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  • Okpebholo, Soludo, Uba Sani, Abiodun show strength in by-elections

    Okpebholo, Soludo, Uba Sani, Abiodun show strength in by-elections

    • ADC, PDP trailing badly in Kaduna, Edo, Ogun, Anambra, others
    • Police, DSS arrest PDP agent with N30m cash in Kaduna
    • INEC officials, others nabbed in Ogun
    • ADC agents caught with ballot paper booklets in Anambra
    • APC wins in Kogi, PDP in Oyo

    It was all pumping of hands and back slapping yesterday in the camps of Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo State), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) as early results of the by-elections in parts of the country went hugely in favour of the candidates they had spent much time campaigning for in the last few months.

    On the contrary, the candidates of ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai and those of Labour Party Presidential candidate in 2023, Mr.Peter Obi, had an outing to forget.

    The elections were generally peaceful although there were reports of violence in Nnewi, Anambra State and Shanono, Bagwai and Ghari in Kano State.

    The Kano State Police Command confirmed that it arrested 288 suspected thugs during the exercise.

    Found in possession of the suspects were bows and arrows, daggers, cutlasses and charms.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called for the cancellation of the Kano election in view of the violence blamed on supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

    Several party functionaries and a few officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were arrested in Kaduna and Ogun states for being in possession of huge sums of money allegedly earmarked for compromising the electoral process.

    Early returns from the polling booths showed that landslide victories awaited the APC  senatorial candidate in Edo Central Joseph Ikpea and the party’s flag bearer in Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency of the state, Omosede Igbinedion.

    Omosede is the daughter of the Esama of Benin Kigdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

    The 90-year-old Chief Igbinedion defied a downpour to vote at Polling Unit 7 in Okada.

    Omosede polled 450 votes while the PDP and ADC got one vote each at the end of voting there.

    She had contested for the same seat in 2023 on the platform of PDP but lost to APC’s Dennis Idahosa who vacated the seat following his election as Deputy Governor last September.

    Her PDP opponent yesterday, Mr. Johnny Aikpitanyi, stormed Benin City to complain about alleged intimidation of voters.

    He claimed that over 150 thugs and vigilance group members were deployed to intimidate voters at Oghede polling unit in Ovia North East.

    Governor Okpebholo voted at Ward 2, Unit 1, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area but expressed frustration at the slow pace of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) used at the polling booth.

    “Well, I just voted. You can see the frustration. The BVAS is just too slow. It takes too long before you can get accredited.

    “I think INEC needs to look into this. So far, so good, the feelers I’m getting are good,” he told reporters.

    He was until his election as governor the senator from the district.

    Abiodun confirms supremacy over Adebutu in Remo

    Governor Abiodun notched up one more victory over his close rival, PDP’s Ladi Adebutu, with the massive votes for the APC House of Representatives candidate for Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North, Adesola Elegbeji.

    The APC had run away with a narrow victory against the PDP in the 2023 election in the constituency.

    When a vacancy occurred last year following the death of Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, the PDP thought it was time to revenge only for the voters to decide otherwise.

    Mr Bolarinwa Oluwole, PDP candidate in the by-election accused the APC of deploying thugs to chase voters away from polling units in the constituency.

    He said the thugs targeted strongholds of the PDP to cause violence. He claimed there was no by-election in Ogun.

    It was double embarrassment for the PDP in the state as the party was linked with an attempt to bribe its way to victory in the election.

    The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two individuals identified as INEC officials and others for alleged electoral offences in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, during the by-election.

    The police spokesperson in the state, CSP Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the arrest through a statement, said the suspects were arrested at about 0045hrs by a police patrol team attached to the Iperu Remo Division.

    CSP Odutola said that a Mitsubishi Spacewagon vehicle marked Lagos AKD 887 HT with three occupants – Mr. Toryem Joe-Stans and Ms. Mandara Aminat, both officials of the INEC, were intercepted in Iperu alongside the driver. 

    She explained that while the police patrol team was searching the vehicle, it discovered and recovered cash sum of two million five hundred thousand naira (₦2,500,000.00) from Joe-Stans Toryem.

    The police spokesperson added that during interrogation, he confessed that the money was collected at Kehoy Hotel, Iperu, Ogun State from a man he referred to as “Political Solution.”

    According to Odutola, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, had directed the transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran.

    Soludo, former Anambra Speaker decry violence in Nnewi

    Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and the immediate past Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Rita Maduagwu, deplored the violence that almost marred the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election.

    Leading contestants for the seat left vacant by the death of APC’s Ifeanyi Ubah were Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Azuka Okwusa of APC, Donald Amamgbo of Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) and Christian Ubah of PDP.

    But it was the APGA candidate that seemed to have got the majority of the votes.

    Of note is the poor showing of ADC’s Amamgbo for whom Mr. Peter Obi had campaigned vigorously.

    Obi, a former governor of the Anambra State, got 584,621 votes in the state alone during the 2023 presidential election.

    Soludo told reporters shortly after casting his vote at his polling unit 002, Ofiyi Square, Isuofia ward in Aguata Local Government Area that the state Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu was assaulted by an opposition party during the by-election in the state.

     “Just in the last few minutes, I got a terrible report from Nnewi South. The news is not palatable but predictable, because when you see you are losing, you begin to unleash violence to disrupt the electoral process,” he said.

    “My Commissioner was in pains and crying that the APC governorship candidate in Anambra took truckload of police and thugs and was going from one polling unit to another beating up people, including the commissioner.

    “That is shocking but not unexpected. That is what you do when you are desperate. I understand they are losing even in his ward.

    “Let the people vote and let their votes count. That is what we are asking. But we are confident that at the end of the day, the people’s will must prevail,” he added.

    A similar complaint of intimidation came from the APC.

    It said its members and agents were being arrested by agents of the state government

    Four polling agents of the APC were allegedly taken away by a local government chairman, provoking a protest by youths in the area.

    Hon Rita Maduagwu, told The Nation that APGA supporters invaded her Ukpor Ward 3,009 to unleash mayhem on the voters

    “Ukpor in Nnewi South had never witnessed such violence during election,” she said.

    Read Also: APC, PDP call for cancellation of Kano by-elections

    APC agents in Ward 4, Units 001 and 003 and Ward 4 Unit 8 in Ekwusigo were also allegedly arrested.

    A video recording emerged on social media yesterday purporting to show two booklets of ballot papers already thumb-printed in favour of ADC.

    The booklets were allegedly intended to be smuggled into ballot boxes at Aguata High School, Ekwolobi.

    Uba Sani makes it happen for APC in Chikun, Zaria

    The APC candidate in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Joseph Bagudu, and that of Zaria/Kewaye State Constituency, Mohammed Haruna, also appeared to be cruising to victory at the close of voting.

    Reports from the various polling centres showed that their votes overshadowed those of Adanu Alexander of ADC and Dawaki Esther of PDP for Chikun/Kajuru as well as Isiyaku Kabir of ADC and Mamuda Abdullahi of PDP for Zaria/Kewaye.

    Mallam El Rufai had rolled out his political machinery ahead of the by-election, crisscrossing the various wards to canvass support for the ADC candidates.

    But all that seemed to have counted for nothing as shown by the results from the fields.

    The Chikun/Kajuru seat was left vacant by the death of LP’s Abubakar Adamu.

    The Police Command in Kaduna State said its operatives in collaboration with those of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies arrested a suspected vote buyer ahead of the by-elections and recovered N30 million cash.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the suspect was arrested at a popular Hotel located on Turunku Road in the Kaduna metropolis.

    According to Hassan, the seized cash was earmarked for the purpose of inducing voters to compromise the electoral process.

    According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had planned to use the said amount to bribe eligible voters.

    Hassan added: “On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.”

    The Kaduna State chapter of the PDP confirmed ownership of the money but denied it was meant to compromise INEC officials or induce voters.

    Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the State Chairman of the party, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the allegation of vote buying as “false, malicious and politically motivated.,” maintaining that the seized funds were intended to facilitate the work of PDP agents and officials during the by-elections across the state.

    According to him, every political party mobilises agents, supervisors and collation officers during elections and such structures require funding.

    He noted that with over 5,000 PDP agents deployed across the constituencies, the seized N30 million amounted to little more than stipends for their welfare.

    Masha said: “Let me make it clear: that money was for election logistics. We have 169 wards, and if you multiply the number of agents, supervisors and collation officers by their allowances, you will arrive at well over N30 million.

    “That is the reality. To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians.”

    Masha lamented that the party has been the target of harassment by security agencies working, in his words, “at the behest of the Kaduna State Government.”

    He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponising state institutions to intimidate the opposition.

    He recalled that only a day earlier, security operatives raided the campaign council office of the PDP candidate for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and whisked away several party officials, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and more than 18 others.

    Makinde proves too strong for APC in Ibadan North

    There seems to be nothing to stop the PDP candidate in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, Folajinmi Oyekunle, after securing massive votes across the constituency.

    APC candidate, Olatunji Adewale was no match, winning only six votes at his Ward 10, Unit 27 polling unit as against the nine for Oyekunle.

    288 armed thugs arrested in Shanono/Bagwai; APC,PDPcall for cancellation of election

    The police in Kano State arrested 288 suspected thugs said to have engaged in disruptive activities during the by-election in Ghari/Tsanyawa and Bagwai/Shanono state constituencies.

    Police spokesman, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said various weapons were recovered from the suspects, including a pump action rifle and four locally made guns.

    Other dangerous weapons recovered included bows and arrows, catapults and pebbles, cutlasses, knives and clubs.

    “The suspects are currently in police custody. Investigations are ongoing to identify their sponsors and collaborators.”

    The APC and PDP called for immediate cancelation of the by-election for Shanono/Bagwai constituency, and the Ghari constituency rerun election, citing alleged widespread extreme violence and election disruption by armed thugs across several polling units.

    APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said in a statement that “verifiable reports from Shanono and Bagwai Local Government Areas and Ghari constituency have voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence, making the prospects of a credible election impossible.

    “Proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano State Constituency by-election and Ghari rerun election in the atmosphere of utter brigandage and outright violent voter intimidation will be against democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful election, and set a dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist,” Morka said.

    Kano State Chairman of the PDP, Yusuf Ado Kibiya, said his party was alarmed by reports of intimidation, thuggery and other actions that undermine the democratic process.

     He said: “The use of violence or threat of violence to influence voters and candidates and the outcome of the election are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

     “Such conducts not only endangers lives but destroys public trust in our democratic institutions.

    “Let it be known that a free and fair election is the foundation of representative democracy.

    “We urge all authorities to act decisively to safeguard that principle and to ensure the will of the people is reflected without fear or favor.”

    APC’s Yakubu wins in Kogi

    The  APC candidate in the Egume/ Dekina State Constituency election in Kog State, Musa Hassan Yakubu, was returned with a total of 55, 073 votes.

    Godwin Meliga of PDP came a distant second with 1038 votes, according to the results declared by the returning officer, Prof. Emmanuel Onoja Eneche.

    In the third place was Egene Joseph Ugbede of APM who got 445 votes while Amos Ahaiba of ADC scored 141 votes. Rilwan Mudi of SDP had five votes and Yakubu Ugbede of A party polled 16 votes.

  • Attack on my commissioner disturbing, says Soludo

    Attack on my commissioner disturbing, says Soludo

    Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has accused All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu of attacking Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, with political thugs in Nnewi.

    Soludo, who spoke with journalists shortly after casting his vote, described the incident as disturbing but not surprising.

    According to him, the incident which occurred in Ezinifite, Nnewi South LGA, was one of the field reports he received on the ongoing by-election. 

    He said: “Just in the last few minutes, I got a terrible report from Nnewi South. It’s disturbing, but not surprising.

    ” When some people realise they are losing, they resort to violence to disrupt the electoral process.

    “My Commissioner was in tears, saying that the APC governorship candidate led a truckload of police officers and thugs.

    Read Also: By-elections: All eyes on Okpebholo, Soludo, Uba Sani, Makinde

    “He was moving from one polling unit to another, attacking voters—including the Commissioner himself.

    “It’s shocking but unfortunately not unexpected. That’s what desperation looks like. From what I hear, they’re even losing in his own ward.

    “All we are asking is that people be allowed to vote and let their votes count. 

    “We’re confident that in the end, the will of the people will prevail.”

  • By-elections: All eyes on Okpebholo, Soludo, Uba Sani, Makinde

    By-elections: All eyes on Okpebholo, Soludo, Uba Sani, Makinde

    • Edo: APC, PDP, ADC in show of strength
    • Anambra: APGA battles APC for late Ifeanyi Uba’s successor
    • Oyo: Can APC floor Makinde’s PDP in Ibadan North?
    • Kaduna: PDP, ADC take on Uba Sani in Kajuru/Chikun

    In reality, only 1.09 per cent of the 1,467 national and state legislatives seats will be at stake in today’s by-elections in parts of the country.

    But the political parties and their key actors are looking beyond the figures.

    From  the newly installed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof. Nentawe G. Yilwatda to House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abass, Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Seyi Makinde (Oyo),Uba Sani (Kaduna),Dapo Abiodun (Ogun),ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party Rabiu Kwankwaso, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and  Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, this is one contest that can enhance or ruin relevance ahead of 2027.

    It is a litmus test for the governors of Edo, Anambra, Oyo, Ogun and Kaduna governors, where high-profile battles will be fought, and for Yilwatda who is leading the APC troops in his first major task as national chairman.

    Observers believe that a strong showing by the APC will further strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s foothold on the political landscape, while victory for crisis-ridden PDP could re-energise the party with more optimistic projections. And for smaller parties like ADC and LP, winning even one seat would be a morale booster.

    At stake are two senatorial seats, one each in Edo and Anambra; five House of Representatives seats and nine state assembly seats.

    The by-elections are scheduled for Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba and Zamfara States.

    In Adamawa, five candidates are vying for the House of Assembly in Ganye. In Anambra, 12 candidates are slugging it out for the Anambra South Senatorial District seat, which became vacant with the death of Ifeanyi Ubah a year ago, while five candidates are running for the Onitsha North 1 state House of Assembly seat.

    In Edo State, eight contestants seek to occupy the Edo Central Senatorial District seat vacated by

    Governor Okpebholo, while eight others are vying for the Ovia North East/Ovia South West House of Representatives position.

    Jigawa State has 11 contenders for the Babura/Garki House of Representatives seat, Kaduna has nine gunning for a similar position in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency while Zaria/Kewaye state constituency has six contestants.

    APC, PDP and ADC candidates are contesting the Kaduna State House of Assembly seat in Basawa.

    In Kano, the Shanono/Bagwa state assembly seat will be contested by 10 candidates, while in Kogi State, five political parties are fielding candidates for the House of Assembly seat in Okura and five are also contesting a similar seat in Munya, Niger State.

    In Ogun State, eight contestants are slugging it out for the House of Representatives seat in Ikenne/ Sagamu/ Remo North federal constituency while in neighbouring Oyo State the battle to represent Ibadan North Federal Constituency will be fought by the APC, PDP, ADC, APGA and ZLP.

    In Taraba, the three political parties are fighting to take the House of Representatives seat in Karim Lamido Federal Constituency while 14 political parties are jostling to represent Kaura Namoda South in the Zamfara State House of Assembly.

    Additional polls that were not listed on INEC website are the two court-ordered re-runs which INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun said would take place in Enugu South I (Enugu) and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano) after previous attempts were disrupted by violence. INEC’s initial plans for by-elections in Rivers’ Khana II and Zamfara’s Talata Mafara South constituencies remain suspended owing to security and legal issues.

    The APC National Chairman visited Ogun and Edo states on Thursday and met with Governors Abiodun and Okpebholo to “tighten our preparedness and strengthen our winning strategies.”

     Yilwatda, in a post on his X handle @nentawe1, said: “The energy and determination I saw among our leaders and members on the ground filled me with renewed confidence that the APC is ready to deliver decisive victories.

    “Our mission as a party is about service, unity and the shared dream of a greater Nigeria.

    “In this defining moment, I call on all APC members and supporters to stand as one, work tirelessly and keep faith in our collective strength.

    “Victory is not just possible; it is certain when we march forward together with purpose and conviction. Our unity will deliver our victory.”

    The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, said the party committed the same energy accorded the general elections to the by-elections.

    “We are prepared for the by-elections in all the 16 constituencies. The same commitment we give to the general elections is what we are giving to off-season elections. August 16 election is no exception,” he told The Nation.

    “With the level of our preparation, we are optimistic of victory. We are optimistic that we shall be victorious in almost all the constituencies come Saturday, August 16.”

    Kaduna: El-Rufai, PDP take on Uba Sani

    Historically, Kaduna State has always been the epicentre of power politics in the country, and the active involvement of Governor Sani, his predecessor El-Rufai and HoR Speaker Abass in the campaigns for their candidates in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Zaria/Kewaye state constituency as well as Basawa state constituency is already causing anxiety across the state.

    Former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been working round the clock to ensure victory for the ADC-led opposition coalition candidate for House of Representatives in Chikun Local Government Area, Mr. Alex Adamu, taking the campaign to Kujama, Rido and Nassarawa wards, and for ADC candidates in Zaria/Kewaye and Sabon Gari.

    Since breaking ranks with the APC, he has been in the vanguard of the opposition to the ruling party and is determined to prove that he is still a force to reckon with in the state.

    But some ADC members led by the state chairman, Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha, are resisting the former governor and his supporters who they accused of seeking to hijack the party from the ‘original’ members.

    Mustapha declared in a statement on Thursday night that the ADC was not in any alliance with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the purpose of the election.

    He said the ADC would contest the elections independently and had not formed any formal or informal coalition with other political parties.

    He emphasised that no agreement—written or verbal—exists between the ADC and the SDP regarding the upcoming polls.

    “The ADC in Kaduna State is not in any coalition or alliance. We remain focused on our campaign and encourage our supporters to vote for ADC candidates,” Mustapha said.

    Governor Sani, who has won to his side many frontline politicians in the state since he assumed office, is also determined to prove his worth as a formidable force.

    Observers say recent defection of political heavyweights in all parts of Southern Kaduna into APC can make all the difference for the ruling party.

    The generality of the people of Southern Kaduna appear to be comfortable with the Sani administration, with many of them saying the governor has addressed their complaints of marginalization.

    His campaign focused on the relative peace in a state that had practically being taken over by bandits prior to his swearing in as governor.

    Speaker Abass, an indigene of the state, joined in the campaign for the APC, mobilising the people for the election.

    Read Also: Court jails four for internet fraud in Lagos after EFCC sting at OOPL

    Abass on Thursday led the grand finale of the APC campaign for the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency.

    It was a five-hour rally rounded off with a drive through the streets of Zaria Kewaye, including Tudun Wada, Tukur-Tukur, Kufena, Dutsen Abba and Filin Idin Katsinawa.

    “With the mammoth crowd that attended the grand finale of the campaign rally, I am convinced that victory shall be ours come Saturday,” he said on his X handle Hon Abbas Tajudeen, PhD. @SpeakerAbbas

     Sani, a former civil rights activist, grew up at great distance from ethnic and religious discrimination that plagued some of his predecessors.

     Edo: APC, PDP in supremacy battle

    The Edo Central Senatorial District seat was vacated by Governor Okpebholo (APC) who has been pulling all the strings to ensure that the seat remains in his party.

    Fresh from what political foes tried to define as a controversial victory in the 2024 governorship election, Governor Okpebholo faces his first electoral test as APC leader in that contest and that of the Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency.

    Despite PDP’s keen preparations and its use of the incumbency factor during the Edo State governorship elections, Okpebholo roundly defeated PDP at the polls and in the courts.

    The PDP wants victory in the elections badly if only to prove claims by its leaders that it was robbed of the governorship last year.

    Candidates for the election in Edo Central are Hon Joseph Ikpea (APC) Prince Joe Okojie (PDP) and Hon Sergius Ogun (ADC).

    The candidates for Ovia Federal Constituency in Edo South are Barrister Omosede Igbinedion (APC) Aikpitanyi Johnny (PDP) and Dr. Osayuki Asemota (ADC).

    Other political parties in the race are the Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

    The APC seems to have the edge in Ovia Federal Constituency owing to the coming together of two former rivals – Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and Barrister Igbinedion. Idahosa edged out Barrister Igbinedion from the House of Representatives in 2019 and defeated her again in 2023.

    Idahosa hails from Ovia South West while Igbinedion hails from Ovia North East. The Igbinedions are a strong political family. Their patriarch, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, is responsible for many developmental projects in both local government areas.

    Edo Central used to be the stronghold of the PDP until Governor Monday Okpebholo broke the jinx in 2023 to become the first elected APC Senator from the district. Okpebholo personally led the APC campaign in Edo Central.

    The PDP had also campaigned effectively across the five local government areas. Candidate of the PDP, Prince Joe Okojie, hails from Uromi, the community with the highest number of voters in Edo Central.

    The defection of PDP leaders ahead of the by-election may affect the chances of the party in today’s election.

    Meanwhile, Edo State Chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, has raised the alarm over alleged plot by the APC to subvert the will of the people.

    He said credible intelligence showed a multi pronged plan involving inducement of voters with cash, smuggling of prewritten result sheets into collation centres and the use of the Nigerian Police Force to unlawfully deny duly accredited PDP agents access to collation centres.

    Aziegbemi said the party uncovered plans to unleash armed thugs to violently disrupt voting in PDP strongholds.

    “This brazen move is aimed at producing a violent and manipulated outcome that bears no resemblance to the true will of the people. Democracy is about the will of the people freely expressed at the ballot box, not the will of desperate politicians imposed at gunpoint,” he said in a statement.

    Anambra: Soludo’s APGA,APC,Obi’s candidate slug it out

    How much influence does Peter Obi still wield in his home state of Anambra ahead of 2027? The answer will emerge today when his candidate, Donald Amamgbo of Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) faces APC’s Azuka Okwuosa and APGA’s Emmanuel Nwachukwu in the Anambra South Senatorial by-election.

    The late Ifeanyi Uba won the seat in 2023 on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) but defected to the APC. 

    Governor Soludo, who has an axe to grind with Obi, is doing all he can to get it for Nwachukwu while the APC is leveraging on Uba’s political machinery.

    The Labour Party (LP) on whose platform Obi contested the 2023 election as presidential candidate is raging that he forsook the party to campaign for ADC candidates this time around.

    Factional chairman of the LP, Julius Abure, branded Obi delusional and mischievous for asking voters to go for ADC candidates when Labour Party candidates are on the ballot.

    “It is unfortunate that Obi has turned himself into an irony and a paradox in the Nigerian political space,” Abure said.

    “He is now reputed to have elevated subterfuge in the game of politics and has of late been crying wolf where there is none.

    “He has turned himself into an ‘Uber’ politician, not willing to take a position and stand by his decision.

    “He has now booked a place for himself in the Guinness Book of Records as a person affiliated with many political parties at the same time, all in his desperation to preside over Nigeria.

    Obi has been flirting with ADC. He said his decision to campaign for ADC candidates was because the LP has no candidates recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amid an internal crisis.

    Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun has deployed Assistant Inspector General of Police, Godwin Eze, as the Supervisory Officer to Anambra for the two by-elections in the state.

    While addressing the Officers at state Police headquarters on Thursday, he made it clear that only the police and other recognised government security outfits will take part in the elections.

    The implication is that the security outfits set up by the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, namely, Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga Achi, will not be allowed to operate while the elections are on.

    He said:”Consequently, all vigilante operatives, hunters and other quasi-security outfits are strictly prohibited from any form of engagement during the exercise.

    “Furthermore, to ensure a safe and hitch-free election, there shall be restrictions on vehicular movement from 6am to 6pm in the affected areas throughout the election period. 

    “The areas include Nnewi North and South, Orumba North and South, Ekwusigo, Aguata and Ihiala local government areas respectively, for the Anambra South Senatorial District.

    “Others are Onitsha North Constituency 1 as well as Awka South Local Government Area where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Headquarters is located.”

    Abiodun, Adebutu rekindle rivalry in Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North

    The stakes are no less high in Ikenne/Federal Constituency of Ogun State where the state governor Dapo Abiodun and the PDP governorship candidate in 2023, Ladi Adebutu, are back in the trenches to test their popularity ahead of 2027.

    Both Abiodun and Adebutu are from Remo.

    The governor is rooting for APC’s Princess Sola Elegbeji while Adebutu is all for PDP’s Bolarinwa Oluwole. The seat was won in 2023 by APC’s Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga a.k.a. Ijaya.

    Onanuga died last year.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has also thrown his weight behind Elegbeji, describing her as “the right choice at the right time.”

    Adeola, who represents Ogun West, said Elegbeji is “an apostle of the progressive doctrines of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo,” and “a true scion of Remo Federal Constituency whose political philosophy is rooted in service, equity, and enlightenment.

    “Princess Sola Elegbeji is not just a candidate—she is a continuation of a legacy,” Adeola said.

    “She has subscribed fully to the tenets of the Renewed Hope Agenda as championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun. Her emergence is a convergence of history, competence, and vision,” he added.

    The APC regards the election a must win as it wants to prove that it is firmly in charge in the state. The governor, Dapo Abiodun, and top members of the state chapter of the APC are leaving nothing to chance.

    On its part, the PDP wants to win the contest to prove that it is a formidable force in the state.

    Oyo: Can APC topple Makinde’s PDP in Ibadan?

    Governor Makinde has a lot to prove in the Ibadan North state constituency by-election today.

    For a man regarded as one of the current backbones of the PDP believed by some to be nursing presidential ambition in 2027, there would be no better opportunity than now to show his strength.

    And he needs a decisive win to make his point.

    Power Minister Bayo Adelabu, who has his eyes on the 2027 governorship ticket of the APC, is also being looked upon by party members to demonstrate his relevance in his home town.

    Barau woos voters in Kano

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin led APC stakeholders to Shanono to woo voters ahead of the Shanono and Bagwai state constituency by-election.

    The by-election is to fill the vacancy created by the demise of Halilu Kundila, a member of the APC.

    Barau appealed to the people to vote for Ahmed Kademu, the APC candidate, in appreciation of the Tinubu administration’s reforms.

    House of Representatives member Kabiru Abubakar from Bichi Constituency urged the people to support the APC candidate for a brighter future.

    He highlighted the party’s commitment to developing the constituency, including a pledge to construct N10 billion worth of rural roads.

    Kano State is controlled by the NNPP and is the home state of its leader Rabiu Kwankwaso.

    Barau is determined to prove his relevance by delivering the election for the APC.

    In Taraba, it is Kanda versus Shittu

    For the Karim Lamido Constituency, Taraba State, the contest is between Ali Kanda (PDP) and Abner Shittu (APC). Both of them are greenhorns.

    The constituency has been assailed by insecurity in the last three months. Thousands of lives have been lost and property destroyed by armed militias.

    Ahead of the by-election, APC set up a 55-man campaign council.

    It is headed by Senator Abdulazeez Yari, with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as vice chairman.

    But the PDP, which controls the state, said it is not perturbed.

    Dogari, Bawa, Adabyinlo poised for showdown in Niger

    Gaje Dogari (APC), Joshua Bawa (ADC) and Sunday Sabo Adabyinlo (PDP) are poised for a showdown in Munya state constituency of Niger State.

    APC Publicity Secretary Hon. Labaran said the party would win because the Governor Bago administration has not disappointed the state. 

    The ADC Chairman, Mohammed Yahaya, however disagreed, saying that his party would win.

    SDP to participate in by-elections, says INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday announced a last-minute inclusion of the Social Democratic Party in the list of parties participating in the by-elections.

    Spokesman for the commission, Sam Olumekun, said this followed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja ordering the commission to accept the list of candidates presented by the party.

    The Commission said it did not include the party at the initial stage because SDP did not notify it of the conduct of party primaries and therefore did not monitor same as required by law.

    The statement reads: “The Commission has been served with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025.

    “In the judgment, the Commission was ordered to include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates in the by-elections in 12 states of the federation. The party did not earlier submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries for the by-elections. For this reason, they were not monitored by the Commission.

    “However, in compliance with the judgment, the names of the candidates submitted manually have been accepted and published on our website. The party will participate in the by-elections.

     “The Commission wishes to assure the public, especially voters in the 12 states, that the 11th-hour judgment will not affect the election which will proceed tomorrow Saturday, 16th August, 2025 as scheduled.

    “Meanwhile, the Commission will exercise its legitimate right of appeal under the law.”

    Materials for the election were being moved to the various local government areas yesterday as the commission intensified its preparation for the polls.

    The Commission has accredited 60 local and four foreign election observers including the European Union delegation whose names have been published by the commission to monitor the election.

    INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu assured Nigerians on Thursday that the commission was fully prepared for the by-election, with personnel and sensitive materials being deployed.

    In his speech during INEC’s last consultative meeting with political parties, Prof. Yakubu stated that deaths, resignations and other factors necessitated the declaration of vacancies and the need for by-elections.

    In a statement on Thursday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, gave assurances of INEC’s preparations for smooth conduct of today’s polls, noting that 3,553,659 registered voters are eligible to participate across 32 local government areas, 356 wards, and 6,987 polling units.

    Altogether, 30,451 officials have been deployed nationwide, even as INEC prepares to resume nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on Monday, August 18, with online pre-registration, followed by physical registration from August 25 at 811 INEC state and local government offices.

    Police restrict movement in affected states

    The Police authorities ordered restrictions on all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 12 am to 6 pm today within localities where the by-elections are taking place.

    The only people exempted are those on essential services including INEC Officials, accredited media and electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies and firefighters.

    Police Inspector General Egbetokun directed the deployment of operational logistics to the affected local government areas in  Anambra, Kano, Oyo, Taraba, Enugu, Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Zamfara and Niger states.

    In order to ensure smooth elections, the IGP has also directed the deployment of senior officers of the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to assist state Commissioners of Police to ensure proper supervision of the electoral process for a smooth and hitch-free election.

    Also deployed are officers and men of the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, Force Intelligence Department and other tactical units.

    Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who signed the statement, said all security aides to VIPs and escorts are not allowed to accompany their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

    He added: “State-established and owned security outfits/organisations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guards and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.

     “The Inspector General of Police hereby charges all officers deployed for this special duty to ensure compliance with NPF standard operational protocols for elections and further urges all citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections and assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure their right to vote is unobstructed.”

    Police commissioners in Oyo and Kogi States also announced their readiness for the day.

  • Why I’m supporting Tinubu, by Soludo

    Why I’m supporting Tinubu, by Soludo

    • Senator Wadada: nobody can defeat President in 2027

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo gave reasons yesterday why he is supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies and his re-election in 2027.

    Also yesterday Senator Aliyu Wadada (SDP Nasarawa West) said nobody can unseat the President in 2027.

    Soludo, who is seeking re-election November on the ticket of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Wadada spoke at the Aso Villa after separate meetings with the President.

    During the President’s visit to Anambra to inaugurate projects completed by the governor, both of them announce support for each other.

    With the President praising the governor’s performance.

    Yesterday, Soludo, wore a fez cap with President Tinubu’s broken chain cap logo emblazoned on it in addition to a photographs of both himself and the President – a signal of their working relationship – told reporters:  “I don’t have any apologies about it. President Tinubu is my friend. Has been my friend for 20 years now and counting. You don’t deny your friend and begin to quiver about who he is.

    “I support him, and I’m impressed by the bold steps he has taken, particularly in the areas of the economy and structural reforms. I have said so several times — we’re taking the right steps, we only need to stay the course.” 

    The one-time Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) governor also advised political parties professing progressivism to work together in a broad coalition to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and drive economic and social development.

    He recalled that    “progressives working together”  had been his consistent position since Tinubu’s visit to Anambra State, when billboards and other campaign materials promoting cooperation were displayed across the state.

    On the state of insecurity in the state,  Soludo said his administration   deployed  a “holistic” strategy that combined kinetic force with non-kinetic interventions.’’

    The governor stated that the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in January marked a turning point in dismantling the foundations of criminality.

    “All the deadly native doctors are on the run from the state because these are the guys giving false hope, deceiving our young ones and luring them into criminality,” he said.

    According to him, job creation, youth empowerment and targeted social programmes are central to the non-kinetic approach adopted by his administration.

    Read Also: EFCC probes traveller over undeclared $59,000 at Lagos Airport

    Soludo highlighted the training and empowerment of 5,000 youths in the past year, with another 8,700 set to receive financial support worth several billions of naira this month or next.

    “We’re creating several thousand youth millionaires right away within the first three years. This is cascading all over the state. The youths are very much involved, and we’re also dealing with the issue of hardship, beyond the massive infrastructural transformation, beyond fixing our schools and health facilities,” he explained.

    The governor assured that while young people were being given opportunities, law enforcement would decisively deal with those who broke the law.

    Wadada said no opposition party or candidate had what it takes to unseat the  President in  2027. 

    The Nasarawa State-born federal lawmaker specifically referred to the  African Democratic Congress (ADC) ,   saying he sees no figure within its ranks capable of outperforming Tinubu’s administration.

    He said: “Between now and 2031, anybody can say what he or she wishes to say, but the space is already taken, occupied by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    “Look at every one of the leaders … tell me, I haven’t seen any.”

    He praised   Tinubu’s “transformative agenda” and pointed to infrastructural projects like the Sokoto–Badagry and Abuja–Kano roads as evidence of the President’s commitment to national development, especially in the North.

    Wadada, chairman of Senate Committee on Public Account, challenged opposition leaders to present clear policy alternatives on critical issues such as fuel subsidy, foreign exchange management and infrastructure.

    He said  even though he has  not defected to any party, he remains “All Progressives Congress (APC) in spirit.” 

    He said: “I could even say that I am APC, though I have not officially moved, but I am APC. SDP hasn’t offended me, but the happenings now may not warrant my continued stay. Dynamism of life makes it imperative for everything in life to be dynamic.” 

    The senator traced his political history through the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP), where he served as national financial secretary, to his early involvement in the APC before its official formation.

    He noted that the PDP was “one of the ingredients put in the pot to cook APC.”

  • Soludo extols Obiano, Ngige as both mark birthdays

    Soludo extols Obiano, Ngige as both mark birthdays

    Two former Governors of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and Senator Chris Ngige, have been commended by the current Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as both mark their birthdays.

    Obiano, is celebrating his 70th birthday, while Ngige, clocks 73

    In his separate messages to the former Governors and respected Igbo leaders, Soludo, through his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said both leaders made significant impact on the socio-economic progression of the state and the people of Anambra State

    Read Also: FULL LIST: 29 countries to phase out passport stamps

    “On this special occasion, Governor Soludo warmly celebrates Chief Willie Obiano on attaining this significant milestone of 70 years, and also wishes him continued good health, happiness, and many more years of celebration and service to humanity”

    Aburime, said Soludo, described Ngige as a leader who rendered good services to Anambra State and Nigeria through his various roles in public service.

    “Thus, Governor Soludo warmly congratulate Senator Chris Ngige on this special occasion of his birthday and also prays that he enjoys many more years of life in robust health and in continuous service to humanity ” the message read.

  • Soludo tasks community pharmacists on innovation, integrity

    Soludo tasks community pharmacists on innovation, integrity

    The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has challenged community pharmacists across Nigeria to embrace higher ethical standards, adopt digital innovations, and take full responsibility for regulating their conduct as vital frontline actors in the country’s health sector.

    Addressing delegates at the opening ceremony of the 44th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Soludo stressed that pharmacists must be at the forefront of reshaping healthcare through accountability and technological integration.

    “Pharmacists are the heart of our healthcare delivery system. You keep us safe, healthy, and help us live longer. The role that pharmacists play in keeping us healthy will ever be appreciated,” he said.

    Soludo urged pharmacists to uphold professional ethical standards by practising self-supervision, self-censorship, and self-regulation while encouraging them to harness technology as a transformative force in their work.

    “Technology is everything. Our main vision is to make Anambra a preferred place to ‘live, learn, invest, work, relax, and enjoy.’ Let us work together to improve the lives of the people and give them a sound, solid, reliable, and dependable healthcare ecosystem,” he said.

    Held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka, the conference, tagged “IFEADIGO 2025” and themed ‘Technology Integration and Personalised Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice’, the event attracted top stakeholders, including Pharm. Tanko Ayuba Ibrahim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN); and Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, represented by Pharm. Loui Madu, the agency’s Deputy Director in Anambra.

    Read Also: Amotekun intercepts criminal syndicate linked to electronics theft in southwest

    Keynote speaker, Prof. Michael Ubaka, in his presentation titled “

    ‘Digital Health, Personalised Care, and the Now of Community Pharmacy Practice’, reinforced the governor’s message, describing the local pharmacist as the most impactful healthcare provider in the digital age.

    “The most impactful healthcare provider in the digital age is not a surgeon or physician but the local pharmacist,” he declared.

    Citing the World Health Organization, Ubaka said universal healthcare must enable access without financial barriers and positioned community pharmacies as crucial to tackling chronic diseases, providing health education, and delivering immunisation services.

    Chairman of the ceremony, Pharm. Ike Onyechi, represented by Dr. Ignatius Anukwu, praised community pharmacists as essential to public health.

    “ACPN is a renowned association of community pharmacists who are indeed the face of community practice in Nigeria,” he noted, highlighting their role during the COVID-19 pandemic and advocating for the adoption of innovative solutions to navigate the changing health landscape.

    National Chairman of ACPN, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh commended Anambra’s pharmacy-forward policies, including its implementation of Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs).

    He reiterated the importance of regulatory clarity, particularly between NAFDAC and the PCN, and called for collaboration that upholds statutory responsibilities.

    PSN President, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba Ibrahim echoed support for Anambra’s initiatives, saying, “This conference is a testing ground, and we are satisfied with what Anambra has done.”

    Commending ACPN’s grassroots impact, he said, “ACPN is the first of pharmacy because whoever is sick in the community, the first point of call is the community pharmacist, so it is what they do that reflects on the image of pharmacy, please continue shining the light.”

  • Soludo tasks corps employers on bridging communication gaps with NYSC

    Soludo tasks corps employers on bridging communication gaps with NYSC

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has urged employers of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to bridge existing communication gaps with the scheme.

    The governor gave the advice at the 2025 NYSC/Corps Employers’ Workshop themed, ‘Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employers Partnership for Improved Mutual Benefits.’ 

    Soludo, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Engr. Dr. Martin Agbili applauded NYSC for organizing what he called “a timely and transformative event.”

    Read Also: Yakubu commends Soludo for boosting security in Anambra

     “It is an opportunity to reflect on our roles in mentoring corps members, to share experiences, address challenges, and explore ways to fully harness their potential for greater national impact.

     “I commend the NYSC for this laudable initiative and appreciate the effort put into convening stakeholders toward a common national goal,” he said.

     Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, expressed worry over what he termed lack of commitment of corps’ employers to their avowed responsibilities.  

  • Soludo, Nwosu and battle for Anambra

    Soludo, Nwosu and battle for Anambra

    • By Leo Sobe

    As campaigns open in Anambra State for the November 8 governorship race, the intrigues, issues and personalities involved depict an epic battle.

     The unique feature of politics of the state is not strange to political watchers.  Anambra, which prides itself as the ‘Light of the Nation’, is associated with the culture of money politics, perhaps, because of its large population of men and women of means.

       The question, therefore, has been whether the state would continue in that tradition or there would be a shift.

    At the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held sway with Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju as governor. Political observers are always quick to point at the worrisome record of that era with workers in the state. That was when workers were owed salaries for months, leading to a series of industrial actions by civil servants, primary and post-primary school teachers.

       Critics of Mbadinuju’s administration claim that some high-profile politicians hijacked the government, leading to the revolt that denied Mbadinuju the PDP ticket, which was given to Dr Chris Ngige in 2003.

      The drama that ensued led to the sack of Ngige and the installation of another PDP top shot, Andy Ubah, as governor of the state. But, it didn’t take long before the PDP lost to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) through the courts. Peter Obi took over as the governor of the state in 2006, and thus, began the long reign of APGA in the state.

        This year marks the 20 years of APGA control of Anambra Government House. And, it is looking as if the party will go the way PDP did in 2005 after three governors. Major contenders have emerged on All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP).

     Gladiators on these opposition platforms are already engaging in ground-shaking political moves, thereby establishing the November 8 meet as a heated and highly competitive battle. Already, unfolding events and voter enthusiasm indicate that one of the fresh political forces, John Chuma Nwosu, the ADC gubernatorial candidate, as an outstanding gladiator to watch. JCN, as he is fondly called, comes to the field as the youths favourite. The ICT guru is setting the tone for a fiercely contested governorship race in the state.

       However, the claim by some political actors that Anambra State APC delegates did not support President Bola Tinubu’s candidacy during the presidential primary in 2022 has been fueling speculations that the President quietly supports Governor Chukwuma Soludo, against the Anambra APC, and this, invariably throws the contest open.

    But, APC faithful in the state think differently, as they express confidence that the power at the centre would halt the re-election of the incumbent. At a stakeholders’ meeting of Anambra Central Senatorial District held in Awka recently, APC leaders said it made sense for Tinubu to support them.

    “The President told us to go and win Anambra for the party and promised to give us his full support,” said Senator Uche Ekwunife, who is pairing with Nicholas Ukachukwu as running mate in the election.

    She faulted the logic behind Tinubu’s support of APGA, dismissing the insinuation as “bogus and false. She branded APGA as a “sectional” party with no growth prospects beyond Anambra.

    “How can the President hide his own party and candidate inside a warehouse and then go and promote the product of another party? That’s not possible,” she said.

    Ekwunife declared that Tinubu endorsed Anambra APC and mandated the party leadership to “go and win the state.” Anambra APC Chairman, Basil Ejidike, agreed and announced that the APC was focused on “a clean sweep” on November 8.

    To achieve the goal, the party is focusing its campaign on local government tours, beginning from Ayamelum.

    For the Labour Party (LP) candidate, George Moghalu, after his controversial victory at the governorship primary, the leadership crisis in the party continues to leave a question mark on its acceptability in the state. Muoghalu had stated:  “LP remains a formidable force and we are moving like a train with a clear destination: a better Anambra.”

    Read Also: Nigeria opens door to new economy as Tinubu signs landmark tax reform laws

    Anambra PDP was yet to conclude its primaries as at the time of filing this report. The likes of Chris Uba, Sen Ben Obi and other political gladiators are holding sway, hoping on early resolution of PDP’s internal crisis at the national level.

       No doubt, the squabble would take its toll on the fortunes of the party in Anambra, as the warring party leaders appear not ready to shift ground. In a communiqué issued at the end of an enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee in May, signed by the Chairman, Chidi Chidebe, the party reaffirmed its “unflinching” support for Ben Obi, its respected leader in the state; as well as the South East Zonal Leader, Governor Peter Mba, and the national leadership on the matter of the authentic national secretary of the party.

     Soludo has to contend with the growing disenchantment among the people as opposition is taking advantage of his alleged perceived low rating in governance. Regrettably, former governor Willie Obiano, who was said to have brought the incumbent to power in 2021, had since distanced himself from Anambra politics.

    The APC candidate, Ukachukwu, who revealed during an interview with AIT that Soludo did not know anybody and had no structure before ascending the saddle as governor, challenged Soludo’s political credentials. The APC flag bearer insisted that the incumbent rode to power solely on Obiano’s political machinery and state’s resources.

    “Obiano brought Soludo, who does not know anybody and has no structure anywhere, to power. Soludo just followed Obiano and his supporters, including me, to campaign and everything,” he stated.

    Another controversial issue is where Soludo claimed that the eight local government areas, once choked by gunmen, breathe free now. The incumbent governor had, in a recent lecture delivered at University of Nigeria Nsukka, claimed that the newly launched ‘Agunechemba’ security outfit had driven kidnappers, ritualists and cultists out of town, adding that “Onitsha touts are now ghosts”, with traders thriving free.

      The perception in the state is that the governor accomplishes more with his mouth than with his hands in measurable performance. At the height of the rising incidences of insecurity in the state, some residents called for his resignation, arguing that such deplorable development was not heard of all through the eight years of Peter Obi as governor.

       For Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma and many Anambrarians, the APGA governor failed to discharge his primary responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.

    “Our people are comparing the performance of Soludo of Anambra with that of Alex Otti of Abia State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State. Otti and Mbah are two years in office, while Soludo is clocking four years in office.

      “The problem with Soludo is that he has failed in every campaign promise he made to Ndi Anambra. He has failed to make Anambra the Dubai-Taiwan metropolitan city. The first project he commissioned was the Amansea axis of the Old Enugu-Onitsha express road. His road projects are not up to Obi’s standard. The quality of his leadership is not what he promised and never what we expected; it is still business as usual. His tax reform seems to have failed, as he reverted to using touts to harass taxpayers.

       “But Otti and Mbah have positively impacted their people’s lives through disruptive innovation in governance. In Enugu, although many of the citizens lament the huge payment of tax imposed on them by the state government, the governor’s aggressive development of infrastructure in the state is unparalleled. Otti has turned Aba City around,” Dr Agadigbo Ezeaku said in an interview.

    To worsen the fortunes of the ruling party, many founding fathers of APGA have deserted the party, largely due to perceived high-handedness, unhealthy rivalry and indifference by the party’s leadership.

      In a keynote entitled ‘Anambra State 2030: Envisioning the African Dubai, Taiwan and Silicon Valley’ at the 2nd Anambra Development Summit, organised by the League of Anambra Professionals, last year, in Awka, Soludo noted that Anambra was having all the crucial statistics to make grand progress.

       “With a population of 4.1 million and a landmass of 4,887km2, Anambra has the second highest population density after Lagos State. The landmass is so small that the entire state can conveniently be organised into one large industrial park or free trade zone,” the governor said.

      If the old breed governorship contenders in APGA, APC, LP and PDP cancels themselves out by virtue of poor performance, unpopular and troubled platforms, the field would be left open for the fresh entrants in YPP and ADC. This realization may explain the rising political fortune of the ADC.

    The party’s contender, JCN, emerged as a major contender in the race through his accurate analysis of the challenges and fitting explanations. While predicating the place of integrity and pedigree in leadership recruitment, the ADC candidate maintains that 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,” he noted.

       For Nwosu, integrity and pedigree must work in tandem in leadership recruitment, stressing that, above all, in Anambra State, “we must restore faith and trust in our leaders. (Because) The distrust gap between our leaders and the led remains quite wide.”

       “Governance,” he asserted, “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 governance platform.

      “We will replicate and improve on Obi’s Anambra Integrated Development Strategy governance model. Most of our leaders no longer have the fear of God.”

      If character, credibility and management of wealth are used as a yardstick to elect political office seekers in Nigeria, then Nwosu, the ADC flag bearer in the poll, has brighter chances to win.

      Little wonder, Nwosu told journalists in a recent interview, “I am an entrepreneur, a good creator and manager of wealth and people. I have effectively operated in the organised private sector for over three decades. I understand the business culture and practices; what works and what does not. 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 a priority. Operating within available resources means not spending frivolously or borrowing carelessly.”

        He extolled ANIDS (Anambra Integrated Development Strategy) governance approach developed by Governor Peter Obi, describing it as an optimal governance model aligned to the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.  

        Nwosu stated: “The Obi blueprint remains available as the best option and model for developing the 21 local government areas and 179 communities of Anambra simultaneously.”

  • Anambra Guber: Why Soludo has yet to start campaign – APGA

    Anambra Guber: Why Soludo has yet to start campaign – APGA

     The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), says Gov. Chukwuma Soludo chose to focus on infrastructure development rather than campaigning ahead of the Nov 8 Governorship Election in Anambra.

    Dr Ejimofor Opara, National Publicity Secretary, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Awka, while explaining the reason APGA had not yet commenced its campaign.

    Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had released the final list of candidates for the upcoming election and announced that official campaigns would begin on June 11.

    However, since the campaign window opened, only a few of the 16 registered political parties have launched their campaigns.

    Opara stated that numerous individuals had reached out to him about their campaign plans following INEC’s announcement of the official kickoff on June 11.

    Read Also: Tinubu rescued Nigeria’s economy from collapse, restored financial solvency – Soludo

    “First, as a government, there are deadlines that Gov. Soludo has set for himself and everyone on the Solution team.

    “Thus, a campaign at this time would be more of a distraction, and residents will not accept excuses.

    “Across the length and breadth of the state, Soludo is stamping indelible footprints that require consolidation; nothing will veer him off this track.

    “For the first time in the state’s known history, residents will be making a decision based on massive evidence of sterling performance, not hearsay.

    “So, for now, Soludo is very busy and APGA encourages him to remain focused. Our vehicle is sound and the road ahead is clear, ” he said. (NAN) 

  • Anambra govt goes tough on landlords, gives July 1 ultimatum

    Anambra govt goes tough on landlords, gives July 1 ultimatum

    The Anambra state government has issued a July 1 deadline to house owners across major cities to repaint their buildings or face penalties.

    The directive, announced in a public notice signed by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s initiative to create a cleaner, greener, and smarter Anambra.

    According to the notice, “Property owners in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, Nkpor, and other semi-urban areas must comply with the order. Inspectors will begin building assessments immediately, while full enforcement of the directive will commence on July 1, 2025.

    The government stated that the move is backed by the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law 2024, and that non-compliant property owners will face appropriate sanctions.

    “This exercise is aimed at strengthening existing building structures, improving the aesthetic ambience, and expanding the green space of the state.

    “Buildings that haven’t been repainted in the last 10 years, or those with peeling, faded, or unsightly paint, are firmly in the government’s sights, particularly those located in public view (anya ora).

    Read Also: Tinubu inaugurates new Anambra govt house

    “The legal authority for this action stems from Part 4, Section 79 (1–7) of the 2024 environmental law, which empowers the Ministry of Environment to enforce measures for environmental improvement and urban beautification.

    “A clean, beautiful, and eco-friendly Anambra is possible if we join hands together to improve her aesthetic ambience,” the notice said

    Meanwhile, the government has urged residents and business owners to comply immediately, warning that failure to do so will attract penalties as provided by law.