The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • I left Labour Party for good of my people – Umeha

    I left Labour Party for good of my people – Umeha

    He was elected into the green chamber of the National Assembly to represent Udi-Ezeagu Federal Constituency on  the platform of Labour Party ( LP).But today Hon. Barrister Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has switched  to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He spoke with JIDE ORINTUNSIN on defection and what his people stand to gain by it.

    What is your assessment of the democratic dispensation since the return of civil rule in   1999 and the advent of All Progressives Congress (APC)?What’s the impact of the party in the South East, especially under President Bola Tinubu that informed your dumping the Labour Party  (LP).

    Generally speaking, APC prior to 2023 might not be all that interesting to many. But since the assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there are very far-reaching decisions and policies that this administration has brought. And those things appear to be the cornerstone upon which many now troop into APC. So APC currently, under the reign of President Tinubu, has done very well in my own assessment and my objective assessment.

    And I said so because one, you look at the boldness and courage of the President to have declared the removal of fuel subsidy the very first day he took over as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Many people in the past concurred to the fact that the fuel subsidy thing was a scam, but no government ever took the bold step to deal with it. But he did not waste time. He timeously took a decision.

    Second, if you look at APC under President Tinubu, another remarkable achievement generally is the issue of tax reform. You see, that’s a very big and influential policy of government, trying to unify the tax regime. And he did that through the introduction of about four bills in the National Assembly. Those bills have been considered. A lot of reviews were made, amendments were made, public opinions were reflected, and at the end of the day the House passed the bills.

    And if you also look at the security aspect, the security architecture, if you had followed up the last APC National Summit, you would have seen the two years account of the performance of this current regime. And one of the key presentations there was made by the National Security Adviser to the President. You look at the security indices of Nigeria prior to 2023 and where we are post-2023. You’ll see that Nigeria has made a lot of impact in the security sector.

    Yes, I agree with you to some extent that yes, it might not be a bed of roses for us at the moment, but if there is no pain, there may not be no gain. The regime is doing well and I can say that the party has shown a clear indication that it  truly came to serve the people of Nigeria and that we’re headed to a place that at the end of the day, we will all be very happy with. So that’s my assessment of that.

    President Tinubu’s recent visits to South East states, which is considered not too much of a stronghold for him, especially going by the results of the 2023 election,what does this say about him?

    Ans: Yeah, it goes ahead to reaffirm the personality of President Tinubu as a detribalized Nigerian, as a pan-Nigerian, as a Nigerian that believes in the unity of the country. For those that have followed him very well or have read about him, you know that this is not the first time he is showing this type of attitude of all-inclusiveness. When he was the governor of Lagos State, he had in his administration people from outside the Southwest. You have many Southeasterners in his administration, some serving as SSAs and some serving in different capacities. You also have others from the northern part of the country. And that shows the unity in his posture, the unity in his administration.

    So coming on board as the president of the Republic of Nigeria, I’m not surprised seeing him trying to carry everybody along because there was a time in this country where a particular president described the Southeast as a dot in a circle. But today, the Southeast is now a home for this administration. You can see the president visiting Imo state, though that is an APC state, but he capped it off by his visit to Enugu, an opposition state. Now recently the visit to Anambra State, and that shows a sense of inclusion, a sense of understanding. It shows the disposition of Mr. President to carry the people along. And also it gives a special feeling to the people of the Southeast, the Igbo, that truly APC government is their government.

    Besides, if  you look at the achievements of APC within these two years, particularly in the southeastern region, you will marvel. For example, you look at the South East Development Commission, its establishment. This was a bill that was introduced in the 7th or 8th assembly. It did not succeed. But just within one or two years in the 10th Assembly, the president assented to it to tell you that actually he has a place in his heart for the people of Southeastern Nigeria.

    Add to that  the continuous developmental projects going on in the Southeast: the Enugu-Port-Harcourt Express Road; the Enugu-Anita Express Road;the Second Niger Bridge;the second access way to the Second Niger Bridge; the flyover or the interchange going on in Eke Obinagu, that’s along Enugu-Abakaliki Express Road;the Makurdi-Obollo-Afor-Opi- 9th Mile Road.

    So when you look at all these things, within two years, we are talking about what a man has done within two years. We are not talking about four years. We are not talking about eight years. We are talking of a space of two years, this is what he has done for the people of the Southeast, the Igbo.

    Before now, we d been crying that the Igbo were marginalized. But today, the APC government is showing the Igbo that sense of belonging, showing them truly you are part and parcel of Nigeria and you own equal rights with other parts of Nigeria. So far, I give a lot of kudos and applause to this administration.

    Read Also: Fire guts hotel with over 480 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca

    Now let’s talk about you. You were elected on the platform of the Labour Party, but now you are in the APC. What informed your decision to move to the APC?

    It’s not far-fetched. What I am telling you now was among the reasons, but principally, the leadership crisis in Labour Party was the major reason why I decided to look for another destination, another home. The Labour Party at the moment has no fewer  than three factions or divisions in its national leadership rank:

    You have the one led by Julius Abure

    You have the other one led by Senator Nenadi Usman.

    You have the one led by Lamidi Apapa.

    All these three divisions claim to be the authentic national leaders of the Labour Party. And if truly you are serious with the business of why you are here in the National Assembly, because we were principally elected to represent our people and to see how best we can use the instrumentality of legislation and governance to bring development to our place, then you have to think twice. So the crisis has continued unabated. Every effort was made collectively, individually, to see whether this thing could be resolved so that we could coexist as a family proved to be aborted. You witnessed the mass defection from the party to other political parties. Some of us who are leaders in the party decided to wait to see if we could resolve the problem, but the problem continued to exacerbate. But at a point, I said, well, the major reason I am here is to represent my people. Let me look for alternatives. So I had to go to them. We discussed as a family from ward to local government leve, then to the larger constituency. We sat for several months discussing about this. And at the end of the day, they came up with a decision that we would be going to APC.

    And I can also tell you that the reason why we chose APC was not different from the progressive and developmental strides of President Tinubu. We all decided to key into his Renewed Hope Agenda. Since we know that this agenda has immense benefits for the people of Southeast, we decided to key in to see how we can leverage on these developmental strides to bring development to the people of Udi and Ezeagu who are in dire need of good roads, who are in dire need of access to good water, who are in dire need of good primary health care, who are in dire need of educational facilities, who are in dire need of empowerment opportunities, employment opportunities, and so many other things. And the only access way for us to get those things is to be part of this central government.

    So apart from that, I also believe that Enugu State, being the capital of the South East States, should be within the center circle of decision making in Nigeria. Enugu shouldn’t be outside the center. If a state like Ebonyi State and the Imo State can be in the center, then what of the soul, the alter ego of that zone, which is Enugu State? So part of our reasons is to key the states into the center of governance in Nigeria, which is very paramount. So these are some of the reasons why we decided to defect to APC, to join the national leadership of President Tinubu and to bring developments, dividends of democracy to the people of Udi and Ezeagu.

    Are your constituents happy with your defection?

    Yes, it’s obvious. In law we say the fact speaks for itself. I don’t think there has been any defection that has carried the level of support my defection elicited. This is because it was a consultative defection. This is because it was a defection owned by the people. It was a choice made by the people, not by me. And that’s why all of them… You know I represent largely rural areas. It’s about 85 to 90 percent rural areas. So these people are old men and women and young boys in the villages. You see some of them are not in the mainstream social media and all these things. So means of communication is outside telephone conversation. You must go down and discuss with them. And all of them are happy. In fact last week Saturday there was a meeting all over the 41 wards of Udi and Ezeagu. And the turnout, the way they all embraced that meeting tells you the level of support they have for this decision. So it’s our decision, it’s not mine. All of them are happy. And going forward you continue to see the examples of their happiness.

    Though you have tried to list some of the things, in concrete terms what will your membership of the APC do for your people?

    The major reason why I joined the APC is because my people need intervention of government in critical areas. These areas include but not limited to the following: Infrastructure: We want intervention of the government at the center in the area of roads, roads construction. And at the moment I can tell you that it’s already gaining the attention of the relevant authorities. I have already tabled it before them. So I can tell you with every sense of sincerity that that will be done.

    Employment: How many of my people are in the civil service? We want a situation where we have access to civil service jobs.

    When we talk about empowerment we talk about skill acquisition programs and trainings that at the end of the day they will have take-off grants to carry out these businesses without reliance on white collar jobs.

    Another area of concern is the health sector. If you come to Ezeagu, you can’t point at any single good hospital in the entirety of Ezeagu Local Government. The same goes for Udi Local Government. So we are looking at using this platform, the APC government, to see how we can attract a standard hospital to our constituency.

    We are also looking at how we can use this government to ensure that at least every community or every ward in this federal constituency has a functional solar powered borehole so that they can have access to clean water.

    So there are a lot of opportunities that our entry  into APC will bring to our people that were not there before. So I can tell you that that’s the best decision and you will start seeing them. That’s a good one.

    How attractive do you think the party is to the people of Enugu State in general?

    It’s happening like a miracle but it’s not a miracle. I know, yes, it’s the handwork of God but God is doing it through people. If you look at the high level of defections going on in Enugu State and when I talk about these defections it is defections from Labour Party to APC, defections from ruling PDP to APC and it’s not happening in just a particular zone. You go to Igbo-Eze South, go to Nsukka Local Government, go to Igbo-Etiti, go to Udenu, go to Uzouwani, go to Ezeagu, go to Udi, go to Oji River, Aniri, go to the Nkanus, you see Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Enugu North, Enugu East, Enugu South, on a daily basis APC is receiving those who are coming in. APC as a political party is busy receiving people who are coming in. And when I talk about people, I’m not talking about only the grassroots, the masses, but I’m talking about people of worth? Mine is one of them. We also look at, you have the likes of Ubanna, have the likes of Ojinaka, a lot of people trooping in. If you go to Nsukka axis, a lot of them, Barrister Emeka Abba, and so many people.

    So, in fact, I don’t know what is going on, but I can tell you that today, APC seems to be the beautiful bride in Enugu State. Everybody is yearning to have APC. So, I think some of us are even coming late. But I thank God by the time I joined, this time I have joined. So, APC is more than attractive and the reason is not far-fetched. It is because of the leadership style of the leader of the party in Enugu State,and that is Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie. I’ve never seen a leader who is so humane, who is so humble, who has listening ears, who has empathy for the people. A leader who brings himself down to the grassroots level to listen to them. This has never been there in Enugu.

    But today, apart from the great impact he’s making as the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, but the way people have come to embrace his leadership style in the State, and now it’s now something that other people are envious about. So, Uche is doing fantastically well. I can also give credit to the chairman of the party in the State, Hon. Ugochukwu Agballa. You know, the way he has been so committed, so resolute, outspoken, you know, I think people are really happy with the way they are going.

    I can tell you, I don’t know how it will happen, but I can tell you that 2027, I see APC taking over the Lion Building. But I don’t know how it will happen. But the way things are going, if it continues this way, then I can tell you the end will be very glorious.

    In the face of these on going realignments, how will you access the gains and otherwise of your new party, the APC?

    In this realignment, APC Enugu seems to be the most beneficial, not only in terms of number, not only in terms of quality of people entering the party, not only in terms of the strategic positioning of the APC in Enugu State, but I also tell you in terms of infrastructure and in terms of inclusion in governance. For example, for the first time, we’re having a son of the soil as the chief of naval staff. It is a win-win for APC Enugu State. Also, the ongoing construction of Makurdi – Obollo Afor, Opi, 9th Mile Road, is also a win for APC. The Eke Obinagu Interchange, that is Enugu-Ebonyi Road, is also a win-win. You talk about the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, you talk about Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. From every ramification, in fact, there was also a project that the Honorable Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation also attracted to Enugu, and that is the solar power assembling plant or something at Ugbawka in his hometown. I had the privilege to be part of the team that went for the flag off of that project. And it’s a multi-billion Naira project, ongoing, courtesy of APC government.

    So, look at also the inclusion of our two sons, Ugochukwu Agballa and Toby Okechukwu in the South East Development Commission. Also, look at the housing of South East Development Commission that’s making Enugu as the capital or the headquarters of that South East Development Commission. So, many other things that the APC government is doing in Enugu State. And that’s why people are trooping, into APC in Enugu, people seeing those things. They have seen that Enugu is at the epicenter of benefit when it comes to talk about this administration. So, everybody wants to be part of it. Or do we talk about our sons that have been given a sense of belonging? Okay, look at the DG of Raw Materials, look at the young man that is the representative of Enugu in the RAMFAC. There are numerous of them. I can also tell you reliably that in a few days to come, you may also be hearing about other indigenes of Enugu State who will be appointed board members of juicy boards in Nigeria. So, it’s all about win-win for APC in Enugu State. And it will continue to be.

    Now that Enugu State is gradually moving to the ruling party, what do you think the people of the state stand to gain, especially in the future?

    Enugu people. Yeah, what we want to gain in future is a government that is people’s driven, people’s friendly. Government that will feel the pulse of the people. Government that will liberate Enugu State. Government that will turn around the infrastructural face of Enugu State. Government that will revolutionize industry. Because we’re looking at industrialization of Enugu. The only way we can create employment is to industrialize.

    How many industries do we have in Enugu State? What effort are we making to create industries in Enugu State? It is only when these industries are created that employment opportunities will be generated. So APC government, we’re looking at a government that will come in, create industries in Enugu, and industrialize Enugu State. At the same time, we’re looking at a government that will come and give our people a sense of belonging.

    So I look up to a lot of good things from APC. And honestly, the way the whole thing is going, it shows that truly, that our belief in APC will not fail us. Rather, it will benefit us a lot. So I see Enugu at the end of the day being one of the most benefiting states in terms of APC governance in Nigeria. I will look up to taking over the Lion Building as a ruling party in Enugu State. You know, I keep telling you how it will happen, I don’t know. But surely it will come to pass. That will be a fantastic place to be.

  • Dafinone rallies support for Tinubu, hails Oborevwori’s defection to APC

    Dafinone rallies support for Tinubu, hails Oborevwori’s defection to APC

    In a powerful show of party unity and political realignment, Senator Ede Dafinone( Delta Central) has called on Deltans and Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the nation will begin to reap the benefits of the president’s bold economic reforms before the year runs out.

    Speaking at a high-level APC stakeholders’ unity meeting in Jesse, Ethiope West LGA, Dafinone lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other Delta PDP leaders for their recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “strategic and timely” for the future of Delta State.

    “The alignment with the APC-led Federal Government is not just political — it’s developmental. It will fast-track federal appointments, projects, and resources to our people,” Dafinone declared. “This is not about winners and losers; we are all winners for Delta State.”

    Addressing fears over the ongoing APC e-registration exercise, the Senator dismissed rumours that it was designed to sideline existing members. “That’s a wicked lie,” he said. “This registration is open to everyone — from the PDP, new entrants, and even APC members who haven’t registered before. In the new APC, everyone is equal.”

    He emphasised that the unity between Ethiope East and West must be driven by collaboration, not competition. “This is a new APC — one without divisions. Everybody matters. From the grassroots to the top, our goal is collective progress.”

    Read Also: Five budget-friendly Android phones under ₦100,000 in Nigeria

    Dafinone also praised President Tinubu for taking bold but necessary economic steps, especially on fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate reform.

    “Yes, the times have been tough,” he admitted. “But the reward for those hard decisions is near. Prosperity is coming — not just for Nigeria, but for Delta State and the Ethiope region.”

    He ended his remarks with a pledge of continued service, noting, “When the time comes, I’ll return to ask for your support again. If I’ve served well, you’ll back me for the second half — just like football.”

    Also speaking at the event, political leader Senator Ighoyota Amori assured the party faithful of a smooth and united transition to the 2027 elections.

    “In 2027, we’ll have a record-free primary and enter the elections as one Ethiope. Judging by the calibre of people here today, we’re set to deliver 100%.”

    Party chieftain Emmanuel Ighomena echoed the same sentiment, declaring, “This is a new dawn in Delta politics. We once walked separate paths, but now we are one. 2027 will be our best election yet.”

    He urged long-time opposition members to seize the opportunity and remain within the APC. “They’ve been in opposition for over 20 years. Now that power is in their hands, they want to walk away? Stay, and develop your communities under His Excellency’s leadership,” he advised.

    Earlier, Chief Anthony Akpomiemie, Chairman of the Organising Committee, welcomed guests with a rallying message of unity and responsibility. “This gathering is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ideals of APC. It’s a strategic step to strengthen our bonds across Ethiope East and West, and position our federal constituency for a prosperous future,” he stated.

    The event was graced by key party figures including Chief Sunny Onoriode, Hon. Arthur Akpowhowo, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, and Rt. Hon. Halims Agoda—all of whom echoed the call for unity within the party. “The time for division is over. We must come together and build a cohesive APC that reflects our shared aspirations,” Chief Amori stressed.

    Hon. Halims Agoda, a former House of Representatives member, moved a motion for a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori. “They have shown exemplary leadership. Our confidence in them is not just emotional—it’s based on tangible governance,” he stated. The motion was seconded by Hon. Barr. Akpodiogaga Sunny Emeyese received unanimous approval.

    The unity meeting also served as a platform to dispel misconceptions and reassure grassroots supporters of the party’s inclusiveness. “There are no winners and losers in the new APC,” Dafinone concluded. “We are all in this together—for the prosperity of Delta, Ethiope Federal Constituency, and Nigeria as a whole.”

  • Ex-Minister, Deputy Speaker team up for Tinubu re-election

    Ex-Minister, Deputy Speaker team up for Tinubu re-election

    Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Benjamin Kalu have pledged to work together  for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    Ogah spoke when he visited Kalu at the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) office in Umuahia on Saturday. 

    Ogah applauded the Deputy Speaker for his legislative legacies especially in sponsoring the bill that established the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and urged him not to relent in championing the cause of Ndi Igbo. 

    The collaboration between Ogah and Kalu is seen by many as a strategic move to strengthen support for Tinubu’s agenda in Abia State and the Southeast region. 

    Ogah said: “My brother and friend, we have always worked together and here today, I have come to join forces with you to see that Renewed Hope Partners is a success in Abia State. 

    ‘We will do everything within our capacity, everything within the corridors of the people we work with, everything within our communities using all the social capitals that we have to see that this renewed hope partnership is a success. When the two of us are united with everyone here, we all have a part to play; I can tell you the president should go and sleep.

    “We will put in everything we have including our resources. It’s a team work and I can tell you that we have a structure and when we come out to support anybody, that structure will give you victory. 

    Read Also: Fire guts hotel with over 480 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca

    “Thank you so far for the work you are doing within the region. Thank you for the South East Development Commission for the purpose of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation; something that has been denied us since 1970 has now come into realization. 

    “We encourage you to do more for Igbo people. We are very grateful. We believe that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

    “I believe that everyone of us has a place and whatever God has proposed for each and everyone of us will come to fulfillment in due season”.

    The Deputy Speaker welcomed Ogah’s decision to join hands with him to support the President in 2027, saying plans are underway to showcase Tinubu’s achievements across the South East region.

    “We share a lot in common. You bring a lot of value to politics. We all have our values. I will be the last person to ignore what you are capable of doing in Abia politics. We need you to be on board with all the investments you have made in Abia politics, working for the people and working for the region. 

    “When I had tete -a-tete with him, he said he is fully on board. Even without saying it, I have seen that Dr. Uche Ogah is on board. We are going to do tour even outside the south east showcasing what the President has done and preparing men for 2027. Unity is strength. If we work together we achieve results. There are thousands of people out there waiting to get on board”, he said”, Kalu said. 

  • Niger Delta feeling Tinubu’s Renewed Hope through NDDC – Turnah

    Niger Delta feeling Tinubu’s Renewed Hope through NDDC – Turnah

    The acting chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, George Turnah, has appraised the performance of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) saying the region is feeling the positive impact of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the performance of the commission.

     Turnah, who spoke shortly after a closed-door meeting with Ogbuku in Port Harcourt said that he had a productive discussion with the managing director and that their engagement was centred on the significant development and infrastructural changes in the Niger Delta under Ogbuku’s leadership.

    Turnah expressed gratitude to Ogbuku for various developmental initiatives undertaken by the NDDC, particularly in Bayelsa State.

    He extended deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Ogbuku and assembling what he described as the most effective and visionary leadership team in the history of the NDDC.

    He said the Bayelsa PDP and the people of the state were extremely proud of the remarkable work Ogbuku was doing at the NDDC especially his efforts to advance the region’s development in ways that were  both unimaginable and unprecedented.

    Turnah listed some of the bold developmental footprints of the Ogbuku-led management team of the NDDC such as the Light Up Niger Delta solar power scheme, the completion and connecting to national grid of the 132/33KVA electricity sub – station in Ondo State, the completion and inauguration of the Ogbia – Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, the inauguration of the 600 meter Ibeno Bridge in Akwa Ibom State, and the inauguration of the first phase of the 9.8km Abraka – Oben Road in Edo State.

    Read Also: NDDC promises to launch local postgraduate scholarship scheme

     He also mentioned the projected 2025 completion timeline for the Kaa-Ataba Road in Rivers State; the acquisition of a suitable NDDC office building in Bayelsa State, and the completion of the NDDC International Training Centre, Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area.

    Turnah  lauded the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, which engaged a record-breaking 10,000 young people across the region, the successful hosting of the Niger Delta summit alongside several other life-changing programmes and infrastructural development projects completed and ongoing across the region.

    Ogbuku expressed delight over Turnah’s visit and called for greater partnership, collaboration, and cooperation among political leaders in the region.

    He noted that the region’s political and economic interests would be better protected if leaders worked together irrespective of political differences and ideologies.

  • Ughelli North APC leaders unite, pass confidence vote on Tinubu, Oborevwori

    Ughelli North APC leaders unite, pass confidence vote on Tinubu, Oborevwori

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, on Friday held a unity meeting at Evwreni, with a resolve to promote peace, cooperation, and strategic alignment with the party’s leadership at the state and national levels.

    The meeting which was first of its kind since the movement of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC fold was among others, aimed at properly integrating new members and realign the party for victory in future elections.

    Hosted by the founding leader of the APC in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, OON, the meeting also saw a confidence vote passed on President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewori.

    The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by Professor Sam Iboje and seconded by Hon. Samuel Mariere, and received unanimous support from all leaders present.

    Delta APC chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie, described the meeting as a turning point of politics in the local government and the state.

    “Today marks the end of violence in Ughelli North politics. When a group of people are united, nothing can stop them. We are now united, and nothing can stop us.” He emphasized the party’s guiding principle of equal opportunity for all. “In APC, your rights are determined by your input—not how long you’ve been here. Everyone has a place, and the party will support you to grow,” he said.

    Elder Sobotie also noted the significance of the event’s peaceful atmosphere, calling it a divine signal of favor. “When God is with you, He compels all circumstances to cooperate with you. That’s what we are seeing today,” he said, to applause.

    In his address, Olorogun Emerhor underscored the strategic purpose of the unity gathering, saying, “After the 2023 election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu didn’t get 25 percent in Delta. That was painful. But he has not turned his back on us. He considers Delta part of his constituency. His wife is from here. And he has supported this unity effort from the very top.”

    He further credited Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for helping to stabilize the political space in the state. “The crisis-ridden APC is a thing of the past. We now speak with one voice, and we know our leader,” he added.

    In their goodwill message new APC entrants such as Elder Terry Noah, Engr. Christabel Obiuvwevbie, Chief George Oyefie, Hon. Onoriode Aguofure all pledged their support to the party. 

    Read Also: Appeal Court upholds Lagos family’s claims to kingship stool

    According to Terry Noah the new members of the APC are coming wholeheartedly into the party, even as he commended the founding leader Emehor for building the party in the state.

    On her part, Engr. Obiuvwevbie cited Psalm 133:1 in celebrating the spirit of unity: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.”

    A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation and adoption of an eight-point communiqué, for the unity and functionality of the APC in Ughelli North and across Delta State. 

    Some key resolutions adopted at the meeting include: a collective resolve to walk in unity under the state leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; affirmation of joint party leadership under the State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, founding leader Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas and Chief Terry Noah and a declaration that there are no “old” or “new” APC members, all members are equal and entitled to the same privileges and opportunities amongst others.

  • Akwa-Ibom Commissioners, NASS members, House members, LG chairs move with Eno to APC

    Akwa-Ibom Commissioners, NASS members, House members, LG chairs move with Eno to APC

    An overwhelming majority of State Executive Council members, members of the House of Assembly, National Assembly Members and LG Chairs have moved with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) to the All Progressives Congress.

    At an event at the Banquet Hall, Uyo on Friday June 5, 2025, the members openly pledged support for Governor Eno and declared that they were moving with him to the new party platform because of his visionary and exemplary leadership style.

    In his speech at the event, Eno said ” It was Dalai Lama, one of the world’s most highly admired moral voices who spoke so eloquently about change and the constancy of values. Dalia had advised the world to “Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.”

    “Today, fellow Akwaibomites, we are gathered here to witness change while equally affirming the constancy of our collective values and defining ethos as a State.

    “For some time now, the political space particularly in this State and the Nation in general have been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that had provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of Governor of this State. The discussions have elicited various layers of analysis in the process.

    “Today, I am here to answer some of those nagging questions. Like the Dalai Lama had said, we should always be open to change but not let go of our shared values.

    “Earlier this morning, I submitted my formal Letter of Resignation from the PDP to my Ward Chairman, same copy was sent to both the State Chairman as well as the National Chairman. I have therefore, decided to Progressively move to the All Progressive Congress, the (APC).

    “Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that, though I have, by today’s event, changed my political affiliation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC) my values, my moral fibre, the foundational principles I have nourished and lived by remain unchanged and sacrosanct.

    Read Also: Commissioners resign over Eno’s defection to APC

    “Why am I in the APC, you may ask?  The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence. 

    “Today, as I make this formal movement from the PDP to APC, I pledge to you again, my dear Akwaibomnites, that I will still run a bipartisan and inclusive governance. Akwa Ibom State, I promise you will be a model of how to work together, pray together, aspire together, dream together and achieve together without the polarising impulses of partisan politics. Political parties remain vehicles for elections. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship”

    Setting the tone for the event Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN said the movement of the Governor marks a new dawn in the political history of the State and presents a common front for the sustainable development of Akwa Ibom. 

    The symbolic presentation of the APC broom by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was the highlight of the ceremony.

    “What we are witnessing is not a defection—it is a movement. The people of Akwa Ibom are shifting to the progressive fold, and we welcome you warmly as you connect to the centre,” Uzodinma said.

    The APC chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo Local Government Chairs led by Dr. Uwemedimo Udo (Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Uyo LGA), the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Udeme Otong, and Members of the National Assembly led by Senator Ekong Sampson—all reaffirmed their support for the Governor’s decision.

    In a goodwill message on behalf of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, praised the Governor’s courage and foresight:

    “Your Excellency, you mean well for your people. This decision will strengthen our state’s connection with the national leadership.”

    Also in attendance were the Governors of Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Ebonyi, Delta, Edo, Cross River. Minister of Budget & Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Petroluem ( Gas), Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo,  dignitaries from across the federation, signaling broad national support and political realignment in the state.

    A grand rally to formally welcome Governor Umo Eno and his supporters into the APC is expected to be announced soon.

  • FULL LIST: 10 PDP controlled States in Nigeria

    FULL LIST: 10 PDP controlled States in Nigeria

    The political landscape of Nigeria has witnessed another significant shift following the defection of Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His move, announced during a high-profile event at the Government House in Uyo, has further weakened the PDP’s grip on state leadership across the country.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom Commissioner resigns after Gov Eno dumped PDP for APC

    With Governor Eno’s exit, the PDP now controls only 10 states nationwide, down from the 11 it previously held, marking a major setback for the main opposition party ahead of future elections.

    Here is a list of PDP controlled States in Nigeria

    1. Adamawa State

    2. Bauchi State

    3. Bayelsa State

    4. Enugu State

    5. Osun State

    6. Oyo State

    7. Plateau State

    8. Rivers State

    9. Taraba State

    10. Zamfara State

  • PDP stakeholders divided as Eno defects to APC by noon

    PDP stakeholders divided as Eno defects to APC by noon

    Stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom are divided as Governor Umo Eno defects to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by 12noon today.

    Already, the chairman of the APC Governors Forum Hope Uzodima and his Cross River State counterpart, Prince Bassey Otu are in Uyo to receive Eno into the ruling party.

    Our correspondent gathered that other APC Governors and chieftains of the APC across the country are expected to grace the occasion billed to take place at the banquet hall of the Government House by 12noon.

    Read Also: PDP begs Peter Obi, others to return

    The Nation learnt that Eno’s defection was planned to be a big event but thas been made low key due the Muslim Sallah holiday.

    Security around the Government House is tight as our correspondent observed massive deployment of security operatives especially the DSS and police.

    However, it was learnt that some PDP stakeholders in the State have decided not to support the Governor’s defection to the APC.

    Notable among the stakeholders against the Eno’s movement to the ruling party is a former National legal adviser of the PDP, Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem.

    Enoidem, a key supporter of the Governor election in 2023, dropped the hint that the PDP will present candidates for the 2027 election.

    According to the itinerary sighted by our correspondent in Uyo, the Governor will speak a select group of journalists by 2pm after his defection.

  • Southwest should produce all presidential candidates, says Lamido

    Southwest should produce all presidential candidates, says Lamido

    The leader of Arewa Summit International, Dr. Bashir Lamido, has called for the South West to produce all presidential candidates for the 2027 elections, while advocating that the South East should take the same opportunity in 2031.

    Speaking during a high-level political dialogue on zoning and national cohesion held in Abuja on Friday , Dr. Lamido emphasised that this rotational approach would promote unity, fairness, and long-term political stability across Nigeria.

    “For the sake of equity, national integration, and the stability of our democracy, we believe the South West should present all presidential candidates in 2027. Then, come 2031, the South East – which has long awaited its turn – should be given the full platform to produce the next president,” Lamido stated.

    Read Also: FBI arrests Nigerian ‘tech queen’ over alleged multi-million dollar fraud scheme

    Arewa Summit International, under Dr. Lamido’s leadership, has become a leading northern-based political think tank known for its pan-Nigerian vision and commitment to bridging regional divides.

    He further stressed that the proposal is not about excluding any group, but rather about setting a national precedent for justice and inclusion.

    “This is not just about politics. It’s about healing, trust-building, and showing every Nigerian that they belong to the same nation. People may ask, what about the north? It should be the turn of the north in 2031. They forget that the North has  spent more years leading the country than any other region.

    “It is just right to balance the leadership across the regions. We are only hoping that in 2031, the South East should be extended same national compliments as we are hopeful to do for South West in 2027.” he said.

  • How I will govern Anambra, by ADC candidate

    How I will govern Anambra, by ADC candidate

     African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State John Chuma Nwosu State, spoke with reporters shortly after receiving his certificate of return at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Excerpts:

    Anambra State, being a wholly entrepreneurial state, the popular notion is that the state needs a wealth creator as governor. How would you relate that notion to the issue of governance in the state?

    I’m an entrepreneur, a good creator and manager of wealth and people. I have effectively operated in the organized private sector for over three decades. I understand the business culture and practices and what works; and what does not work. In both business and governance, we must strive for cost-effectiveness. While in business, the bottom line is the profit margin; in governance, frugality and effective management of resources will always be priority. Operating within available resources means not spending frivolously or borrowing carelessly.

    What is your understanding of what Anambra State needs at this point of its historical evolution as a state?

    Anambra as a state should be first amongst equals. We have the financial and human capital  resources. We are an oil producing state. Historically, Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka, the so-called ONA-axis defaults naturally to commerce, industry and enterprise. We need to leverage on these core areas. We are mindful that there are problems which are peculiar to Anambra. Therefore, those governance needs peculiar to Anambra must be accorded the highest priority. There will be less window dressing. We will consult broadly; and listen to advice and superior logic. We shall also walk the talk!

    In 2003, a governorship aspirant asked whether Anambra state is cursed or the people are the cause of its value disorientation, after 20 years of democracy. What do you think will be the probable answer to that poser?

    It was His Excellency Peter Obi that asked that question. Anambra is not cursed. The value disorientation you refer to pervades the entire nation. In response, we will continue to rejig our mindset and our priorities. There are core values that must e respected and upheld at all times. Leadership is by example, and I’m sorry to say that some of our past leaders have not exactly been exemplary

    Also in 2017 some other individual said Anambra is not broken and needs no mending. Is the state truly not broken and needs not be mended?

    Those remarks are attributable to the incumbent, Governor Charles Soludo. Interestingly, he is either struggling or working hard now to fix a state he said was not broken. There are inherent contradictions or elements of deceit and mischief at play. Today, he is focusing on infrastructure at the expense of peace, security and quality of life in Anambra.  He promised the people Dubai and Taiwan, and delivered zilch.

    Anambra has 326 wards and 21 LGs, what could be the best strategy to pursue rural development?

    Governor Peter Obi developed and bequeathed to his successors an optimal governance model, called ANIDS. The model was aligned to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). That blueprint remains available as the best option and model for developing the 21 local government areas and 179 communities of Anambra State simultaneously.

    Read Also: UNESCO co-chair seeks conflict management skills for Nigerians to reduce violence

    In terms of prioritisation, from the word go, what will be the major attention of your administration?

    Well, I have my seven-point pivotal development goals, SHEEEMS. This stands for Security, Health, Education, Economy, Environment, Market, and Social Welfare.

       All these things are interwoven. None is more important. As long as we invest in security, then other things will come into place. People will find it easy to come.

      But, as a matter of fact, we are going to, in fact, the closest to what we want to do is to improve on where His Excellency Peter Obi stopped with his ANIDS scheme, which is developing the entire environment simultaneously. So all these pivotal development goals, none is more important than the other. They are all interwoven.

    On the topical issue of food production and transiting to agribusiness, not much has been heard about Anambra State in the area of food production and food processing. What would be the attitude of your government to food production and food processing?

    I’m aware that today, African Development Bank (ADB) has a project they initiated some years ago with the blessing of the Federal Government of Nigeria in terms of SAP, that is Special Agricultural Processing Zone, for which Anambra State is among the 11 states that have been approved.

       We are lucky as a state to have our own son, in the person of Dr Chuma Ezedimma, to be in charge of that project for the entire Nigeria. So, today, Anambra State is one of the beneficiaries. They are getting $40million from African Development Bank.

       And, as a matter of fact, on top of that, AfroExim Bank has given an equity of $200million in what we call, Anambra State Mixed-Economic Development Zone, which is sited in Ogbodi, towards, around Orumba South.

       So, all these thing are because of my knowledge of this, agriculture is a place that we put our major focus. The airport we have in Anambra State is called Cargo Airport. So, we must invest more money in the Anambra North, create roads in the zone, build up the silos, create the off-takers and whatever.

    As a matter of fact, we can go back towards the M.I. Opara era, where as a start, my government will give the farm inputs to the farmers, give them the seed funds, get the tractors and whatever, and give them free services for the first one year.

       So, based on that, in the second year from the money spent, they will now take it up and start paying for all these services. So that way that our airport will be a real Cargo Airport for exports. Apart from Anambra State, we must collaborate with Kogi State, so that we work together to generate enough revenue for the people.

    Security is a key challenge in the state, because the current knee-jerk or kick-and-move approach seems ineffective. How do you think the trend can be reversed so that communities will have a hold of their space?

    What is being done is not working and it can never work. It has never worked anywhere. Today, we are talking of technology. You must marry technology vis-à-vis the conventional security system. You must train the conventional security men, pay them well, equip them with the right modern paraphernalia.

        Then we have to apply the use of technology in areas of command and control centre, putting Artificial Intelligence, power, CCTV, in the key locations of our state, especially Onitsha, Nnewi, Ikolobia, Awka, the state capital.

       And then, our airport, it is unbelievable that our airport, the only airport we have in the state, has no CCTV. So we don’t know who comes in, who goes out. As a matter of fact, the people we are fighting may be coming in through that with ammunitions and going away.

        So, talking about security, again light is a major factor. If you light up the state, then 50% of the security problem is solved.

        I remember that His Excellency Peter Obi, during his term, was involved in a Public-Private Partnership to build a power plant in Onitsha, which is a major industrial centre for our state.

       I don’t know what has become of that. We are going to revive that and make sure that there is electricity in the state. With that, we will light up the cities overnight, and I can bet you 50% of security will be solved.

    Without security, you can’t talk of bringing in both foreign and local investors. The state must be secured before anybody can do any meaningful thing in the state.

    States like Kogi and Kebbi have doing  things about inland transportation. What do you think could be done to harness this area?

    Anambra State is endowed with natural resources. We have the Niger River, we have the Orashi River, bordering around the Ihiala, those areas. In fact, apart from water transportation, we will look at light rail, linking Onitsha to Nnewi.

     Onitsha as the commercial centre of the state, Nnewi is the industrial hub, and Awka is the administrative capital to link them round with these things in the first instance.

      And then linking the state down to Port Harcourt, linking Imo, Abia State down to Port Harcourt so that in order to improve the commercial activities of our people, people who import goods can be cleared at an Onne Port in Rivers State, and then transport it through the waterways down to Onitsha.

      So what can be done with the waterways is enormous so it is part of the, in fact, by the time we release our manifesto in the coming weeks, you will see that it is well captured in part of the things we have to do.

    Among health, education, food production, infrastructural expansion and ease of doing business, which should occupy the priority attention for sustainable development?

    Each sector is vital and constitutes an integral building block to effective governance and sustainable development. Each sector requires an enabling environment to thrive. Ease of doing business will facilitate investors confidence, be they foreign or domestic investors. Investors bring in capital and create employment opportunities. Each sector working optimally translates to sustainable development.

    What is the place of integrity and pedigree in leadership recruitment?

    Integrity is like pregnancy. You are either pregnant or not. You either have integrity or you don’t. If you lose your integrity, it’s like a miscarriage. There is hardly any recovery. Pedigree is a given. If you have it and protect it, there will always be benefits. Integrity and pedigree work in tandem in leadership recruitment. But, above all, we must restore faith and trust in our leaders. The distrust gap between our leaders and the led remain quite wide.

    With the benefit of hindsight, would you say Nigeria’s Electoral Act or the electoral umpire is to blame for the less than excellent outcome of the 2023 general elections?

    INEC manifested fully the weakness of our national institutions. Its handling of the 2023 general elections was suboptimal. As an umpire, the blame for the less than stellar performance and the resultant electoral outcome rests squarely with that institution.

    In the last two years, from your understanding, would you say Nigeria is on the right course or merely moving round a circle in terms of governance and managing the economy?

    The past two years have come with real challenges. While the president and his team have shown commitment through certain reforms, gaps in execution have held back the results Nigerians hoped for. With better coordination and a more aligned strategy, there’s still strong potential to move the country forward.

    What is your take about the calls for political restructuring of Nigeria?

    Yes, I am. We need to restructure to stabilize and develop fully. Our present structure has made the nation dysfunctional and our federalism very weak.  Power ad resource sharing remains contentious. If need be, let us formalize the seven political zones structure. Each zone has some comparative advantage that they enjoy and can bring to the table. The present over-centralized power structure weakens the zones and states; clearly, most feel there is no equity.

    Despite the Federal government and Supreme Court’s ruling on fiscal autonomy of Local Government councils, it is apparent that state governors are still fiddling with council funds. Is that a problem to you?

       That is correct.  By fiddling with Local Government funds, the concerned state governors disobey existing Court orders and provisions of the 1999 Constitution.  The 1976 Local Government reform made the Local Governments the third tier of government and a federating unit.

    I believe certain provisions of the 1999 Constitution also provides the LGs with legislative and statutory powers similar to those of the federal and state governments. Local Government autonomy gives them the discretion to regulate their affairs. The aim is to promote rapid grassroots development.

    Nigerians blame state governors for the poor democratic culture in the country, as a governorship hopeful what would be your attitude towards grassroots governance at the LGs?

    Governance is simply about expeditious and sustainable service delivery. I am bringing into governance a commitment to best practices and efficient service delivery with our Security, Health, Education, Economy, Environment, Markets and Social Welfare (SHEEEMS) governance platform. We will replicate and improve on Peter Obi’s ANIDS governance model.  Most of our leaders no longer have the fear of God. So, they make promises they don’t intend to keep and siphon public resources that are not theirs. I offer, with all humility, a different approach to governance. Our governance performances will always be grassroots friendly, benchmarked and measurable.