According to The Guardian, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced strong opposition to the compulsory adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for all secondary schools. Obi warned that enforcing a digital-only format without providing the necessary ICT infrastructure would disenfranchise students in rural and underserved communities, further widening the educational gap in Nigeria.
Speaking at a school event in Anambra, Obi argued that while digitalization is necessary, it must be preceded by a massive investment in school laboratories and reliable electricity. He cautioned that many schools currently lack the basic facilities to register candidates under the new CBT guidelines, which could lead to a massive drop in examination enrollment.
In response to these concerns, some philanthropists have begun donating ICT centers to schools to help them meet the new requirements. However, Obi insists that private intervention alone cannot bridge a gap created by systemic government neglect.
ThisDay reported that several civil society groups have joined Obi in calling for a phased implementation of the policy. A school principal quoted in The Nation stated, “We cannot test children on computers they have never touched in a classroom.” Meanwhile, Daily Post quoted an education official who argued, “The transition to CBT is inevitable if we are to eliminate examination malpractice, but the timeline must be realistic.”
Echotitbits take: Obi is tapping into a very real anxiety among parents and educators. While CBT reduces cheating, the “digital divide” is a legitimate threat to national literacy rates. Expect this to become a major talking point in the upcoming education reform debates.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/peter-obi-criticises-jamb-over-unjust-clampdown-on-cbt-centres-in-anambra/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
Tag: Peter Obi
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Peter Obi Warns of Educational Inequality Over Mandatory CBT Policy
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Senate Reopens Electoral Act Talks Amid National Outcry Over Data Transmission
In an update published by The Punch, the Nigerian Senate is set to convene an emergency plenary session today, February 10, 2026, to address the heated controversy surrounding the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The legislative move follows a week of intense public backlash after lawmakers removed the requirement for “real-time” electronic transmission of election results, a decision that critics argue could undermine the transparency of the 2027 general elections.
The session, directed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, aims to harmonize the Upper Chamber’s position with that of the House of Representatives. Tension has mounted as civil society organizations and opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, led “Occupy National Assembly” protests in Abuja to demand a reversal of the clause. Lawmakers are expected to deliberate on whether to reinstate the “real-time” terminology to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Beyond the electoral dispute, the Senate is also facing internal shifts following the recent loss of two members and the appointment of another to a diplomatic role. This emergency sitting is viewed as a critical moment for the 10th Assembly to prove its commitment to legislative integrity and respond to the demands of a restive citizenry.
Validating reports from Channels Television and Daily Post confirm the legislative urgency. Channels Television noted that “security operatives have been placed on high alert around the National Assembly complex as protesters gather,” while Daily Post reported that the Senate Spokesman stated the chamber is “not averse to public criticism and will resolve the issue in the interest of the nation.”
Echotitbits take: The Senate’s decision to backtrack and hold an emergency session suggests that the pressure from “Occupy National Assembly” is working. If the “real-time” transmission clause is not reinstated, expect a further breakdown in trust between the youth-led electorate and the ruling class ahead of 2027.
Source: TribuneOnline – https://tribuneonlineng.com/updated-electoral-act-senate-summons-emergency-plenary/, February 10, 2026
Photo credit: TribuneOnline
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Judicial Ruling Ousts Abure, Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader
Judicial Ruling Ousts Abure, Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled Julius Abure’s tenure expired and ordered INEC to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party caretaker committee.
Further reporting across multiple outlets indicates the development is drawing heightened attention, with stakeholders watching for next steps from relevant authorities and institutions.
Echotitbits take: This judgment aligns with the Peter Obi-led faction’s efforts to stabilize the party ahead of the 2027 cycle. Watch for potential realignments as the Nenadi Usman committee prepares for a national convention to elect permanent executives.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/lp-crisis-abure-to-appeal-courts-recognition-of-otti-faction/ (2026-01-21)
Photo credit: The Punch
2026-01-21 10:00:00
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Peter Obi Clarifies Lack of Property Ownership in Abuja
Photo credit: VOA (Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
2026-01-17 08:00:00
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he does not own any house or landed property in Abuja, explaining that he prefers to avoid the administrative burden of maintaining multiple properties.
His comments have drawn both praise and skepticism, with supporters framing the message as a benchmark for accountability and critics questioning the political timing as the next election cycle approaches.
Echotitbits take: Lifestyle narratives resonate in a climate of anti-elite sentiment. Expect “asset discipline” and integrity signaling to feature more prominently as political competition intensifies.
Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/peter-obi-i-dont-own-land-or-house-in-abuja/ (January 17, 2026)
Photo Credit: Arise
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Peter Obi Slams ₦8 Trillion NNPCL Debt Write-Off as ‘Fiscal Recklessness’
Reporting by The Nation indicates Labour Party leader Peter Obi criticized the federal government’s reported write-off of roughly ₦8 trillion in debts linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), calling it fiscally reckless.
The write-off reportedly includes a mix of naira and dollar liabilities, which the presidency framed as a balance-sheet cleanup ahead of a potential public listing. Obi argued that such a large cancellation should be backed by transparent audits and accountability.
He called for full disclosure on how the liabilities accumulated and suggested recovered sums should be reinvested into critical sectors like infrastructure and education.
Daily Post and Tribune Online also reported responses, including claims by government spokesmen that the step is standard corporate restructuring rather than impropriety.
Echotitbits take: This could become an early flashpoint in Nigeria’s next economic-political cycle. Balance-sheet cleanup is normal, but scale demands transparency—watch for legislative hearings or audit calls.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/obi-condemns-%E2%82%A68tr-nnpc-debt-write-off-warns-of-fiscal-recklessness/ 2026-01-09
Photo Credit: The Guardian
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Atiku Abubakar Rules Out Stepping Down for ADC Presidential Ticket
In an update published by The Punch, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed claims that he might withdraw from the contest for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, insisting he remains committed to the race.
Through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the ruling APC of attempting to meddle in the internal affairs of opposition coalitions and urged Nigerians to resist moves aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Daily Post and Tribune Online also reported the stance, noting Atiku’s rejection of calls to step aside and pointing to heightened interest in the ADC following recent political realignments.
Echotitbits take: Atiku’s refusal to step aside sets up a high‑stakes internal contest. Peter Obi may bring youth momentum, while Atiku brings structure and experience—how the party manages competing ambitions will shape whether it unifies or fractures ahead of 2027.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/adc-presidential-ticket-no-one-is-stepping-down-atiku/ 2026-01-07
Photo Credit: Vanguard
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Peter Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Membership Surge and Political Realignment
According to Legit NG, the formal defection of former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has triggered a massive wave of new memberships and a reshuffling of political alliances ahead of the 2027 cycle. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that the party has seen an influx of lawmakers and grassroots supporters since the announcement.
The ‘Obi factor’ is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the opposition, as the ADC positions itself as a credible alternative to the PDP and APC. Political analysts suggest that this move could lead to a broader coalition of ‘third-force’ parties seeking to challenge the current administration’s grip on power.
The story was also covered by Premium Times and The Punch. Premium Times reported on the ‘ADC ticket battle’ as other prominent figures begin to eye the party’s platform, while The Punch noted that ‘Obi’s formal defection boosted the party’s membership,’ quoting senior party officials on the strategic importance of the move.
Echotitbits take: Peter Obi remains the most disruptive force in Nigerian politics. His move to the ADC suggests he is building a new structure early to avoid the last-minute logistics issues that hampered his 2023 run. The influx of lawmakers indicates that ‘Obidients’ are now focused on building legislative power alongside the presidency.
Source: ThePunch – https://punchng.com/adc-membership-swells-after-obis-defection/ January 6 2026Photo Credit: ThePunch
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Obi’s ADC talks deepen as opposition parties jockey for a 2027 coalition lane
Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 09:00:00According to PUNCH, discussions around Peter Obi potentially aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have intensified as the party plans a convention and opposition actors reposition ahead of 2027.
Analysts say the move—if it materialises—would reflect a broader scramble to consolidate structures, ballot access, and negotiating power across rival opposition blocs.
The ADC has presented itself as an organising platform for coalition talks, though details of timelines and agreements remain fluid.
PUNCH’s political desk flagged the convention as a key milestone that could shape coalition bargaining going into 2027.
Echotitbits take: Coalition politics is about structure, not slogans. Watch whether ADC can unify factions, secure credible primaries, and avoid the fragmentation that weakened past “third force” efforts.
Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/obi-set-to-join-adc-as-party-plans-convention/)
The Punch December 28, 2025
https://punchng.com/obi-set-to-join-adc-as-party-plans-convention/