Ahead of Monday’s defection of Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a foundation member of the party, Chief Ayiri Emami, has identified the superlative performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South South as the main cause of political shift in the region.
He also attributed the people centered projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda as another factor responsible for the high profile politicians in the region embracing the governing APC.
Five States in the region which hitherto had been under the firm control of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999 have shifted base to the APC, leaving only Rivers State out.
Reacting to the development on Sunday while chatting with newsmen in Abuja, the Delta- born APC chieftain said the programmes and policies of President Tinubu in the last two and half years have endeared the people of the region to him and to the governing party.
He noted that some of the electioneering promises Tinubu made to the people of the region are fulfilled, giving hope for a brighter future for the region under his administration.
According to the Itsekiri Chief: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fulfilling some of the promises he made to us. He promised that he would make Warri Port work. During President Buhari era, we made efforts to the Villa but you can see, in two years, he (Tinubu) has voted money for the Port now and even the Omadino- Escravos road that will pass through Gbaramatu.
“There are a lot of things going on, and our people see that he actually had our interests. So, I think those are the convictions with his policies that made the governors from the South South to say no, if we didn’t support him before, now the man is doing what is going to favour us, there is need to support him. I think his performance gave conviction to our leaders and people. So for me, I’m happy that they (governors) are coming.”
He also acknowledged the yeoman job the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is carrying out in the region under the present administration as another contributory factor to the increasing embrace and support the President and APC are enjoying.
“I think for the first time, NDDC has a proper vision and a structure, and because of the leadership of the NDDC, the chairman, and the MD, I think they are doing very well.
“This is the first time you can see a pocket of projects across the region, and they will go and commission meaningful projects like the Omadino-Escravos road. The initiative came through the NDDC – a joint venture with some oil companies – Chevron, NNPC, and now the state government. So we can have road from Warri to Escravos and you know what that means.
“What we used to know about NDDC before now, all our money used to end up in Abuja. But today, I think the young man (Sam Ogbuku)is equally galvanising support for Mr. President. That’s whatever he’s doing. He gives his support to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, and I think our youth are very happy with the administration.”
Dismissing a repeat of 2023 presidential election result from the region in 2027, Emami expressed confidence of overwhelming victory for both the President and the ruling party in the region, “I don’t think that will happen in 2027 because we are all in one place. All the actors are in one boat as we speak,” he boasted
Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) has charged political office holders in the State and beyond not to sink with the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) amid its leadership crisis.
Fadahunsi, who joined the All Progressives Congress(APC) with two members of the Federal House of Representatives, Sanya Omirin and Taofeek Ajilesoro, from his district recently, also wooed his colleagues at the National Assembly to his new party.
Speaking with newsmen on Sunday in his hometown, Ilase-Ijesa, he commended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that they are yielding results and every Nigerian are reaping the benefits.
He recalled: “When the President started his administration in 2023, some of us in opposition were against the reforms but they are all yielding today which made us join the APC.
“I am from a rural area and closer with the people in the grassroots, I have discussed with the President and he is ready to bring development to my constituency. I can assure you that from now on, you will begin to see development in Ife/Ijesa.
“The Federal Government will start rehabilitation of the Ibadan/Ile-Ife/Ilesa road and I can tell you that they will start from the Ilesa end.”
He added: “At first, some did not like the economic reforms of President Tinubu, but now that it is yielding results, we are all joining him to support it. I want to charge others in opposition to start supporting government policies so that development will come to the grassroots particularly in Ife/Ijesa. In the next year, we will have reasons to smile.”
“PDP has abandoned itself. Whosoever remain in PDP, I admonish them not to sink with that party. There is no hope in that party again. There is no road through PDP again, all political office holders who are in the party should not try by creating any way, I urge them all to leave that path and come to the party which have the agenda for development.”
Aggrieved stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Akwa Ibom have alleged that all the party’s structures across the state have been hijacked by newcomers to the party.
The stalwarts under the aegis of Akwa Ibom APC Aborigines Forum, who said this in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, blamed the Senate President Godswill Akpabio for not rising up against the development.
The forum’s national coordinator, Chief Okon Essien and state secretary, Ekemini Udo in the letter accused Governor Umo Eno of deliberately sidelining founding members of ths party.
According to the forum, Eno has set up a 33-member ‘war council’ made up of politicians who moved with him from Democratic Party(PDP) to the APC to execute his political agenda agenda of 2027.
The letter reads in parts: “Your Excellency, we, the Akwa Ibom APC Aborigines Forum, rise in protest and deep concern over the ongoing political subversion and infiltration of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Akwa Ibom State.
“We are alarmed that the structures of our party — built with sweat, courage, and sacrifice — are now being methodically hijacked by Governor Umo Eno through a political “War Council,” while the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, under whose leadership we stood loyally, watches in disturbing silence.
“It is no longer hidden that Governor Umo Eno has established a parallel political structure within the APC — a full-blown War Council conceived to conquer and take over the party’s machinery from within.
“Operating like a shadow government inside our great party, this council is the Governor’s instrument for manipulation, infiltration, and eventual domination of the APC in Akwa Ibom State.
” He has carefully handpicked and mandated thirty-three (33) individuals — mostly die-hard PDP loyalists — to execute this conquest.
“Their first assignment is to compile lists of persons who will occupy all party positions at the ward, chapter and state levels, thereby sidelining and extinguishing the aboriginal members who founded and nurtured the APC in Akwa Ibom State.
“We can’t allow strangers take over our house, while our own leader — the Senate President — appears too distant to defend us”.
Edo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Monday Okpebholo for what it described as his steadfast leadership, dedication and remarkable efforts in repositioning the party and advancing the progress of Edo State.
It also passed a vote of confidence on Edo APC Chairman Emperor Jarret Tenebe; and Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah.
This was contained in a statement after a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party held at the weekend.
The statement, signed by spokesman of the party, Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, said the party deliberated on various issues affecting the smooth running and cohesion of the party across the state.
It said the party lifted suspension of Hon. Valentine Asue and Mrs. Stella Ogbetta, Woman Leader of Oredo Ward 10.
The statement said suspension of Ward nine Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Mallam Adamu Ototobor, remained in force until further notice.
According to the statement: “The SWC advises all members to remain law-abiding and committed to the principles and discipline of the party pending further directives.
“That a vote of implicit confidence was unanimously passed on the Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo; the State Chairman of the APC, Emperor Jarret Tenebe; and the State Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah, for their steadfast leadership, dedication, and remarkable efforts in repositioning the party and advancing the progress of Edo State.
“The State Working Committee reaffirms its commitment to fairness, internal democracy, and the overall stability of the party across all levels in Edo State. It further calls on all members to continue to work collectively towards strengthening the APC as a united political family.”
On Saturday, the off-cycle governorship election will be held in Anambra State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared its readiness for the poll.
It is a battle between the incumbent governor of the state, and academic giant, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, against his opponents.
Though there are 16 names on the INEC’s ballot boxes, only five political parties have shown enough interest in the contest so far.
The parties are the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Young Progressives Party (YPP), the Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Unfortunately, the major opposition party in the past, the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Jude Ezenwafor, was attacked in Abuja, a few months ago, which has made the party inactive.
Soludo is recontesting his seat on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The other candidates, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC, Dr George Moghalu of LP, Sir Paul Chukwuma of YPP and Mr John Chuma Nwosu of ADC, are not relenting.
The opposition candidates, to tell you they are not joking, chose formidable running mates for the race.
For YPP, Sir Uzuegbulam Okagbue, a former Chief Protocol Officer to the former governor, Chief Willie Obiano, is the man; Senator Uche Ekwunife is for the APC, Lady Ifeoma Okafor for LP, and Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu for the ADC.
The five major contenders have been moving around the state, from villages to communities and to the local government areas to canvas for votes.
Some of them have equally ventured into name-calling. But no matter the pretence, each of them is afraid of the other.
While Governorname Soludo is relying on the power of incumbency and some of his notable achievements, the opposition contenders believe his best is not good enough to re-elect him
Again, the governor continues to talk about the progressive alliance between the state and the federal government of the APC to navigate the bend.
The Isuofia-born professor had vied for the governorship of Anambra State in 2010 under the platform of PDP without success and was trounced by Obi. The genesis of bottled anger.
The First Class Economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor under the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was helped by the former governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, to win the election in 2021.
Today, he is not only the Anambra State governor, but also, as one of the Economic Advisors to the President.
Some residents in the state, especially APGA sympathisers, believe that the governor has done well within the period to merit reelection.
APGA, as a political party, has turned into a movement in Anambra State. The party has introduced some good and excruciating policies on the citizenry, including the pestle carriers (aka -odo), among others.
However, if the powers that be at the top stand solidly behind him, the 65-year-old will nick it 21/21, the way Obiano did in 2017, but the forces against his reelection are much greater.
Some powerful forces in the Catholic Church are against him; the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, is not happy with him, alongside many other traditional rulers. The traders in all the major markets in the state are working against him because of his obnoxious tax regime, among others.
One good thing going for him is his romance with some major stakeholders in the state, like Sir Emeka Offor, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and the 21 local government area chairmen.
The House of Assembly members are divided currently, while some are with APC and YPP, one of the two females, Hon Nkechi Ogbuefi, is a member of LP.
The local government areas Soludo is likely to win are Aguata, his place, because of the quantum of work he has done in the area.
Besides, the Old Aguata Union (OAU), where late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, hailed from, always rallies around itself in everything they do.
The only thing that could shake the foundation there is the presence of Ekwunife, who hails from the area and is the running mate to the APC candidate.
Again, another obstacle before him in the area is the invasion and occupation of the Biafran agitators in some of the bushes in the communities.
The communities are Umunze, Ogbunka and Owerre- Ezukala, all in Orumba South.
Incidentally, those places were the strongholds of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, of the then YPP, who later jumped ship to team up with the APC. Though he is no longer around, his foot soldiers are.
With the support of the former governor and Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, in Idemili North and South Local Government areas, Soludo may emerge the winner in these areas.
Ngige had visited him and praised him to the high heavens for his developmental strides in the state. He has not supported his political Party, the APC, since President Tinubu won the party’s ticket en route to the presidential election.
Moreover, the area is where the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Anyaoku, comes from. He is one of the prominent backers of the governor in the state.
Not only that, Soludo made one of their sons, the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the chairman of the traditional rulers in Anambra State. He replaced the Obi of Onitsha.
Currently, he has placed an Obosi son and former Minister of Aviation and Co-Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, as his heir apparent from the Central senatorial zone.
In Ekwusigo, it will be like passing through the camel’s eye for anyone to defeat him there because of Sir Emeka Offor’s presence, same in Ogbaru, the home of the Anambra Speaker, Hon Somtochukwu Udeze.
But insecurity that has ravaged Ihiala and Awka South capital city, will make it a serious battleground for APGA.
Soludo, since he assumed office, has faced insecurity challenges in many communities, especially along the Ihiala axis, despite claims of successes by security operatives.
To date, communities like Isseke, Orsumoghu, Lilu, Ukpor, part of Ihiala, and Azia, are being occupied by the unknown gunmen.
No ceremony is allowed to take place in those communities, unless the agitators permit you. The residents had all abandoned their homes.
Any burial in those areas must take place as early as between 6-6.30 am, with a specified number of relatives, no more than between 10 and 20, in attendance as decreed by the bush occupants.
After that early morning burial, everybody will disperse to any town of the choice of family for the funeral, either Onitsha or Nnewi, or Awka. The government is just pretending; the situation is that terrible.
In Ihiala, it will be an interesting battle because, despite the leader of the state security outfit, ‘Agunechemba’, Prince Ken Emeakayi, coming from there and a billionaire oil magnate, Obijackson, who is backing him too, the APC has a strong presence in the area.
Soludo relies heavily on the support of President Tinubu to overcome his opponents because of the progressives’ alliance.
But as a party man who had gone through such a rough road in the hands of Obasanjo before, when he was Lagos State governor, he should know that the party reigns supreme in such situations.
APC faithful believe that Tinubu will not allow such an opportunity of getting Anambra into the APC fold slip by this time round because it will give him an edge in the 2027 presidential race.
Again, it will be difficult for Soludo to betray his boss, Atiku Abubakar, no matter what. Therefore, Tinubu will be sitting on a keg of gunpowder in 2027 if he fails to get the support of his party in the November 8 poll.
Be that as it may, Soludo stands the better chance of retaining his seat than his opponents because he has already shown his capacity, though opposition may not like this.
The father of six children has a supportive wife in Dr Nonye, who uses her healthy living exercise to woo many people in the state.
George Moghalu (LP)
For the LP candidate, Moghalu, he is counting on the grassroots support and the popularity of the former governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi, to scale the hurdle.
He is also working on the same page with the elected LP eggheads like Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, House of Representatives members, Idu Emeka, Prof Lilian Orogbu and Afam Ogene to garner votes.
They are all Labour Party elected National Assembly members from Anambra State.
Moghalu, recently, told The Nation that he’s not ashamed of riding at the back of Obi to get to the Promised Land.
If you are searching for a leader who is honest, capable, and people-centred, Chief George Moghalu stands tall as a beacon of hope for Anambra State.
His name resonates with integrity, experience, and a passion for development.
The LP candidate is not just another politician; he is a man whose entire career has been rooted in service, structure, and sincerity.
Moghalu’s upbringing instilled in him the belief that power must be used not to oppress but to uplift, and those values have guided his public and private life to date.
The former National Auditor of APC later became the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
The 62-year-old prioritised bringing in reforms that made the agency more efficient, transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.
He was one of the few APC members who were not happy because Tinubu won the party’s presidential ticket in 2023.
Moghalu told The Nation recently in Awka that the November 8 governorship election would be his last, whether good or bad.
The reason for contesting, he said, is not to enrich himself, not to recycle political rhetoric, but to rebuild trust between government and the governed.
To bring a new leadership culture that prioritizes results over noise, and governance over godfatherism.
Already, Moghalu is facing party challenges because the leadership that sanctioned his governorship ticket was removed by the court. His faith hangs in the balance. But he still pushes.
With the cult followership of Peter Obi, the combined forces of the NASS members in the state in LP, Moghalu stands a chance of making a strong statement.
Some of the local government areas likely to be battlegrounds between LP and APGA are Anaocha, Obi’s and Senator Victor Umeh’s local government area.
He is likely to make a statement in Idemili North and South if Ngige willingly backs him. But Ngige is a tricky individual, but highly principled. The issue now is, between Soludo and Moghalu, where does his heart belong?
Another area waiting for LP is Anambra East, Ayamelum and Anambra West Local Government areas, where Senator Tony Nwoye holds sway.
Nwoye almost became the governor of the state in 2017 when he contested on the platform of APC, but what saved APGA was the intervention of the then President, the late Muhammadu Buhari.
The LP senator has done a lot for his constituents, including fixing roads in his domain. He is influential in Anambra North Senatorial Zone, and if calculations are anything to go by, LP stands a good chance of staking a claim in the area.
And Nwoye will equally have the combined forces of other popular Reps members from the zone, Hon Afam Ogene from Ogbaru federal constituency and Hon Emeka Idu of Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency.
Moghalu can equally count on Hon Lilian Orogbu, representing Awka North and South federal constituency, another popular figure who was a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Unizik Awka.
So, LP has a strong presence in about nine local government areas in the state already, if the permutations are anything to rely on. But the fear is the possibility of the APGA-led administration using the state-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, against the opponents on Election Day.
What sets Moghalu apart from others is that he listens, he consults, and he doesn’t fail in answering people’s calls, unlike many politicians, which alone is a big plus for him in this race.
Paul Chukwuma (YPP)
He is the youngest among the five top contenders. Sir Paul Chukwuma, before now, was the National Auditor of the APC.
Though he announced his resignation from the party a day before the governorship primary at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, he said his decision would not stop him from supporting President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. He later teamed up with the Young Progressives Party, YPP, to pursue his governorship ambition.
Chukwuma is a big entrepreneur and pro-Biafran Chancellor of Olivia University, Burundi.
The father of six, like Soludo, is loaded academically with no fewer than five different degrees, including Law and made First Class in all.
Paul Chukwuma was unjustly denied the APC ticket by the powers that be, despite being one of the major financiers of the party both in Anambra and at the national level.
Some APC chieftains accused him of sabotaging the party and secretly working with Soludo. This, he denied and has been attacking Soludo since he joined YPP. Chukwuma may return to APC after the November 8 election.
He has built from scratch several successful startup businesses and mentored several entrepreneurs in Nigeria and around the world.
He hails from Nneyi Village, Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state. His philanthropic activities cut across several communities in Nigeria.
Chukwuma owns several companies, including ValuePlus Solutions, Montage Group, Fides Et Ratio, Humble Rocks, among others.
His campaign message has centred on the failure of the current administration of Soludo and the insecurity ravaging the state, adding that he needs only six months to get things right in the state.
Political watchers say he joined the race to spoil the fun for the APC candidate, having been denied the governorship ticket by some persons who were afraid of his rising profile.
They are accusing him of trying to distort the zoning arrangement going on in the state, which was introduced by Peter Obi.
It was also argued that Soludo’s predecessor came from the Anambra North zone, and it would be unfair to hand over power to the zone immediately without considering others.
But Chukwuma is undeterred, as he chose his running mate from the Central zone, Sir Uzuegbulam Okagbue, a former aide to former governor Obiano.
Though he has repeatedly said he has no political godfather, his closeness with the Catholic Church hierarchy gives him out. He was an ex-Seminarian.
His chances are also bright, but the YPP is not well known in Anambra. The party was only made popular in the Anambra South senatorial zone, where late Ifeanyi Ubah held sway.
It will be difficult for Chukwuma to use YPP to dislodge APGA in the state, though everything is possible in politics, the way it is in football.
Some areas that could be attributed as the strongholds of the party have been occupied by others. Anambra East, where he hails from, will be a key battleground for him with APGA and LP.
His running mate, Uzu is from Dunukofia, which is a small local government area in terms of population and also a stronghold of APGA.
YPP has other local government areas it’s likely to make an impact, including Nnewi North, Ayamelum, Anambra West, and Onitsha North and South.
To win the election will be difficult for YPP, but the candidate and his running mate are loved by many and will make a huge impact, but not win.
Nicholas Ukachukwu ( APC)
When Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu emerged as the candidate of the APC during the party’s primary, some members of the party left and joined other political parties.
They accused him of hijacking the process with his enormous wealth. But the primary was conducted in a free atmosphere.
At 58 years, he stands another chance to stand for the position in future, if his party fails to win the November 8 election.
The man, popularly referred to anywhere he goes as Ikukuoma (Wind of Glory), is a man of means, but not as educated as the two Chukwumas and Moghalu.
He hails from Dimala village, Osumenyi, Nnewi South Local Government Area. He is an international and well-accomplished businessman.
He is the Founder and Chairman of SNECOU Group Limited, a conglomerate with major investments in Construction, Oil and Gas and the Founder of British Nigeria Academy and European University of Nigeria (EUN)
He has other investments like, Prince and Princess Estate, Good Homes Estate, Shalom Villa Estate, among others.
Before now, he served as an elected Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in 1997.
From there, he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He contested for the Anambra South Senatorial seat in 2023, won that election, but because of the power tussle then between him and the Ubas, he was stopped.
He had contested the governorship under the defunct Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and HOPE Party in 2006 and 2010, respectively.
One thing going for the APC candidate in this election is his choice of running mate, in the person of Senator Ekwunife.
Ekwunife is a political caterpillar in Anambra and a grassroots mobilizer, loved by the masses.
Ukachukwu is not loved by many, not as a result of his party, but because they see the arrogance of Soludo in him.
He wants to leverage the APC being at the centre to get to his destination. But he is not helping himself with the calibre of people around him.
Observers think that such characters may give him and Ekwunife the opportunity of winning the election.
Besides, certain governors are against his emergence as the party’s flag bearer and are doing everything to stop him from winning.
However, his Nnewi North and South flag bearers no go areas for any other political party in the state.
There are going to be key battlegrounds between APC, APGA and LP in the state. These local government areas are Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia, Idemili North and South, Onitsha North and South, Awka North and South, Ihiala and Ogbaru.
If, indeed, the federal government is in support of APC in Anambra State with the party’s governors, then, it’s not going to be a tea party for APGA.
John Chuma Nwosu (ADC)
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is not popular in the state.
But his running mate, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, is more popular and has played state politics and held positions than the candidate.
The Oduda, Nnewi-ichi born entrepreneur and Economist, had high hopes of leveraging on Peter Obi’s popularity when he got the ticket.
But that anticipation is being dashed as the party continues to swim in crisis at the national level, with even Obi’s hopes of presidential ambition hanging in the balance.
Nwosu’s running mate, Nwobu, had before now, been the state chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) and chairman of PDP in the state.
The ADC candidate, who is an advocate of grassroots campaigns, is the Chief Executive Officer of Jetlink Group Ltd., an ICT company with business affiliations and interests in the Central Bank of Nigeria, EcoBank Plc, Jaiz Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, among others.
He was gunning for the LP governorship ticket and later switched over to ADC when it dawned on him that Moghalu was the obvious choice of Obi.
The decision pushed the former Secretary to the state government, Mr Oseloka Obaze, an unrepentant Obi ally, out of LP.
Political watchers say he has no impact in the governorship race on Saturday, saying he won’t win even a single local government area out of the 21.
The only local government area where the ADC impact will be felt is in Awka South, where the party’s running mate hails from and even served as a Council chairman in 1999.
For Soludo, it seems the coast is clear, based on his footprints on the ground, but if the higher authorities intervene, then there will be a struggle along the line.
The campaigns by all the parties have centred on insecurity in the state and vote buying stunts being pulled by the government in power.
APGA and APC have already rolled out the drums, including LP, waiting for the declaration of the results by the INEC. The three parties are hopeful of emerging victorious at the end. However, the residents are keeping their fingers crossed.
Chioma Ifemeludike (AAC)
Chioma Ifemeludike, a Nollywood actress, is the gubernatorial candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). She may not be one of the leading candidates, but the recent events, especially the sympathy of Omoyele Sowore, the Chairman of ACC, for the plight of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has endeared many to her.
Ifemeludike is one of the few women from Anambra who dared to take a shot at politics. “In AAC, we believe in women’s leadership. God and my ancestors will bear me witness that I am willing to give my all to win this election, unless society says otherwise,” said Ifemeludike.
She has a robust 33-page programme, where her vision for the Anambra State has been encapsulated.
She gained traction online recently after sharing a series of campaign photos and videos that spotlight her message of inclusive governance and challenge long-held patriarchal beliefs in politics.
Her strength is the cult following she has among youths, and if they can mobilise support for her, just the way they did for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, durin the 2023 presidential election, she is going to make a serious impact.
No threat can force the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda out of office, the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum (NNYLF) has warned.
The group, a conglomerate of leaders of various socio, political, and cultural youth groups of northern extraction, distanced itself from calls demanding the resignation of Yilwatda.
A pro-APC group – All Progressives Congress Youth Solidarity Network (APC-YSN) on Friday issued a two-week ultimatum to Yilwatda to step aside or face mass action.
A statement by the APC-YSN National Coordinator, Comrade Danesi Momoh, in Abuja alleged that Yilwatda has “failed leadership tests in all parameters,” adding that the party’s popularity was shrinking daily under his watch — a claim they argued would affect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
But in a swift reaction, the National Coordinator of NNYLF, Mallam Murtala Mohammed Gamji, said the characters behind the resignation push have no moral and political standing to issue such a threat, insisting “nobody can force our national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda to resign.”
Faulting the Momoh-led APC-YSN, Gamji noted that aside from being an illegal APC affiliate, the Northern youth leader described the group as “a political hatchet team” planted by the opposition to destabilise the governing APC.
Challenging the leadership of APC- YSN Gamji said, “That individual calling on our National Chairman to resign is not even a member of APC. We schooled together in ABU Zaria. He is from Auchi and a PDP member. He has even been sanctioned in the PDP circle in Auchi, Edo State. Momoh is not a member of APC. He’s not a card member of APC, and he has no stand in APC. We don’t know his link with our untouchable chairman”
He argued that since Yilwatda took charge as APC National Chairman, the Professor of Electronic and Computer Engineering has repositioned and boosted stakeholders’ confidence in the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Gamji stressed that Nentawe’s emergence had instead been attracting high-profile actors into the APC — not driving them away — and warned that no attempt to destabilise the current leadership would be tolerated ahead of the 2027 election.
On the allegation that the APC National Chairman was blocking the Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from defecting to the ruling party, Gamji said, “that can never be possible.”
According to him “The National Chairman (Yilwatda) is a democrat and can not stop any governor from joining the APC. The governor himself admitted publicly that he is under pressure to join APC. Nobody is stopping him.
“You can see how Governors of Taraba, Enugu, and Bayelsa states and individuals are coming. A lot of senators, House of Representatives members, and other ordinary people are trooping into APC because of the kind of humble leadership of Prof.(Yilwatda). So we disagree with him. Nobody is stopping the Governor.”
The Forum also advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject the call to investigate the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, describing the sponsors of such agitation as enemies of national stability.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declared that no level of opposition or political gang-up can stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Tunji-Ojo, speaking through his support group, BTO for PBAT, on Saturday, said the President’s bold economic reforms and transformative policies have made his second-term bid “unstoppable.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Folajimi Adewumi expressed unwavering confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the preparedness of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power.
“Nobody can stop President Tinubu from winning the 2027 general election. Unless there are no elections in Nigeria or the President himself opts not to run, nothing can prevent Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from emerging victorious in 2027,” Adewumi stated.
He reaffirmed the group’s strong belief in Tinubu’s political strength and wide-reaching influence across the country.
According to Adewumi, members of BTO for PBAT 2027 have been traversing various parts of the nation to gauge public sentiment and showcase the administration’s achievements.
“We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Tinubu’s policies on infrastructure, security, and economic reforms. Nigerians are beginning to see tangible results, and by 2027, the Renewed Hope mandate will be reaffirmed,” he added.
Director-General of the group, Ogbeni Adojutelegan Adesuyi, said the APC had drawn vital lessons from its 2023 electoral experiences.
Adesuyi noted that the party had critically reviewed its performance, particularly losses in strategic states like Lagos and Kano, and had since revitalized its grassroots structures.
“The APC has reconnected with the people, learned from past mistakes, and fortified its base. The challenges faced in 2023 will not be repeated,” Adesuyi said.
He added that the group is intensifying its nationwide mobilization and direct engagement with citizens to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda and consolidate public support for the Tinubu administration.
The Civic Alliance for Fiscal Transparency (CAFT) has challenged members of the National Assembly to either hold the executive accountable over newly approved foreign loans and the delayed rollout of the 2025 capital budget or step down from office.
In a statement issued on Saturday, CAFT President, Ayodele Olaposi, said Nigerians have grown weary of a legislature that “approves loans with one hand and closes its eyes with the other.”
He stressed that the responsibility of lawmakers extends beyond passing budgets to ensuring that every loan secured and every naira allocated to capital projects translates into tangible development for citizens.
Olaposi acknowledged that while the administration of President Bola Tinubu has achieved revenue improvements through fiscal reforms and increased oil earnings, the impact is yet to be felt by ordinary Nigerians due to the slow implementation of the 2025 capital budget.
“It is unacceptable that after celebrating revenue growth and approving multi-billion-dollar loans, the government still drags its feet on the 2025 capital budget,” he said.
“This delay hurts the economy and erodes public confidence. Implementing the budget fully and transparently will prove that this administration is genuinely committed to developing the land and not just managing headlines.”
CAFT noted that Nigeria’s debt stock has continued to rise, crossing ₦149 trillion in mid-2025, while service obligations now consume over 60 percent of federal revenue.
The group warned that without strict legislative oversight, future generations would inherit debts without development.
“The National Assembly must not become a clearing house for unsustainable borrowing. Every loan approved must be tracked, audited, and tied to measurable impact. The time has come for legislators to justify the trust placed in them or make way for those who will,” Olaposi said.
The group urged the federal legislature to compel full disclosure on how the new foreign loans will be spent, project by project, and to ensure that priority is given to infrastructure, job creation, and poverty reduction.
It also called for the publication of quarterly progress reports to restore public confidence in fiscal governance.
“True accountability is not about speeches or committee sittings—it’s about results. When roads are built, when schools function, when hospitals receive equipment, Nigerians will know that governance is working. Until then, every borrowed fund must remain under scrutiny,” the statement added.
CAFT reaffirmed its support for responsible fiscal management and lauded the administration’s stated commitment to non-oil revenue growth and local industrialisation. However, it insisted that economic success must translate to social progress.
“The government must not allow bureaucratic inertia to undermine the promise of reform. We call on lawmakers to stand firm, demand performance, and ensure that the 2025 budget serves its purpose — to rebuild confidence and deliver development for all Nigerians,” the group said.
There were low turnout of voters across Niger State during Saturday’s local government elections which also witnessed violence and no-show in some of the polling units.
As at 9 am, voters and electoral officers were yet to be seen at the polling units across the State while in other places, there were voters on ground as early as 8 am but there were no electoral officers.
In Chachanga local government area, there were low turnout of voters as it was observed that several polling units did not record half the number of voters as expected while electoral materials did not arrive at the polling units until around 10.30 am. There were also complaints that the election materials were not complete in some of the polling units.
In Bosso local government area, there were low turnout and late arrival of election materials. In Paikoro, there were no elections in some areas while as at 11 am, materials and officials were just arriving at some polling units.
In Magama local government area, election materials were set on fire by angry residents following reports of missing result sheets in the materials in Nasko as the residents accused officials of attempting to manipulate the election process.
It was learnt that the INEC office was the target but residents around pleaded with the youths that burning of the INEC office would affect their houses.
An official of the Niger state Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), who pleaded anonymity, claimed that they were able to save some of the sensitive materials though others for several polling units got burnt.
In Shiroro and Munya local government areas, there were no elections in several parts of the local government areas while in those where the election took place experienced low turnout out.
In Mokwa local government area, it was gathered that officials conveying electoral materials to Muregi, Gbara, and other wards were attacked causing a delay in the arrival of ballot boxes and materials to the polling units.
Some of the residents contacted said that the ballot boxes and other sensitive materials were being moved to Bida and attempts to stop them attracted attacks from youths perceived to be thugs.
One of the victims, who was attacked, Usman Sanda said that the 19th polling unit ballot box from Muregi and the 17th from Gbara were unlawfully moved from Mokwa to Bida adding that residents who tried to follow the officials were ambushed by thugs, their tires punctured, and they were brutally beaten.
In Rijau, after they heard of what happened in Magama, the officials refused to bring out the election materials even as the residents say that they are not interested in voting but in security of their lives and properties from bandits.
In Agwara, the PDP chairmanship candidate, David Ezekiel Laiga announced his withdrawal from the election in the early hours of Saturdau saying it was done after due consultation and in the interest of peace, unity, and the overall development of Agwara Local Government Area.
The Niger Police Public Relations officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the burning of electoral sensitive materials in Magama and said some people have been arrested.
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to offer better representation and deepen development in Kaduna South Senatorial District.
Announcing his defection in a statement titled: “A new chapter: A Message of unity and purpose,” Katung said the decision followed weeks of wide consultations with constituents, political stakeholders, family members, and associates across the zone.
He described the move as “difficult but necessary,” explaining that it was driven by a genuine desire to serve his people more effectively and ensure that their voices are heard at the highest decision-making levels of government.
The lawmaker said the decision was also in response to the calls by various segments of his constituency urging him to join forces with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, who, he noted, have shown special interest in the development of Southern Kaduna.
Katung commended both leaders for their inclusive governance style and developmental footprints across the senatorial district, saying they reflect a sincere commitment to equity, unity, and progress. He added that he and his colleague, Hon. Daniel Amos, along with other political associates, share a firm conviction to align with this vision.
While admitting that the decision might not sit well with everyone, the senator appealed for understanding, stressing that political alignments may shift, but the collective commitment to the welfare of the people must remain unbroken.
He urged friends, supporters, and political allies not to allow political differences to damage personal relationships built over the years, quoting former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson that “a difference of opinion in politics should never be a reason to withdraw from a friend.”
Katung reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining open communication with his constituents and working closely with the APC-led government to deliver purposeful governance and tangible development to Kaduna South.
