Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed his willingness to support Peter Obi if the party decides to select him as the candidate for the 2027 presidential elections.

In a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service, Atiku emphasized his commitment to abiding by the party’s decision should it favor the South-East region.

“I have said repeatedly, and I even mentioned it before the 2023 general elections, that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or specifically the South-East, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was open to all members of the party. If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” Atiku stated.

He further revealed that a merger between the PDP and the Labour Party (LP) is a possibility, hinting at strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku noted that members of the party would ultimately decide his role in the next election cycle.

Atiku also touched on his recent meeting with Peter Obi, which has sparked speculation about a potential alliance. He described the meeting as a friendly and routine interaction among opposition leaders, emphasizing its importance for Nigeria’s democratic health.

“It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest,” he remarked.

When asked about the prospects of a merger between the PDP and the Labour Party, Atiku was optimistic. “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that,” he said.

Addressing concerns about potential conflicts over the choice of a presidential candidate, Atiku dismissed such worries, assuring that the decision would not hinder merger discussions. “That’s not true. That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t be an issue,” he affirmed.

Abuja-based businesswoman and mother of five, Ramat Mercy Mba, has been sentenced to various prison terms for her role in an employment scam and for forging the signature of the late Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mba was convicted on charges brought against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and was sentenced by the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwagwalada. The presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Mohammad, had deferred sentencing last week, directing that Mba be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre until Thursday’s sentencing.

The ICPC had arraigned Mba in June 2022 on a five-count charge including cheating, fraud, and forgery, in violation of Section 13 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, and Sections 320(b) and 366 of the Penal Code Cap 89 laws of Northern Nigeria.

During the trial, the ICPC’s prosecutor, Mr. Hamza Sani, presented evidence detailing how Mba committed the offences in 2020. She collected a total of N4.5 million from several job seekers, falsely promising to secure employment for them with the ICPC and the National Air Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned a nine-day timeline, termed “FCT Week,” dedicated to the inauguration of completed projects in Abuja. This event will commence on May 27, 2024.

During a final inspection of several ongoing projects on Friday, Wike revealed that the inauguration activities would kick off with the launch of the commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system. This marks a significant milestone in the capital’s transportation infrastructure, aimed at enhancing urban mobility and reducing traffic congestion.

In addition to the rail system, other critical projects slated for inauguration include the official residence of the Vice President, a notable development that underscores the government’s commitment to providing top-tier facilities for its leaders. Also on the agenda is the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), which extends from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1, featuring four interchanges designed to improve traffic flow and connectivity within the city. Another significant infrastructure, the B6 and B12 Circle Road, will also be inaugurated, further expanding the city’s road network and easing transportation.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of the projects, praising the contractors for adhering to the project timelines. He highlighted the FCT Administration’s role in ensuring timely project completion through consistent funding and support.

“By the approval of Mr. President, we believe that from the 27th of this month, we shall start the inauguration of the various projects,” Wike stated. “Particularly on the 27th, we believe the President will flag off the commercial operation of the Abuja Metro line. We believe on Monday, we will do the final inspection of that. From what we have seen, I think we are good to go.”