Although former President Goodluck Jonathan has yet to make a formal declaration on the 2027 presidential race, his rumoured ambition has continued to draw reactions from political opponents, who argue that a return bid could jeopardise the South’s chances of retaining the presidency.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Chidi Odinkalu (SAN) had urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to hand its ticket to Jonathan, arguing that his return bid would face legal obstacles since he had already been sworn in twice as president.

However, Robert Azibaola, a cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has affirmed that Jonathan is fully qualified under Nigerian law to contest the 2027 presidential election, stressing that he did not need unsolicited advice.

“GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest if he chooses to. If he chooses not to yield to his overwhelming calls to contest, it would not be because he is not qualified,” he wrote on his verified Facebook page on Monday, September 1 2025.

He further reminded Keyamo and Odinkalu that Jonathan has access to a team of experienced legal advisers.

Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from May 2010 to May 2015, assuming office initially as acting president following the illness and death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

He later won the 2011 election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), securing 58.89 per cent of the vote.

Azibaola emphasised that his statement does not confirm Jonathan’s intention to run, but seeks to clarify misconceptions about his legal eligibility.

This is not a confirmation that GEJ is running, though,” he noted.

The comments from Jonathan’s cousin is coming in the heels of debates within Nigeria’s political circles, especially the opposition, which remains divided between the PDP, the Labour Party, and other political actors, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, on who is the best candidate to wrestle power from the incumbent president and lead Nigeria to prosperity.

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has urged the newly elected Local Government Chairmen to be selfless and focus on Grassroot development.

Ibas gave the charge while swearing in newly elected chairmen of the 23 LG Councils in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday evening.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen.

Ibas told the chairmen to embrace a new era of transparent, accountable, and reform-driven leadership for the people of their respective areas.

The administrator firmly stated that public office is a sacred trust, not an avenue for personal gain, and urged them to reflect such.

Ibas stated, “This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed. It is a burden to be carried. It is not an entitlement but a duty. It is not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service,”

He cautioned that leadership must move beyond the politics of patronage and focus squarely on delivering measurable services that tangibly improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots.

The administrator placed the historic event within the broader context of the state’s recent challenges, recalling President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, following the tenets political situation in the state occasioned by disagreements among political actors.

The administrator firmly stated that public office is a sacred trust, not an avenue for personal gain, and urged them to reflect such.

Ibas stated, “This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed. It is a burden to be carried. It is not an entitlement but a duty. It is not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service,”

He cautioned that leadership must move beyond the politics of patronage and focus squarely on delivering measurable services that tangibly improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots.

The administrator placed the historic event within the broader context of the state’s recent challenges, recalling President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, following the tenets political situation in the state occasioned by disagreements among political actors.

He, however, hailed the peaceful and successful conduct of the Local Government elections on August 30, 2025, describing it as a decisive step towards reinstating constitutional order in the oil-rich state.

To Rivers people, he said, “You proved that democracy belongs to the people, that power must flow from the consent of the governed, and that no obstacle can weaken the resolve of a united citizenry. ”

The administrator commended the electorate for their discipline and active participation in last Saturday’s poll, even as he praised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for delivering a transparent, credible, and rancour-free electoral process.

He further urged the incoming chairmen to acquaint themselves with the Nigerian Constitution and all statutes guiding the local government system, which he described as the essential “compass of stewardship.”

Ibas also admonish them to make peace and security their major priority, working closely with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders to foster stability.

“Without peace, there can be no progress,” he affirmed and asked them to strengthen local economies by supporting small businesses, critical infrastructure upgrades, and investments in education.

Ibas thanked the outgoing Council Administrators for their steadfast service and contributions during a critical period in the state’s history and wished them well in their future endeavours.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Michael Odey, has told newly elected chairmen of the 23 LGAs of the state to see the certificates issued them as “mandates for service,” rather than “symbols of victory.”

Odey gave the charge on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Port Harcourt, at the presentation of Certificates of Return to 23 chairmen and 319 councillors declared winners of the just-concluded local government elections held on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

“The certificates you have received are not symbols of victory but mandates for service to the people,” Odey said.

He admonished the newly elected officials to shun the “winner-takes-all” attitude and instead embrace humility, transparency, and accountability in their leadership. Odey also emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law as a foundation for effective governance

The RSIEC chairman commended the structures put in place for the election, noting that they contributed to a seamless process and peaceful conduct of the polls.

Addressing candidates and parties dissatisfied with the outcome to seek justice in court, stressing that the judiciary remains the constitutional avenue for resolving electoral disputes. He further assured that the commission will conduct a post-election review to consolidate lessons learned and improve on future elections.

By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi

For African countries to make meaningful progress, her leaders must learn from the successes and failures of leaders from other continents.

A South African don, Dr Greg Mills said there was the need for an urgent transformational leadership to drive Africa’s progress and avoid repeating historical mistakes Lagos.

Mills, a former visiting fellow at the University of Navarra and National Director, South Africa Institute of International Affairs made the remarks during the institute’s session with its Executive Syndicate Class for top Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).

A statement by Prof. Elvis Otobo, Media Consultant, Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) in Ogun, issued to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos noted that in his presentation, Mills drew insights from his acclaimed book, ‘The Essence of Success’ and other works, to illustrate how leadership traits from sports, business, media and politics intersect.

According to him, transformational leadership is inextricably linked to governance and political environments.

“Being an effective manager does not guarantee visionary leadership.

“Leaders must motivate teams, articulate a clear vision, pursue bold policies, and resist distractions of power or popularity.

“True leaders distinguish between tactical and strategic actions,” he explained.

He noted that at one moment, true leaders were passionate, prepared, and patient, and in the next, they demonstrated conviction, courage, communication, and compassion through their vision and energy.

Mills then highlighted consistency in core leadership qualities as one of the four “threads of success” that every leader must weave into their approach.

The don also listed the relentless pursuit of excellence, the ability to envision, plan, and communicate effectively, as well as the capacity to recognise the difference between being good and being great.

On his part, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Founder and Chairman of OOLI’s Governing Board, reinforced the message with a clarion call to the continent’s leaders.

“African countries stand the chance to benefit from quality transformational leadership. We need leaders who are committed to Africa’s infrastructural, human, and capital development,” he said.

Prof. Samuel Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive of the institute and moderator of the session, praised the depth of the discussion and reiterated OOLI’s commitment to hosting world-class speakers.

“This event marks another milestone in our mission. OOLI will continue to facilitate strategic engagements that challenge conventional thinking and empower Africa’s next generation of ethical, transformational leaders,” Daramola said.