OK Must Be Okay – by Emeka Obasi

The political scene appears to be shifting with the rise of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), as millions weigh their choices while preparations for the 2027 presidential election accelerate.

I had expected President Bola Tinubu to endorse a candidate from the South‑East geopolitical zone and to step down honorably on May 29, 2027. Such a gesture would have positioned Asiwaju as a true healer of broken hearts.

I had also suggested that the President support his son, Seyi, for the governorship of Lagos State. However, many who have benefited from Tinubu’s generosity felt that endorsing a son after a father was a risky move. They forgot that Otunba Niyi Adebayo became governor many years after his father, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, left office.

Change has been a constant theme since the Second Republic, when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo tried to form an alliance to oust President Shehu Shagari and the National Party of Nigeria in 1983. Some northern governors joined the Progressive Governors Forum.

The Fourth Republic needs a new direction in 2027, something that moves beyond the current hardships that have made life unbearable for millions. Some who benefit from the presidential kitchen appear to be shielding the truth from Jagaban.

My observations come from interactions I had in 2008 on Victoria Island, Lagos, among politicians such as Dr. Doyin Okupe. Okupe spoke of power and praise, citing Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo to illustrate his point.

He recalled that during the 1999 presidential campaigns he was close to Obasanjo, and that the general’s office was open to all his close associates, who could share a bed after long journeys. There was no discrimination or protocol, and suggestions were freely exchanged.

When Obasanjo became president, some of his appointees began to elevate him to a superhuman status. Okupe noted that at one point a minister had to crawl from his seat to speak with the president in the same living room.

Turning to the NDC, it is clear that Mr. Peter Obi is a serious contender, and Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso is no frivolous figure. I was informed that Senator Seriake Dickson is “Aka Gum.” These are the types of leaders the country needs now, and we should move away from spendthrifts.

Obi is well known. Until recently, when he began wearing an Indonesian Suharto cap, it was hard to separate him from his simple black attire. His black shoes are affordable, and you do not need to be as wealthy as Femi Otedola to match Obi’s style.

The first time I met Kwankwaso was in 2002 at the Ogbe Stadium in Benin City, my birthplace. Governor Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State had invited us from Lagos to watch him play football. The then Kano State governor wore his trademark white.

Kwankwaso carried no airs and remained calm. I cannot recall his exact position at the Government House when Igbinedion shared stories of why he quit goalkeeping in Europe. The cold was biting, so the best move was to switch to an attacking role.

The partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso is appealing. Nigeria needs decisive leaders, not mere followers. Tinubu has always been steadfast and has never been bought by money or power, a strong quality. I am pleased that Obi and Kwankwaso have refused to be harassed or harangued.

I am not aware that Obi stole Anambra State’s “shishi.” In terms of automobiles, I liken him to Chief