Ideas leave a trail.

Engaging directly with the Grassroots. Today, at 6:30 a.m., I set out from our office in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) with a clear mission: to engage directly with the grassroots and drive home our vision of leadership that genuinely serves the people. I made my first stop at the Abaji Area Council, where I campaigned alongside Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, the ADC chairmanship candidate for the area. I took a decisive one-hour walk through the community, listening intently to their voices, understanding their aspirations, and reinforcing my conviction that true leadership must always be accessible, grounded in the realities of the people it serves. Afterwards, I headed straight to the Kwali Area Council to support Hon. Jeremiah Badoji, the ADC chairmanship candidate there. Once again, I dedicated a full hour to walking among the people. Leadership is not a distant concept; it is forged through presence, endurance, and authentic connection. I then journeyed to Zuba, where I championed Pharmacist Iko Danjuma, the ADC chairmanship candidate for Gwagwalada Area Council. Following that, I visited Deidei Market, where I directly engaged with traders and residents while advocating for Dr Moses Paul, the ADC chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). I reaffirmed my commitment to inclusive development that permeates every sector of society. A New Nigeria is not just a dream; it is a POssibility. -PO

“No Steady Power in Four Years, No Second Term” – Tinubu President Bola Tinubu’s campaign promise in 2022 was clear: “If I do not provide steady electricity in my first four years, do not vote for me for a second term.” Yet, in January 2026 alone, the national grid has already collapsed twice, and the month is not even over. Last year, it collapsed about twelve times. This reality sharply contradicts the promise and should worry every patriotic Nigerian. At the same time, the President is on another foreign trip, this time to Turkey, a country of about 87 million people—roughly a third of Nigeria’s population. Yet Turkey generates and distributes over 120,000 megawatts of electricity, while Nigeria struggles with less than 5% of that capacity. The contrast is both striking and painful. Our appeal is simple: stay at home and confront the nation’s problems. At this rate, we may soon hear of trips to Palau or Vanuatu while critical issues remain unattended at home. And yet, our collective preoccupation seems to be the next election, rather than how to secure good governance. We should be joining hands to demand accountability and responsible leadership, and to save Nigerians from the indignity and suffering caused by persistent bad governance A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Loyalty to Who? Today in Abuja, I attended the book launch of "The Loyalist" by Hon. Bolaji Abdullahi @BolajiADC , spokesperson for the ADC. The subject of loyalty in Nigeria is of utmost importance. We live in a nation where many elites in leadership positions demonstrate little to no loyalty to the country, its Constitution, its unity, its progress, or the welfare of its citizens. Instead, their loyalty often lies with self-interest and the reckless looting of public resources. It is disheartening that those who choose to uphold loyalty to the Constitution, advocate for good governance, and prioritise the well-being of the people are frequently marginalised, victimised, or ostracised. Our political landscape is marked by a selfish interpretation of loyalty, rather than genuine loyalty to the nation. I commend Hon. Bolaji Abdullahi for this work. I remain firmly committed to the unity of Nigeria, respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the welfare of our citizens. A new Nigeria is not just a dream; it is absolutely achievable. -PO

The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat Earlier in the day, after engaging with students at Dominican University, I attended the unveiling of “The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat,” written by Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde, in Ibadan. Reading the book reminded me of “Growing Apart” by Professor Peter Lewis, who observes with deep concern that Nigeria often knows the right course of action but repeatedly chooses the wrong path—a theme that resonates strongly throughout Professor Onigbinde’s work. What stands out in “The Manifesto of a Stubborn Goat” is the author’s courage to confront Nigeria’s challenges honestly. True patriotism, in my opinion, is not about praising the country when things go wrong, but rather critically examining its failings and contributing to possible solutions. Through his essays, Professor Onigbinde performs this vital service, providing an incisive ethical diagnosis of the nation’s political, social, and economic life. The book emphasizes that citizens have a responsibility to engage, reflect, and hold both leaders and institutions accountable. It addresses pressing issues such as insecurity, the collapse of trust, the erosion of civic responsibility, and the need for ethical leadership. The metaphor of the stubborn goat—an animal that resists being quietly led to slaughter—serves as a moral center, illustrating the importance of persistence, courage, and principled resistance, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. -PO

A Visit to Dominican University, Ibadan: An Experience That Renewed My Hope for Nigeria’s Future. I left Lagos at 5:30 a.m. and arrived in Ibadan at 8:00 a.m., heading straight to Dominican University to engage with the students and encourage them to strive for excellence in both their academics and character. After what I found to be a valuable interaction, including a question-and-answer session, I donated ₦30 million to support the university's ongoing development. This reaffirmed my belief that education is the cornerstone of progress. However, a simple yet powerful incident during my visit renewed my hope for Nigeria. I had forgotten my phone, and as I was leaving the university, students found it and returned it to me. This act of honesty reflects what Dominican University stands for: not only as a centre of learning but also as a place where character is shaped. I firmly believe that if we place equal emphasis on education and moral integrity, Nigeria’s greatness is within reach. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

2026: The Collapse Continues In January 2025, we witnessed the first grid collapse of that year, which was followed by several other collapses. Now in January, 2026 the national shame has commenced with yesterday's collapse. It is utterly disappointing that for three consecutive years—from 2023 to 2025—our nation has been ranked as having the least access to electricity globally, with nearly 100 million citizens left without power. When we compare our situation to other African nations, the disparity is stark. South Africa, with its population of about 64 million, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts. Egypt, with about 115 million population, also generates over 40,000 megawatts. Algeria, with around 48 million population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts. Meanwhile, Nigeria, the giant of Africa and its most populous nation with over 240 million people, produces a mere 5,000 megawatts—an absurdly low figure that severely hampers our productivity. This power crisis is a direct result of continuous leadership failures. The power sector is critical and requires competent and committed leadership to thrive. As we look towards 2027, Nigeria must prioritise competence and empathy in its leadership. It is time to elect individuals with the capacity and dedication necessary to initiate a significant turnaround for our nation. Anything less is unacceptable. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

I was in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, on Wednesday where I joined Hon. Josiah Koche, the ADC Chairmanship candidate, to engage directly with the people as part of the ongoing campaign for the February 21 FCT Area Council elections. From there, I proceeded to Gui Ward in AMAC, where I met with the Bassa Royal Father and his people, alongside Dr Moses Paul @Drmopaul, the AMAC Chairmanship candidate. As always, the engagement focused on listening to the people, exchanging ideas grounded in competence, compassion, and accountability, and reaffirming our shared commitment to building a society that truly works for all. I remain firmly convinced that with the right leadership and people-centred governance, our communities can achieve meaningful and sustainable progress. -PO

Resetting Our Emergency Facilities On January 20, I was in Abuja on a day filled with important engagements. My visit began at the Kugbo Furniture Market in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where I went to stand in solidarity with traders who suffered devastating losses running into millions of naira following a recent fire incident. At a time when many Nigerians are grappling with deepening hardship and poverty, such losses are especially painful. The traders shared their experiences and the circumstances surrounding the incident, and I appreciated their resilience and warm reception. I reassured them that, despite the setback, they will recover and thrive again with the right support. This incident once again underscores my consistent call for a comprehensive reform of our emergency response systems. A nation that truly cares for its people must invest in efficient, well-coordinated emergency services that respond promptly and effectively to crises, saving lives and livelihoods. I was accompanied on this visit by the AMAC Chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Dr Moses Paul @Drmopaul, as we continue engagements ahead of the forthcoming council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026. We must work towards a Nigeria where preventable tragedies are prevented, and where institutions function as they should for the benefit of all. A New Nigeria Is POssible -PO

Since it has now been confirmed that over 150 worshippers were kidnapped from churches in Kaduna, where and how did those who denied the incident initially get their information? And since those who deny threatened to punish the people said to be spreading falsehood, who now face the punishment? In any serious country, this would trigger decisive national action, clear communication, and visible leadership. Leadership is not only about grabbing power, but it is also about presence. It is about speaking when citizens are hurting, acting when lives are at risk, and showing clearly that every Nigerian life matters. We must act now to ensure that all victims are released safely and unharmed, and to continue confronting decisively this persistent crisis of insecurity in our nation. Enough is enough. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

What is happening in our country? I have just been informed that yet again, at the weekend, about 172 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna. This is yet another unfortunate consequence of a nation where insecurity has been allowed to grow, unchecked and unchallenged in our everyday lives, as though it were normal. This should not be. Even with the government and police stating they are not aware of this incident, we must ask ourselves hard questions. Is this how we will continue? Can we keep waking up to news of mass abductions, disputed figures, and official denials while citizens live in fear? Whether confirmed or contested, the frequency of such reports alone shows a greater crisis of safety, leadership, and unity. Just recently, other communities in Benue, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Plateau, have faced similarly gruesome insecurity. Nigeria is not at war, yet here we are again, counting victims with inconsistencies that surpass those of nations at war. A government that can mobilise resources for waste, for propaganda, for foreign lobbyists, but cannot secure communities or protect its people has misplaced its priorities. To the people of Kaduna, you are not alone. We stand with you, and to the families whose loved ones were taken, we share in your pain. We pray and hope that those abducted will be found and returned safely, and that those injured in the course of this attack receive swift and full medical recovery. If the denials are true, we thank God Almighty. if untrue, we stand with the families of those affected and urge the relevant authorities to take swift action. Nigeria deserves a government that treats human life as sacred, the time to confront this insecurity is now. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Crimes in Kano: Police Swift Action is Commendable The horrifying story of the murder of a housewife and her six children remains a deep sorrow in our hearts as a nation. I would like to commend the Nigerian Police for their swift action in apprehending the criminals, and I pray that they extend the same positive results to other areas of crime, such as kidnapping and banditry. If we continue to see such decisive actions from our law enforcement agencies, we will undoubtedly witness a significant decline in crime within our communities. A new Nigeria is possible and within our reach. -PO

Congratulations to our Super Eagles on securing the third-place medal at AFCON. Thank you for representing the Nigerian people. You fought with character, represented Nigeria with honour, and reminded us that progress is built through perseverance. The nation is proud of you. May this result be a strong foundation for even greater victories ahead. Come home as the victors that you are, and continue to soar high our dearest Super Eagles. Congratulations @NGSuperEagles -PO

Investing in Education and Skills for a Stronger Nigeria I had the privilege of visiting ADON institutions yesterday and donated a total of ₦15 million to enhance health and technical education. This includes ₦10 million for the ADON College of Health Technology in Nnewi and ₦5 million for the ADON Vocational and Technical Academy in Ozubulu. Both of these institutions are part of the missionary initiative of the Anglican Diocese of Nnewi, which guides our youth toward productive paths and equips them with valuable skills. The ADON College of Health Technology in Nnewi trains skilled health professionals, while the ADON Vocational and Technical Academy empowers local youth with technical and vocational skills, facilitating their transition into productive careers. These institutions address critical gaps in education and skill development, which are essential for the growth of our communities. My support for both institutions stems from the belief that education and skill development are the foundation for a productive and sustainable Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

A Life that Preached Our Shared Humanity I learned of the death of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a man whose life exemplified our shared humanity. Nigeria honors a soul who rose above hatred and division by opening his home and mosque to save lives in times of need. He reminded us that the truest expression of faith is the protection of human dignity. While many may choose to mourn Abubakar, I believe it is more fitting to celebrate him. He transformed his life into a powerful lesson, showing us that we are strongest when we recognize one another first as human beings, regardless of religion or tribe. His legacy urges Nigeria to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence. We honor this great soul because he understood that true leadership is not found in the exercise of power but in the exercise of mercy. At a time when the shadows of division loomed large due to the abuse of our faith, he stood as a beacon of light, reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable. May Allah grant us the vision to create the new Nigeria of our dreams, where leadership is based on competence, capacity, and compassion. May his soul find eternal peace in the Gardens of Jannah, and may we carry forward the torch of radical compassion. -PO

It is both tragic and concerning that our leaders continue to prioritize waste, corruption, propaganda, lies, and negative aspects of development over positive initiatives. Recently, it was reported that $9 million of taxpayers' money was spent on lobbyists in Washington, which I believe is just a small fraction of the global waste occurring in the same manner. This situation aligns with the disgraceful state of Nigeria. This is merely a small example of wasteful spending that has contributed to our nation’s current failing status. To further illustrate the impact of such waste, we can look at a critical measure of development: the Human Development Index (HDI). Nigeria has remained stagnant in the low HDI category for 35 years, from 1990 to 2025. In contrast, comparable nations within the same low category, such as China—where Nigeria had a three-fold higher per capita income in 1990—and Indonesia have advanced from low to medium, and now to high categories. The achievements of these nations were not the result of fate, miracles, or natural endowments, but rather a consequence of choices and the cumulative effects of good and bad leadership. This underscores the importance of prioritization. To explain further the implications of the $9 million expenditure, let’s consider the components of HDI: life expectancy (health), education, and per capita income (poverty). Nigeria is failing in all three measures. For instance, regarding health, let's examine the $9 million, which is approximately ₦14 billion spent wrongly. Nigeria now has the lowest life expectancy in the world and ranks among the top two countries globally for maternal mortality, making childbirth one of the most precarious experiences for Nigerian women. Instead of investing in life-saving systems, we spend millions trying to obscure our failures. Our key medical centers are teaching hospitals, and I will use six—one from each geopolitical zone of Nigeria—to illustrate this failure. For the 2024 capital budget for teaching hospitals, which remains operational today, the allocations are as follows: ₦2.67 billion to the University College Hospital, Ibadan (South-West), ₦2.46 billion to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria (North-West), ₦2.8 billion to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (South-East), ₦2.43 billion to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City (South-South), ₦1.16 billion to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin (North-Central), and ₦2.37 billion to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri (North-East), totaling ₦13.9 billion for our premier medical centers. The $9 million spent on foreign lobbyists could have been used wisely to purchase essential hospital equipment for Nigerian hospitals, improving our healthcare capabilities and positively influencing our national image. This $9 million is sufficient to fund the entire 2024 capital budget for at least one major teaching hospital in each zone, directly enhancing survival rates, care, and life expectancy. The funds are available; what is lacking are prioritization, discipline, and effective leadership. This situation is unacceptable. Every naira of taxpayers' money should serve the Nigerian people. Instead, citizens are dying in failing hospitals while the government pays foreigners to pretend that everything is fine. We cannot continue to live in an illusion while our reality deteriorates. This constant prioritization of trivial matters must come to an end. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Keeping the Promise: A Return to Immaculata Girls’ Model Secondary School, Nnewi Yesterday, I returned to Immaculata Girls’ Model Secondary School in Nnewi to fulfill the promise I made during my visit in the last quarter of last year. I had assured them that I would come back, and I did so with a donation of ₦5 million to support the development of the school. It was a moment filled with joy and encouragement, serving as a reminder that promises, especially those made to our children and educational institutions, must always be honored. I urged the students, particularly the girls, to take their education seriously, as knowledge can open doors to opportunities they may not even imagine. Education is not only a pathway to personal success but also the most powerful tool for national development. I remain committed to supporting education at all levels because when we invest in learning, we invest in hope, progress, and a better future for our society. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Yesterday, I attended a deeply emotional and heartbreaking burial of three siblings, Stephen Onyeka Omatu, Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, the three young brothers whose lives were cruelly cut short in the Great Nigeria Insurance building fire in Lagos, Nigeria. It is almost impossible to describe the depth of this tragedy. For days, these young men sent distressing pleas for help while trapped in the building, yet there were no emergency services to rescue them. Several days passed in the rubble before their bodies were finally recovered. Several days of unanswered calls, of a system that failed them at the moment they needed it most. This is not just a personal loss for their family, it is a national loss. This tragedy should serve as a reminder that our emergency services must be improved and accessible to every citizen. We cannot continue like this. Every life matters, and no Nigerian should ever have to endure such neglect or be left to perish in such a gruesome way, while help could have been provided. I pray that the souls of Steve, Casmir, and Collins find eternal rest, and that God grants their family the courage, strength, and comfort to bear this unimaginable grief. May we never forget them, and may we be moved to ensure such a tragedy never happens again. -PO

Remembering Our Heroes Past. On this solemn day of Armed Forces Remembrance, we honour those who have laid down their lives in service to our nation. This special annual event serves as a reminder for us to recommit ourselves to being a nation worthy of their sacrifice. We are told that a soldier’s true grave is not in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of those they protected—those who slept peacefully while their heroes stood guard. In the heat of the sun and the chill of the night, they stood at the frontlines for us. Perhaps the most fitting honour we can bestow upon these heroes is to live lives that promote peace and progress. We must provide leadership that gives hope to the hopeless. For the families of these fallen heroes, today is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of an empty chair and a voice that is no longer heard. While we cannot fill that void, we want to assure you that their immense sacrifice was never in vain. God bless our fallen heroes, and may their souls continue to rest in eternal honour. -PO

Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was a battle well fought and heads were not bowed. Thank you for a beautiful 120 minutes of incredible play. You showed your strength and prowess against all odds. The journey is not over. You have made the nation proud. Keep your heads high, the Eagle never stops soaring. There is another stage, let’s go get that medal. You have done well.-PO

Supporting Purposeful Leadership Senator Victor Umeh Is Delivering. Yesterday, I visited Francis Cardinal Arinze Secondary School in Nkwelle Ezunaka, where I joined Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central. He made a significant gesture by providing over ₦60 million to cover the school fees of 327 students drawn from all 78 communities within his senatorial zone and beyond. This initiative, which he has sustained over the years, is truly commendable. I encouraged the beneficiary students to take full advantage of this opportunity, reminding them that education remains the surest path to a meaningful future. Through the Victor Umeh Education Foundation (VUMEF), Senator Umeh continues to demonstrate the profound impact of investing in human capacity and its immense contribution to societal growth. In doing so, the distinguished Senator exemplifies the kind of purposeful leadership that is increasingly rare in our political landscape. I congratulate him. -PO