Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), will deliver a keynote address on collective responsibility in tackling insecurity as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Irabor is expected to speak at the unveiling and public presentation of O’to’Ge: The Legacies of Political Leadership in Nigeria, authored by Edwin Akwueh, Chief News Editor of the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, with proceedings expected to begin at 9 a.m.

The retired general is expected to emphasise the need for Nigerians to see security as a shared responsibility involving citizens, communities and government, rather than an obligation resting solely on security agencies.

The book launch is expected to attract prominent political and public figures, with President Bola Tinubu listed as Chief Guest of Honour.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Uba Sani of Kaduna State are expected to attend as Special Guests of Honour.

Former VON Director-General Osita Okechukwu will chair the occasion, while the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and VON Director-General Jibrin Baba Ndace will serve as Chief Hosts and Host, respectively.  

Akwueh said the book was inspired by his coverage of the 2019 general elections, particularly the O’to’Ge movement in Kwara State, which helped mobilise opposition to the political dominance of the Saraki family after about four decades.

The author explained that the publication examines political movements and strategies across different parts of Nigeria, including developments in Anambra and Yobe states, as well as national political movements associated with the Obidients and the “Emi lo kan” mantra.

“In a nutshell, the book which is a journalist’s perspectives to elections in Nigeria, seeks to deepen the understanding that there are different paths through which people can succeed in their political journeys,” Akwueh said.

He argued that electoral success depends on more than public sentiment, pointing to strategy, an understanding of political structures and the behaviour of voters as important factors in election campaigns.

One chapter, titled “The Master Strategist,” examines Tinubu’s political journey to the presidency in 2023, discussing factors including the Muslim-Muslim ticket, religious considerations, opposition politics and the role of the PDP G-5 governors.

Another section explores political developments in Anambra State, including the “Onyeaghana Nwanneya” slogan and the political rise of the late Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah between 2014 and 2024. It also examines his philanthropic activities, involvement in football through Ifeanyi Ubah FC and his “One-More-Shot Agenda.”

The book also returns to Kwara State to document individuals associated with the O’to’Ge movement, including Alhaji Lazeez Ayinla Kolawole Jimoh, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Akwueh said the publication is intended to contribute to Nigeria’s political history and offer younger generations insights into political participation and leadership, including pathways to success beyond reliance on political godfathers.

The event will combine discussions on Nigeria’s political experiences with Irabor’s anticipated message on the importance of a broader, citizen-inclusive approach to security ahead of the next general elections.