Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed doubts about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket for the 2027 election.

Speaking in a live media session on Wednesday, Wike argued that Nigerians have repeatedly rejected Atiku’s proposals in past elections.

Wike referred to Atiku’s recent comment that he would have handled Nigeria’s current challenges differently than President Bola Tinubu. In response, Wike remarked, “Nigerians have already reviewed his blueprint and made their decision.”

President Bola Tinubu has offered his sincere congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo following his official inauguration as the new Governor of Edo State today.

The President extended his best wishes for a successful tenure, urging Governor Okpebholo to work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of Edo State and to leave a lasting legacy throughout his time in office.

Governor Okpebholo’s victory in the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.

With this win, Okpebholo has assumed leadership from the former governor, Godwin Obaseki, who served for two terms.

In his message, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of the trust placed in Governor Okpebholo by the people of Edo and the APC.

He emphasized that the new governor has a significant opportunity to shape the future of the state, urging him to work diligently to justify this trust.

The President also called for the strengthening of democratic institutions, particularly the legislature, noting that a strong, independent legislature is essential for ensuring good governance and the advancement of democracy in Edo State.

Tinubu took the opportunity to reflect on the previous administration under Governor Obaseki, mentioning concerns about the attempts made to weaken the legislative branch, which, in his view, affected its ability to function effectively during much of its tenure.

He stressed that for Edo to move forward, it is essential for all branches of government to work in harmony, with mutual respect for their roles and functions.

Moreover, President Tinubu praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its successful organization of the Edo Governorship Election, which was conducted with transparency and professionalism.

He acknowledged the Commission’s efforts in ensuring a free and fair process, while also encouraging them to maintain and build upon these high standards in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, which is set to take place on November 16, 2024.

President Tinubu concluded his message by celebrating this new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey.

President-elect Donald Trump recently named billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as the heads of a new initiative to overhaul federal government operations, which will be called the Department of Government Efficiency.

In his announcement, Trump highlighted the duo’s combined potential to dramatically reshape the U.S. government, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and rethinking federal agency structures.

Trump likened this effort to a modern-day “Manhattan Project,” stressing the monumental scope of the proposed changes.

He stated that the agency, informally referred to as “DOGE,” aims to accomplish long-held Republican goals of cutting through red tape and making the government more responsive to American citizens.

Elon Musk, known for revolutionizing industries with companies like Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to large-scale innovation.

His involvement signals a shift toward a more business-minded approach to government, one where entrepreneurial principles could lead to streamlined processes and reduced spending.

Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy, who recently campaigned on promises of shaking up Washington’s status quo, brings a fresh perspective on political reform.

Together, Musk and Ramaswamy are expected to focus on eliminating waste and inefficiency in the federal government’s $6.5 trillion budget, targeting areas of excessive spending and operational waste that have long been sources of frustration for Americans.

In his announcement, Trump emphasized that Musk and Ramaswamy will collaborate closely with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget.

The goal is not just to reduce spending but to reinvent government systems in a way that serves the American people more effectively.

Trump expressed confidence in their ability to bring “advice and guidance from outside government,” leveraging their combined experience in both the private sector and political realms.

He envisions a streamlined government that prioritizes accountability to taxpayers.

Beyond cutting costs, the president-elect hopes this effort will empower American businesses and workers by reducing burdensome regulations that often slow economic growth.