The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Politics

  • 2027: Mbah Urges Ndigbo to Return to Strategic Politics, as City Boy Movement Converge on Enugu

    2027: Mbah Urges Ndigbo to Return to Strategic Politics, as City Boy Movement Converge on Enugu

    Obi Cubana: We’ve learnt our lesson, we must reconnect to the centre

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says the South East must play strategic politics to be at the centre of decision-making going forward, lamenting that the zone had never been as politically fragmented and disconnected from the centre as experienced in recent years.

    Mbah spoke when he received the leadership and members of the City Boy Movement, a movement dedicated to President Bola Tinubu’s reelection, at Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday.

    Mbah recalled that the political forebears of Ndigbo had always been strategic and were not known for sentimental and isolationist politics, saying that Ndigbo could not afford to play on the margins of Nigerian politics and decision-making tables going forward.

    “If you go back in history and talk about our forebears, they were always willing to have a handshake across the Niger whenever it became necessary. For us as Ndi Igbo, we have never played politics that is driven by sentiment. We have always been very strategic and that is what has been bequeathed to us by our forebears. We cannot allow that to be eroded before our very eyes.

    “We are not even at a table where critical national issues are discussed. If you look at the order of protocol in this country today, the order of succession, we are nowhere. I think we should be at number six, which is the Deputy Speaker.

    “As I said, our forebears had never played a politics where they are on the sidelines, where the Igbo man was not at the table where decisions about this country are made. But I am glad that we are trying to retrace our footsteps.

    “We have never, as a zone, until recently, been so fragmented. But I want to believe that such fragmentation has somehow ended. We are all speaking from one page now in terms of leadership in the South East,” Mbah said.

    He commended President Tinubu’s economic policies, saying that although they came with initial economic challenges, they had helped to ease macroeconomic pressures, while addressing uncertainties, such as in foreign exchange that scared foreign investors.

    While commending Igbo young businessmen and professionals for embracing the Tinubu Administration, the governor expressed strong belief that Nigerians would reelect Tinubu, especially as the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda increasingly trickled down to the masses.

    “We must not allow ourselves to be deceived again. We have to align ourselves to be strategic; and the way to be strategic is to be analytical, be very objective, and deal with reality rather than be delusional. We know what the political reality today is. It is up to us to embrace the winning and leading team.

    “Given the policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the president will easily win his reelection. We need to be extremely smart to get ourselves in the centre of the game so that we are not on the margins again,” he concluded.

    Earlier in his address, the South East Coordinator, City Boy Movement, Obinna Iyiegbu, also known as Obi Cubana, lamented that the South East had lost a lot of ground through isolationist politics, but was quick to add that the region had equally learnt its lesson on the need to build strategic alliances to serve its immediate and future needs and aspirations.

    He regretted that whereas Ndigbo were one of the tripods upon which the nation had always rested in every respect, other regions now win presidential elections without the votes of Ndigbo due to the type of politics played by the region.

    “So, as young professionals and businessmen and women, we have come out to tell our people that we are solidly behind Mr. President. We are solidly behind his reelection bid. Ala Igbo has to be taken to the centre.

    “We have to be connected to the gas, we have to be connected to the rail, a lot of things we expect from the centre.

    “Again, we cannot be fighting everybody or whoever is at the centre of power today because when it gets to our turn, we need support from every zone for us to be able to produce a president of Igbo extraction,” he concluded.

    Also speaking, the State Director of the Movement, Prince Emeka Mammah, and its State Patron, Chief Charles Mbah, commended Governor Peter Mbah for making the Movement’s work easy in the state through the enormity of transformations going on in the state under his leadership.

    They promised to work to ensure landslide victories for Tinubu and Mbah.

  • A/Court Judgement: Let’s Bury the Hatchet, Stop Litigations to Enable Party Fill Candidates for 2027 Polls – Saraki

    A/Court Judgement: Let’s Bury the Hatchet, Stop Litigations to Enable Party Fill Candidates for 2027 Polls – Saraki

    Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has appealed to all leaders and stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to bury the hatchet, accept the Court of Appeal verdict, and move towards holding a fresh national convention that will comply with all INEC guidelines.

    According to a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, Saraki in his reaction to Monday’s judgement on last year’s national convention of the party held in Ibadan advised all the leaders of the party that it was time for introspection and for them to see the Appeal Court decision as an end to all litigations.

    “My own position is that the Court of Appeal has ruled. However, with the revised timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it is obvious that there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court decision. Otherwise, we would not meet the deadlines for completing the process of nominating candidates. Also, uncertainty will continue to hang over the validity of the tickets issued to those nominated on the PDP platform. If our motive is to see that we do not jeopardise the chances of our numerous members who want to contest elections on our platform, then this consideration should be the priority of all of us in the party.

    “One of the key essentials of a political party is to provide a platform for candidates seeking to serve the people by contesting elections. We should not defeat this purpose. It is for these reasons that I believe the only option open to all of us is to end all litigation and work with the arrangements that are on the ground for holding a national convention within the INEC timetable.

    “From the beginning, some of us have warned and advised about the dangers of travelling this route. We know that it will only imperil the party. However, since we have found ourselves here, our focus should be on how to get back on the path of full recovery, stability, and progress.

    “I know that at this stage, egos have been bruised. However, the difference between an ordinary man and a statesman, between a person and a patriot, between a follower and a leader is the ability to rise above the din and ignore personal interests to serve the larger common interests and public good. Thus, some leaders of the party who did not get what they desired from the courts should now consider the bigger interest of the PDP in the 2027 elections and beyond. This is a more noble, dignified, and responsible position to adopt than to embark on a journey that leads to nowhere.

    “My concern is how to save and preserve this great party for the benefit of the numerous members who have hinged their aspirations on the PDP platform. There are many Nigerians in the grassroots who have been investing their time and resources in mobilising support for the party because they want to contest elections on the PDP platform. These are members who want to contest elections into the Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and the presidency.

    “Feuding leaders should not allow their ego and personal differences to jeopardise, undermine, and defeat the aspirations of these honest, devoted and committed party members by depriving them of the opportunity to subject themselves to the verdict of the electorate. That is what these leaders will be doing if anybody continues with the litigation.

    “The only viable option open to all of us is to sit down, discuss, and work towards holding an all-inclusive national convention at a time that will comply with INEC guidelines. What should be paramount to all of us is to adopt a give-and-take attitude that will ensure we accommodate all interests in the election of officers at the national convention. We should let the sleeping dog lie peacefully. There is really no time for continuous bickering and grandstanding”, Saraki stated.

  • Otti Congratulates Ikpeazu on Ambassadorial Appointment

    Otti Congratulates Ikpeazu on Ambassadorial Appointment

    The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has felicitated the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, on his appointment and posting as the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain.

    In a goodwill message which was contained a message signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor, (Media and Publicity), Governor Otti described the appointment as an opportunity for Dr. Ikpeazu to serve the nation at the diplomatic level, while protecting the interest of Nigerians in Spain.

    Governor Otti, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment, requested the Federal Government to provide Dr. Ikpeazu and other newly appointed Ambassadors all necessary support to succeed in their diplomatic assignments.

    Finally, Governor Otti, on behalf of his family, the government and people of Abia State, wishes Dr. Ikpeazu a fruitful and impactful service to the nation.

  • I defected to APC because of PDP’s protracted crisis – Zamfara gov

    I defected to APC because of PDP’s protracted crisis – Zamfara gov

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has cited the protracted crisis and legal disputes rocking the Peoples Democratic Party as the reason for his defection to the All Progressives Congress.

    The defection was formally announced on Monday by the state Deputy Governor, Mani Mummuni, following a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, described the move as a necessary step taken in the interest of Zamfara State.

    According to the statement, the decision to join the APC followed consultations with political stakeholders across the state amid lingering legal challenges facing the PDP.

    “Yesterday (Monday), Governor Dauda Lawal officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision reached and endorsed by all relevant stakeholders in Zamfara State,” the statement said.

    Idris noted that the governor had remained committed to the PDP and made efforts to reconcile the party’s warring factions before eventually leaving.

    “Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party. He has worked diligently to facilitate reconciliation among the party’s factions, ensuring it remains unified and can field candidates for upcoming elections,” he said.

    The statement added that attempts to resolve the party’s internal crisis through reconciliation and out-of-court settlements had proved unsuccessful, resulting in a series of legal disputes that could affect the party’s prospects in future elections, particularly in 2027.

    “Efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation, and out-of-court settlements have proven difficult, leading to a series of legal battles that may have future implications, particularly for leaders contesting elections in 2027,” the spokesperson said.

    He added that Lawal remained the last PDP governor seeking a second term who stayed in the party despite the internal turmoil.

    “Governor Lawal was the last man standing in the Peoples Democratic Party who stood firm until the very end, which was marked by yesterday’s Appeal Court judgment.

    “He was the only governor seeking a second term who chose to stay, hoping that the party leaders would demonstrate decorum and take appropriate action,” Idris added.

    According to the statement, the governor had earlier informed stakeholders during a series of meetings that lasted several weeks that he would take a final decision after the court ruling.

    “Governor Lawal had informed stakeholders that he acknowledged their request to transition to the APC but would decide after the Appeal Court judgment,” the statement said.

    It added that the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, on Monday dismissed an appeal filed by the PDP against an October 31 judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

    It said the Federal High Court had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the party’s national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.

    The spokesperson said the appellate court ruling effectively ended the governor’s stay in the PDP.

    “The appellate judgment ended Governor Dauda Lawal’s stay in the Peoples Democratic Party, as he prioritised the interests of Zamfara State by joining the All Progressives Congress to sustain the Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild mission,” the statement added. Punch

  • Appeal court dismisses Aiyedatiwa’s suit on eligibility to seek another term as governor

    Appeal court dismisses Aiyedatiwa’s suit on eligibility to seek another term as governor

    The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed an appeal filed by the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, challenging an amendment to a suit aimed at barring him from seeking re-election in 2028.

    ‎‎The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of justices, held that the appeal, CA/ABJ/319/2025, lacked merit and awarded costs of N2 million against Mr Aiyedatiwa.

    ‎In the judgement delivered by Uchechukwu Onyemenam, the court held that the appellant failed to establish that the Federal High Court in Akure denied him a fair hearing when it exercised its discretion to grant leave to amend the suit against him.

    ‎It further held that the governor failed to prove that the trial court’s discretion was based on an incorrect legal principle.

    The appellate court affirmed the Federal High Court’s ruling of 24 November 2025, which allowed amendment of the originating summons filed against the governor.

    ‎A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akindele Egbuwalo, approached the court in July 2025 seeking to resolve the question of Mr Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility to stand for election for a second term.

    ‎Mr Egbuwalo insisted that the governor is not eligible to recontest in 2028, having already taken the oath of office twice.

    ‎He sought an interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) regarding Mr Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility to run for governor again

    ‎‎The governor was sworn in on 27 December 2024 to complete the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s tenure.

    ‎He was subsequently inaugurated for a second time on 24 February 2025, following his victory in the state’s governorship election.

    ‎‎Section 137(3) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that a person sworn in as president to complete the term for which another person was elected shall only be elected to such office for a maximum of one additional term.

    ‎Also, Section 182(3) stipulates that any person sworn in as governor to complete the term of another elected official is disqualified from being elected to the same office for more than a single term.

    ‎The plaintiff later applied to amend the suit, but the defendants vehemently opposed the move and filed counter-affidavits seeking dismissal of the application.

    ‎The defendants—the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Mr Aiyedatiwa; the All Progressives Congress (APC); and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami—filed notices of preliminary objection, challenging the competence of the suit and describing it as an academic exercise.

    ‎They further contended that the suit was premature, as INEC had not released the timetable for the Ondo governorship election and Mr Aiyedatiwa had not indicated any intention to vie for office.

    ‎However, in a ruling on 24 November 2025, Toyin Adegoke, a judge of the Federal High Court in Akure, granted the plaintiff’s request to amend the originating processes despite the defendants’ objections.

    ‎Dissatisfied with the ruling, Mr Aiyedatiwa appealed, alleging a breach of his constitutional right to a fair hearing.

    ‎He claimed the trial judge acted ultra vires her powers and wrongly assumed jurisdiction.

    ‎Owing to Mr Aiyedatiwa’s contentions, the Court of Appeal in Akure—where the matter was initially lodged—directed the high court to halt proceedings, which were already slated for judgement.

    ‎The case was later transferred to the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

  • 2027: Former Diplomat Oseloka Obaze Completes ADC Membership Revalidation in Anambra

    2027: Former Diplomat Oseloka Obaze Completes ADC Membership Revalidation in Anambra

    A former diplomat and respected political leader in Anambra State, Oseloka H. Obaze (OHO), has revalidated his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move expected to boost the party’s ongoing nationwide registration and revalidation exercise.

    Obaze who is a strong ally of Peter Obi completed the process on Sunday at his country home in Ochuche, Ogbaru Local Government Area, participating both physically and through the party’s online platform. The exercise aligns with the ADC’s commitment to a transparent and technology-driven membership system as required by the Electoral Act 2026 .

    The event attracted key grassroots stakeholders, including the ADC Local Government Chairman, the Ward Chairman, and members of the Ogbaru LGA Registration, Revalidation and Mobilization Committee, who supervised the process.

    Speaking shortly after the exercise, the former Secretary to the Anambra State Government commended the party’s leadership for initiating what he described as a vital step toward strengthening the ADC’s organizational structure ahead of future political contests .

    He called on party members and supporters across Anambra State and the country to seize the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the party, noting that active participation would deepen grassroots mobilization and consolidate the ADC’s growing political presence nationwide.

    “I encourage all and sundry to go out and do the same,” Obaze urged, emphasizing that a strong and verified membership base remains the backbone of any successful political movement.

  • Rivers Assembly rejects four of Fubara’s commissioner-nominees, confirms five

    Rivers Assembly rejects four of Fubara’s commissioner-nominees, confirms five

    The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday screened nine commissioner nominees forwarded by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, confirming five and rejecting four.

    The screening followed the submission of the list of nominees for consideration to serve in the governor’s cabinet. The Assembly had requested the nominees to provide 40 copies of their Curriculum Vitae, credential photocopies, and tax compliance evidence ahead of the process, as directed in a notice signed by Clerk Emeka Amadi on March 3, 2026.

    This exercise comes after the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State following the lifting of a six-month state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 17, 2025, and a new Abuja peace deal between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

    Governor Fubara had earlier sacked his former commissioners, including Chief of Staff Edison Ehie and Secretary to the State Government Benibo Anabraba, following his return from Abuja, and subsequently appointed new officials to those positions.

    Of the nine nominees screened, the Assembly confirmed the following as commissioners: Mr. Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.

    The four nominees who were rejected after the screening are Prof. Datonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye T.K.D. Amachree. Sources said the reasons for the rejections included poor performance during screening, numerous petitions from constituents, and failure to file tax returns.

    Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, commended lawmakers for their active participation in the screening and confirmation process.

  • Ex-Enugu APC Chairman Ben Nwoye Joins Race for Deputy National Chair

    Ex-Enugu APC Chairman Ben Nwoye Joins Race for Deputy National Chair

    Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention scheduled for March 26–27, 2026, the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in Enugu State, Ben Nwoye, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Deputy National Chairman (South) .

    Nwoye announced his ambition during a telephone interview on Sunday, unveiling key members of his campaign structure and outlining his vision for the party if elected.

    According to him, Hon. Timothy Amah has been appointed as the Director-General of his campaign organisation, with directors already designated across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

    “Hon. Timothy Amah will serve as the DG of the campaign team. I’ve also appointed directors for all the six geopolitical zones as well as Directors-General for youth and women mobilisation,” Nwoye said.

    He confirmed that his campaign office is already operational in Abuja as consultations intensify ahead of the party’s convention.

    “Our campaign office is up and running in Abuja. We’re going to serve the good people of APC and ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates,” he stated.

    The former state party chairman said his ambition is driven by a commitment to strengthen the APC’s political structure across Southern Nigeria and deliver electoral victories for the party.

    “We’ll use our network to mobilise the entire Southern Nigeria,” he declared.

    Nwoye called on party leaders and stakeholders across the country to rally behind his candidacy and work together to position the APC for future electoral dominance.

    “I’m calling for the support of all the governors, members of the National Assembly and every member of the party to come together so that we can form a formidable team that will rout the opposition in the South decisively,” he said.

    He revealed that he and his team would soon obtain the party’s nomination forms, with the sale of forms running from March 12 to March 23, 2026, as announced by the party’s National Working Committee .

    “We’ll be picking up our forms soon. I’m confident that I have the support of my state, and I’m also calling for the support of all members of the APC nationwide,” Nwoye added.

    Highlighting his credentials, the APC chieftain said his years of service at different levels of party leadership have prepared him for the national role.

    “We have the experience and exposure, having served as chairman of the party and as Secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen for eight years,” he stated.

    He also recalled his recent role as caretaker committee chairman in Enugu State, which he said helped stabilise the party and ensured peaceful internal processes.

    “I came back to serve again as caretaker committee chairman where we united the party and conducted the most peaceful state congress. I believe it’s time to move to a higher stage to serve my party,” Nwoye said.

    The APC national convention is scheduled to hold from March 26 to 27, 2026, preceded by zonal congresses on March 25, 2026 . The National Convention Central Coordination Committee, chaired by former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, has already commenced preparations to ensure a smooth and credible convention .

    Party leaders will at the convention elect new members of the National Working Committee, including the position of Deputy National Chairman (South) being contested by Nwoye.

  • Ex-Deputy Gov Emerges State APC Chairman in Oyo

    A former deputy governor of Oyo State, Moses Adeyemo, has emerged as the new chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state

    Moses was officially announced as the new APC chairman at the ongoing state congress of the party held at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

    In a statement made available to newsmen by the party’s publicity secretary, Olawale Sadare, the decision followed consultations among key leaders of the party across the 33 local government areas of the state.

    Moses, who hails from Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area, served as deputy governor under the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, from 2011 to 2019.

    Former National Youth Leader and Secretary of the Ad Hoc National zoning committee, Youth Leader and secretary of the party’s ad hoc zoning committee, Hon Azeez Repete, later gave an update on the development.

    Repete noted that the congress was conducted peacefully, with Moses emerging by consensus under the supervision of the congress committee set up by the national leadership of the party in Abuja.

    He disclosed that an ad hoc zoning committee was constituted to allocate positions in the State Executive Committee among the local government chapters.

    The committee is chaired by Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, with Repete serving as secretary.

    Other members are Idris Adeoye, Adesoji Adedeji, Ajiboye Sangogade, and Akeem Olatunji.

    The APC national leadership had fixed March 3 for the conduct of its state congresses, ahead of the party’s National Convention slated for March 27 and 28.

    This followed the successful completion of the ward congresses held on February 28 and local government congresses, along with the election of three delegates per local government for the National Convention on Saturday, February 21.

    According to the Adjusted APC 2026 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses, National Convention and Related Activities, signed by the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, the appeal arising from the congresses will be heard on Wednesday, March 4.

    Purchase and submission of the form for the Zonal Congresses and the National Convention are to be held between Thursday, March 13, and Monday, March 16.

    The party has also fixed the inauguration of zonal Congresses Screening/Screening Appeal Committees, Zonal Congresses and Zonal Congresses Appeal Committees, and National Convention Screening/Screening Appeal Committees for Monday, March 23. Channels TV

  • Benue: APC holds parallel congresses as crisis deepens between Gov. Alia, SGF Akume

    Benue: APC holds parallel congresses as crisis deepens between Gov. Alia, SGF Akume

    The rift within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) widened on Tuesday as two rival factions aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, organised separate state congresses and produced parallel executive committees.

    According to Premium Times, while Governor Alia’s camp held its congress at the IBB Square in Makurdi, where Benjamin Omale was returned as state chairperson, the Akume faction gathered at a separate venue in Makurdi and affirmed the Austin Agada-led State Executive Committee for another four-year term.

    Governor Hyacinth Alia, flanked by party leaders, arrives at the APC state congress convened by his faction at the IBB Square, Makurdi, on Tuesday.
    Governor Hyacinth Alia, flanked by party leaders, arrives at the APC state congress convened by his faction at the IBB Square, Makurdi, on Tuesday.

    In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, Governor Alia commended party members for what he described as a peaceful and inclusive exercise.

    “Today, I joined party leaders, delegates, and members of our great party at the APC State Congress in Benue, where Benjamin Omale was unanimously returned as State Chairman,” the governor said.

    He congratulated the chairperson and the executive team, and praised the conduct of the congress, which he said reflected the party’s commitment to democracy and service.

    He also acknowledged the presence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sam Egwu, and the National Working Committee (NWC) election committee, chaired by Auwal Isheye, with Tijani Abdullahi serving as Secretary.

     

    The NWC election committee oversaw the state congress and screening of aspirants, while the Congress Screening Appeal Committee, led by Mohammed Danbata and Secretary Umar Abubakar, invited aggrieved aspirants to submit petitions following the screening.

    The governor urged party members to remain united and called for continued support for President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence in the president’s policies and leadership.

    At the parallel congress, the Akume faction announced the affirmation of the Austin Agada-led executive through a voice vote. In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Dan-Morgan Ihomun, the faction described the exercise as orderly and in line with party procedures.

    The statement said statutory delegates and stakeholders from across the state attended the congress and pledged loyalty to President Tinubu and Mr Akume, whom they regard as the party leader in the state.

    Comrade Austin Agada is lifted by supporters during the APC state congress organised by the faction aligned with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in Makurdi on Tuesday.
    Comrade Austin Agada is lifted by supporters during the APC state congress organised by the faction aligned with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in Makurdi on Tuesday.

    While Mr Akume did not attend, prominent loyalists present included former Second Republic senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, current Zone B senator Titus Zam, Michael Kaase, DMathias Byuan, Pius Akutah, and Patricia Kupchi, among others.

    Among the confirmed executive members of the Akume-aligned committee are Austin Agada, State Chairman; Aluga Benedict, Deputy Chairman; and Donard Gbugho, Secretary, alongside other state officers and zonal leaders.

    The development mirrors earlier episodes in the state chapter, in which disputes over party structure and control have led to competing claims to legitimacy.

    While both factions declared their exercises peaceful and in compliance with party guidelines, the existence of parallel executives underscores the unresolved leadership struggle within the ruling party in Benue.

    Neither the national leadership of the APC nor the Independent National Electoral Commission had issued a formal position on the rival congresses as of press time. Premium Times

  • Ebonyi APC Re-elects Okoro-Emegha As Chairman

    (L-R) State APC Chairman, Stanley Okoro-Emegha; Governor Francis Nwifuru; and Sen. Peter Nwebonyi

    The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has re-elected Stanley Okoro-Emegha as substantive state chairman of the party for another four-year term.

    Also returned were Chinedu Alphonsus-Nwali as State Deputy Chairman and Charles Chukwuma-Ofoke as State Secretary, alongside 33 other members of the State Working Committee.

    The officials were re-elected unopposed through a consensus arrangement in line with the APC constitution during the State Congress held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, the state capital.

    The motion adopting the consensus arrangement was moved by Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, and seconded by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije-Odunwa.

    Speaking at the congress, the state party leader and Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as stabilising leadership that has strengthened the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He also praised party leaders and stakeholders in the state for reposing confidence in the State Working Committee under Okoro-Emegha’s leadership.

    Governor Nwifuru assured that his administration would provide a level playing field for opposition parties and urged them to conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum when the time comes.

    He further thanked lawmakers from Ebonyi State, both at the state and National Assembly levels, for joining the ruling party, stating that all members of the State and National Assembly from Ebonyi have now aligned with the APC.

    In his acceptance speech, Okoro-Emegha, on behalf of the State Working Committee, expressed appreciation to Governor Nwifuru and party stakeholders for their continued trust and support.

    He pledged to work with his colleagues to advance, promote, and protect the interests of the governor, party leaders, and members across the state.

    The Chairperson of the APC Electoral Committee and former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Rita Maduagwu, said the consensus process complied with the party’s constitution and guidelines for the congress.

    She congratulated Okoro-Emegha and the newly re-elected State Working Committee members, urging them to remain committed to the party and President Tinubu as preparations for 2027 intensify.

    The congress was attended by the Deputy Governor, Princess Onyemaechi Obila, members of the National Assembly from the state, and other prominent stakeholders. Channels TV

  • Enugu APC Holds Congress, Chukwunweike, 36 Others Elected

    …Mbah Lists Gains of Connecting to the Centre

    …Lauds Tinubu’s economic policies, more FAAC inflows to states

    …Chukwunweike: No Enugu governor has done one tenure since 1999

    The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Dr. Martin Chukwunweike as Chairman and Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie as Secretary of a 37-man new executive of the party in the state.

    Chukwunweike, Nnadozie and 35 others emerged unanimously on Tuesday at a well-attended state congress of the party held at Okpara Square, Enugu, described by the APC national panel for the Enugu State Congress as free, fair, and credible.

    In the same vein, 15 zonal executives, five for each of the three senatorial zones of the state, have equally merged.

    This was even as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who commended party leaders and faithful for their peaceful and transparent exercise, lauded President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, which he said had allowed more revenue inflows to states, also listing the many benefits accruing to Enugu State since joining the ruling party.

    “What we have done here together shows that we are all members of a big family. Enugu State is not just a model of governance. Enugu State is also a model for politics. We have shown that the marriage of parties we had was not a marriage of convenience. It is a real marriage,” he said.

    He congratulated the new leadership in the state, enjoining them to uphold the great work done by the Dr. Ben Nwoye-led Caretaker Committee.

    Mbah also tasked the new executive on effective communication of his administration’s many reforms and development projects to the grassroots, stressing that nothing should be taken for granted in the coming elections.

    Commending President Tinubu’s policies, the governor said, “The bold and courageous policies that Mr. President initiated at the centre have allowed more funds to flow to the subnationals. This is part of the reason why the transformations and projects you are seeing across Enugu today are a reality.

    “They are a reality because the President has, through his bold initiatives, been able to ease the macroeconomic pressure. We can see the exchange rate stabilising. We can also see the naira being strengthened. We can see our foreign reserves, for the first time in 13 years, hitting the 50 billion dollar mark. It did not happen by accident, but by courageous policies and initiatives,” he said.

    On gains of joining the APC, Mbah said, “Bringing that back home, we can also see how connecting to the centre has benefited us all in Enugu. The international airport and the cargo terminal in Enugu have been concessioned to a private investor. It means that Enugu State will soon become a major aviation hub. Our sons and daughters can now fly from Enugu to anywhere in the world. Thanks to Mr. President.

    “Through connecting to the centre, we have gotten approval from Mr. President for the construction and completion of the railway that stopped in Aba. Very soon, we will commute not only by road, but also by rail. So, our dream of a multimodal transport system has just become a reality.

    “The President also gave approval for the South East Development Commission. There are also plans for the high-pressure gas pipeline that is here in Enugu. Within the next 18 months, we are to get it down to Enugu, which will unlock the energy potential in Enugu.”

    Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech, Chukwunweike pledged to work hard with his team to ensure the re-election of Mbah and the President.

    “We assure you that we will deliver everything. No governor has done one tenure in Enugu State since 1999. Governor Mbah’s case will not be different, more so when convention and brilliant performance favour him,” he stated.

    Earlier in his valedictory speech, Chairman of the defunct Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee, Dr. Ben Nwoye, commended Mbah for helping to unite the old members and former members of the Peoples Democratic Party into one big family.

    “We have been united into one big, indivisible broom. We chose inclusion over exclusion, dialogue over division, and unity over personal ambition. Thanks to our hardworking, pragmatic, peace-loving, and purpose-driven governor, Dr. Peter,” he stressed.

    The National Deputy Chairman (South), Chief Emma Enukwu, urged the new leadership of Enugu APC to brace up to prove themselves in the coming elections.

    “After all is said and done, political party leadership, unlike other leaderships, lies in your ability to command votes and deliver your party’s candidates at the polls,” he asserted.

    Meanwhile, the APC five-man panel led by Hon. Loveth Idisi as Chairman and Hon. Tobechukwu Okonkwo as secretary, commended the exercise as very transparent, successful and credible, hailing Mbah for the outstanding transformations and cleanliness of Enugu State.

    “Enugu remains the cleanest state so far. The transformation is amazing,” Okonkwo said.

    Others who addressed the mammoth crowd include the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Senator Osita Ngwu, Hon. Martins Oke, while the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh; among a host of other serving and former political office holders were equally in attendance.