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Why Atiku Abubakar Cannot Succeed Obasanjo

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The Sunday Magazine – Political Desk Feature

As Nigeria moved closer to the 2007 general elections, political attention was heavily focused on the complex relationship between President Olusegun Obasanjo and his Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. A front-page headline from The Sunday Magazine captured the debate succinctly: “Why Atiku Abubakar Cannot Succeed Obasanjo.” The article reflected the prevailing political tensions, intra-party struggles, and the battle for succession within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Background: The Obasanjo-Atiku Partnership

Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned politician and businessman from Adamawa State, rose to national prominence in the late 1990s. As Obasanjo’s running mate, he played a critical role in the PDP’s victory in the 1999 and 2003 elections. Initially, their partnership seemed mutually beneficial: Obasanjo brought national appeal as a former military Head of State, while Atiku commanded grassroots loyalty, particularly in the North, and maintained extensive political networks.

However, by the second term of the administration, their alliance had begun to fracture. Ideological differences, conflicting ambitions, and control over the PDP machinery became flashpoints. By 2005, tensions had escalated to the point where open rivalry was undeniable.

The Third Term Agenda and Its Fallout

One of the central issues straining their relationship was the alleged “Third Term Agenda.” Reports suggested that Obasanjo and his loyalists were exploring a constitutional amendment that would allow him to remain in power beyond 2007. Atiku was among those who resisted this move, positioning himself as a defender of democratic succession.

This resistance came at a political cost. Obasanjo’s allies within the PDP began sidelining Atiku, undermining his access to party structures. The Sunday Magazine article emphasized that this political rift significantly reduced Atiku’s chances of emerging as Obasanjo’s chosen successor.

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The PDP Machinery and Atiku’s Challenge

The PDP, as Nigeria’s dominant political party at the time, was the main platform for electoral success. However, its control rested in the hands of the President and the party’s National Executive Committee. The magazine noted that the “National Chairman of the All Peoples Liberation Party (APLP)” even weighed in, observing that without Obasanjo’s blessing, Atiku’s path to the presidency through the PDP was nearly impossible.

The article highlighted how Obasanjo, through influence over party primaries, campaign funding, and state apparatus, could effectively block Atiku’s candidacy. Internal suspensions, corruption allegations, and orchestrated media attacks further weakened the Vice President’s standing.

The Road to 2007 and Atiku’s Dilemma

As the 2007 elections approached, Atiku faced mounting obstacles. His strained relationship with Obasanjo, the loss of influence within the PDP, and the possibility of disqualification due to corruption probes all combined to erode his political prospects.

The Sunday Magazine analysis argued that even though Atiku commanded significant grassroots support and had loyalists across the North, these factors alone were insufficient to overcome the machinery of the ruling establishment. The conclusion was clear: Obasanjo was unlikely to hand over power to his Vice President, and without Obasanjo’s endorsement, Atiku’s chances of succeeding him were slim.

Legacy of the Rift

History later confirmed much of this analysis. Atiku eventually defected from the PDP and joined the Action Congress (AC), under which he contested the 2007 presidential election. He finished third, behind Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (the PDP candidate) and Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Obasanjo, true to predictions, had instead endorsed Yar’Adua as his successor, ensuring Atiku was sidelined.

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This episode marked a turning point in Nigerian politics, exposing the fragility of alliances built on convenience rather than trust. It also showcased the dominance of incumbency and party machinery in shaping succession.

The Sunday Magazine headline, “Why Atiku Abubakar Cannot Succeed Obasanjo,” was not mere speculation—it reflected the political reality of the time. Despite Atiku’s popularity and ambition, the combination of Obasanjo’s resistance, PDP’s internal structures, and lingering corruption allegations ultimately blocked his path. The struggle between the two men remains one of the defining stories of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, underlining the often bitter and personal nature of political succession in the country.

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Frank Edoho and estranged wife spill dirty extra-marital secrets

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Popular television host and media personality, Frank Edoho, has fired back at allegations of infidelity and financial irresponsibility levelled against him by his estranged wife, Sandra Onyenucheya, amid the messy online fallout trailing their failed marriage.

Speaking on the controversy after Sandra publicly accused him of cheating, emotional abuse and abandoning his responsibilities as a father, Edoho claimed that her alleged relationship with singer, Chike, was one of the final straws that led to the collapse of the marriage.

According to him, he initially attempted to salvage the relationship for the sake of their children despite allegedly discovering evidence of an affair between Sandra and the singer.

“Since December 2022 till January last year (2025), that news that came out is very true. I approached that stupid guy because this is my second marriage. I asked him if he knew who I was and he was shaking like a leaf. I asked him what he was doing with my wife. He had a serious girlfriend he was engaged to, Precious.

“I told him that if my wife was stupid enough to cheat on her husband, why would he encourage it? He said, ‘Is that what she told you?’ and I told him I have the recordings of him talking to my wife. I told him I have two boys with this woman and I want to raise them. Leave this woman alone and maybe, she will come to her senses. I will overlook it and take one for my sons but they continued,” he said.

Edoho further alleged that Sandra actively encouraged the relationship with the singer despite his efforts to preserve the marriage.

“In the audio, she was the one encouraging the guy. I don’t know what I did to deserve that. I sent her to school in 2010 and 2011 and I said she should do a business. We settled for interior design, and I found her first carpenter for her. I raised everything and studied interior design photography because of her for four years.

“I was doing all that for my wife until I raised her to the point that trouble started. She felt she was big and started an affair with this guy,” he added.

The veteran broadcaster also revealed that there was a period he walked away from the marriage for about three months before Sandra persuaded him to return.

Speaking further on the divorce proceedings, Edoho claimed Sandra initiated legal action after discovering that he had moved on emotionally.

“There was a point when she saw that I had moved on and she saw me with a beautiful girl and she took me to court that she wants a divorce. It was just like anger.

“She was asking me to pay her N4m every month for the children’s upkeep and I said that it’s not happening. When I brought my evidence to court, the judge just said please, you know there are children involved,” he said.

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He also stated that he will release evidences to back up his claims. He explained that he had used a technology to secretly record her calls with Chike after she promised to not return. In some of the audios which leaked online, Sandra admitted that the divorce was not Edoho’s fault.

Meanwhile, in an earlier call with Saturday Beats, Edoho had declined further public engagement over the controversies trailing the collapse of the second marriage

He had said, “I am not going to grant any interview because what is the gain for me in talking to PUNCH about my life?” he said.

The media personality also reacted briefly to claims made by his estranged wife regarding allegations of infidelity and financial responsibility during their marriage. Laughing off the claims, he said, “Indeed. And I left her two years ago and she is still sponsoring. Don’t worry, let people have that perspective.”

One X user identified as Danny of Owerri stirred further conversations when he pointed out that singer, Chike, had an affair with Edoho’s estranged wife.

“But why would Chike sleep with Frank Edoho’s wife. Why? I use to see Chike as a responsible guy,” the user wrote.

Reacting to the outpouring of sympathy from fans, Edoho revealed that he and Sandra had already been separated for almost two years before the current online uproar.

“I truly appreciate the empathy. While I understand that the public is only just becoming aware of this chapter, I have lived through it privately for quite some time now(almost 2 years) and have since made peace with it emotionally,” he stated.

Meanwhile, social media users continued to dissect online activities involving Sandra and Chike after both parties shared the same love themed song on Friday. The song, titled, “You’re The Closest To Heaven,” by an Australian singer, sparked speculation among fans who interpreted the posts as subtle messaging amid the controversy.

Attention also shifted to an earlier interview granted by Chike on The Unpack Podcast hosted by NAY, where the singer spoke about his preference for older women in relationships.

As conversations intensified online, Sandra also took to her Instagram page on Thursday, May 15, 2026, to share her side of the story in a lengthy post titled, “Surviving A Bitch Ass Nigga, Frank Edoho.”

In the post, she accused Edoho of infidelity, emotional abuse, neglect and financial irresponsibility during their marriage.

“Choosing to remain silent may give mixed signals to the narrative that a sadist and narcissist peddles, making everyone believe he is a victim.

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“Choosing to marry a man, raising our beautiful kids, single handedly building and growing a successful design business and giving myself wholly, undiluted and faithful through and through!

“Until you decided that while I am pregnant with our first child, you would rather have a prolonged affair that lasted years with an actress, Mbong Amata amongst other women.

“Where do I even begin? The nights crying on the floor begging that you see me, with you walking out and not returning for days!”

She further alleged that Edoho discouraged her from keeping their second child and accused him of abandoning his responsibilities as a father.

“Or the days you tormented me to abort our second child because you were in numerous relationships and not ready to be a father?!

“Throughout the emotional, physiological, mental and physical torture and abuse, I stayed committed, faithful, shielding you, carrying like egg. But you are a shell. Washed up and dried out. You live for validation of the Internet. So enjoy your 10 seconds of pity party.

“A dead beat! That is exactly what you are. I singlehandedly sponsored your lavish lifestyle.

“I singlehandedly paid all your bills, the trips, business class tickets, 5 star hotels, luxury trips, all the home bills including that of the other children from your previously failed marriage. I took your mum abroad to the United States, and she lived in my parent’s home for years! I tried to cover you.

“Have you ever paid school fees? Have you ever? All you did was abuse the financial access you had to my funds. Squandering my money on prostitutes and loose women.”

Sandra also named and tagged several women she alleged Edoho was romantically involved with during their marriage.

“So many numerous transactions in Lekki hotels, air bnb, lounges and bars. Sold my property without my permission for chicken change and still squandered the earnings from it within one week! On different girls. Documented evidence dey! Chai!

“Disappearing for weeks on end! With loose women and whores like Adaeze Ugboaja at The Hardrock Cafe, or is it Tega Dominic @its_tegadominic the BBNaija girl, or is it Amaka Okeke @diaryofalionqueen, whom you claimed you were trying to get endorsement and sponsorship for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire who you brought into our home to sleep with on our matrimonial bed?

“Or is it the smelling prostitutes whom you led into our home? Where I had to video record you escorting her to the gate! Or is it the whore you had on your Snapchat frolicking in her bikini snapping with your own phone while you were there blowing kisses to her?”

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Explaining why she eventually walked away from the marriage, Sandra maintained that she remained faithful throughout the relationship but eventually decided to prioritise herself and her wellbeing.

“Where do I start? Where do I begin?

“I was a great wife, a faithful wife to the core.

“But a time comes when a woman must choose herself. I chose myself and walked away, filed for divorce too. As an adult woman, I am free to be friends with and date whomever I please. Please, move on with your life. To family and friends who have walked this journey with me and know the truth, thank you for your prayers and support,” she added.

Meanwhile, the women she called out debunked having any form of romantic relationship with Edoho.

Debunking the allegations, Okeke wrote on Instagram, “Over the past few hours, my name has been wrongly linked to false and baseless allegations currently circulating online.

For clarity, Frank Edoho and I met in 2024 on strictly business related matters and only became good friends in May 2025 when he was dealing with a personal matter which I will not bring up here for privacy reasons. Any narrative beyond this is completely untrue.

I am deeply disappointed to see my name attached to narratives that are malicious, baseless, and entirely inaccurate.

I kindly ask that people refrain from spreading unverified claims that may harm individuals, families, and reputations.

I remain focused on my work and will not be engaging further on this matter. My legal team have been informed accordingly and will take action in due course. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with support.”

Tega Dominic also posted a cryptic message on Instagram: “It’s all cap,” she wrote.

Sandra Onyenucheya is a Nigerian entrepreneur and interior designer known for her luxury interior brand, Vivabella Designs and VivabellaHome. Through her social media pages, she frequently shares projects, luxury home inspirations and travels across different countries in search of premium interior pieces and designs.

Edoho, on the other hand, remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable television personalities. He gained widespread fame as the host of the Nigerian edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and has also worked in broadcasting, events hosting and media production for decades.

This is not Edoho’s first failed marriage. Before his union with Sandra, he was married to broadcaster, Katherine Obiang. The marriage produced children before the couple eventually separated years ago. Their split also generated public attention at the time, though both parties later moved on with their lives privately.

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“I crossed Seme border on foot”, Dele Momodu recalls exile ordeal

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CEO and publisher of Ovation International Magazine, Dele Momodu, has given an account of his flight from Nigeria during the Sani Abacha military era.

He described crossing into Cotonou on foot in the early hours of the morning and weeping twice, once leaving his infant son behind, and again upon arriving in Benin Republic with no certainty of survival.

Momodu spoke on Morayo Afolabi-Brown’s programme, the Morayo Show on Wednesday, reflecting on what the experience cost him and what it ultimately produced.

He said his first son was less than a year old and lying beside his wife when he left, and that the weight of the moment was almost unbearable.

“The morning I was leaving, my first son was less than one year old. He was just lying beside my wife and I was looking at this innocent child and I was crying,” Momodu said.

He said he then made his way across the border alone and on foot, with no guarantee of what awaited him.

“I travelled by foot through the Seme border into Cotonou very early in the morning,” he said.

The grief did not stop there. He said arriving in Cotonou brought a fresh wave of uncertainty rather than relief.

“When I got to Cotonou, I started crying again because I wasn’t sure, where am I going? When will I get there? Will I get there? When will I come back? Will I come alive?

“I had this stream of consciousness, as we put it in literature, and it was just going through my mind,” Momodu said.

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He said the exile, which lasted from 1995 to 1998, had ultimately shaped everything that followed, including the founding of Ovation magazine and his decades of involvement in Nigerian public life.

“If I had not gone on that journey, there will be no Ovation today,” he said.

Momodu, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Yoruba and a master’s degree in English literature from Obafemi Awolowo University, said he drew on that period whenever people questioned his commitment to Nigeria’s democratic project.

He noted that he had shared the exile experience with Tinubu, the same man he now opposed in the political arena, but that the ordeal had not softened his conviction that Nigeria needed genuine opposition.

“I was in exile from 1995 to 1998 and I know what we went through. But I refused to join APC only for one reason, we must maintain that democracy which we suffered for,” he said.

Momodu added that hardship was not new to him, disclosing that he lost his father at 13 and began working odd jobs and teaching in his village before eventually rising to national prominence.

“That’s how I rose to where I am today,” he said.

Momodu had fled Nigeria on 22 July 1995, after his wife received a tip-off that security operatives were looking for him.

He had been accused of being one of the brains behind Radio Freedom, a pirate radio station that later became Radio Kudirat.

The accusation was tied to his open support for MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, and his pro-democracy activities under the Abacha regime.

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From Cotonou, he made his way through Togo and Ghana before eventually reaching the United Kingdom, where he remained for three years.

While in London, he collaborated with fellow NADECO exiles including Bola Tinubu, working to publicise the regime’s human rights abuses and advance the cause of restoring civilian rule. It was during this period, in April 1996, that he founded Ovation International.

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Guinness World Record reacts to BBNaija Queen’s bread-inspired outfit at the 12th AMVCA

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Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang, may be heading for a global record conversation after Guinness World Records reacted to her viral bread-inspired outfit worn at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Guinness World Records reacted in the comment section saying, “Well, we do have a record for the largest cake dress … hmmm.”

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

Reacting to the comment, the reality star wrote, “Hello @guinnessworldrecords, I see you in the comment section”

The development has further amplified conversations around her unconventional AMVCA appearance, which has continued to dominate social media and fashion discussions days after the event.

According to Guinness World Records, the current record for the world’s largest wearable cake dress stands at 131.15kg (289lb 13oz).

The record was achieved by Natasha Coline Kim Fah Lee Fokas of SweetyCakes GmbH in Bern, Switzerland, on January 15, 2023.

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

Queen’s bread-themed costume had earlier sparked widespread reactions online after she appeared on the AMVCA red carpet dressed in an outfit designed to resemble loaves of bread, complete with a matching prop.

Explaining the inspiration behind the look, Queen said the outfit reflected her entrepreneurial journey in the food business.

“AMVCA 2026 ready. I come as an entrepreneur who runs a bread EMPIRE,” she wrote at the time, referencing her bakery brand.

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

On Monday, the reality star also proposed the introduction of a special entrepreneurs-focused event at the AMVCA.

In an open letter addressed to MultiChoice Group and Africa Magic, she wrote, “Just a thought, since we already have the AMVCA Cultural Day and other special events before the main award night, would it be possible to create a special night dedicated to entrepreneurs in Nigeria to showcase their brands, creativity, and impact?

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“Imagine AMVCA Nigerian Entrepreneurs Night. Massive, classy, and inspiring.”

The bread dress has since attracted international attention, with foreign fashion influencers and media platforms reportedly discussing the concept.

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

The trend has also inspired several entrepreneurs online, many of whom have used AI-generated designs to recreate brand-themed outfits and AMVCA-inspired fashion concepts.

While some Nigerians criticised the outfit as excessive, others, including PR and branding experts, described it as a strategic marketing move that successfully drew global attention to her business.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Queen’s appearance at the AMVCA generated mixed reactions, with videos from the red carpet showing her adjusting the elaborate outfit while interacting with guests and posing for photographs.

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