether our leaders genuinely appreciate the vital role of education. Our nation with the worst access to electricity without an abysmal supply have witnessed two grid collapses in just January. While leaders in other nations prioritise domestic governance in January, Nigeria’s president prioritises international engagements over pressing national issues. This month, he spent 23 days abroad across two trips—beginning the year overseas and returning on the 17th, and departing less than 10 days on the 26th to Türkiye, where he remains as of January 31. What urgent matters continuously warrant his absence from the nation? When he does return, it often appears to be merely to welcome defectors into the APC before he jets off again. The collective impact of these events paints a grim portrait of a nation grappling simultaneously with insecurity, economic distress, failing infrastructure, and profound social upheaval. Instead of confronting these urgent challenges head-on in pursuit of solutions, much of the political class remains engrossed in power calculations and the next election cycle. The ruling APC, in particular, seems more concerned with rallies and welcoming defectors than with visiting failing institutions or addressing the daily struggles of the Nigerian people. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO