Category: Politics

Southeast APC governors and political leaders have endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election, warning against a repeat of the poor voter turnout that left the party with just six per cent of votes in 2023.

The endorsement was announced after a gathering of APC stakeholders in Enugu themed ‘Izu Umunne’.

Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi and host governor Peter Mbah were in attendance, alongside Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim, and several federal lawmakers.

Presenting the communique, Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC National Vice Chairman (Southeast), said the zone was distancing itself from “self-serving interests of any individual” and aligning strategically with the ruling party to advance regional interests.

He said support for Tinubu “is anchored on the transformative policies of the APC-led Federal Government,” stressing the need to secure “our fair share of national resources, infrastructure, appointments and development.”

He declared that the Southeast now offers “unalloyed, total and unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our sole and undisputed presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.”

The communique praised Tinubu’s “focused efforts to bridge long-standing infrastructural gaps in the South-East” and the elevation of Igbo appointees to key national positions. It added that Tinubu’s “competence, results and national cohesion” had earned regional confidence.

Stakeholders also pledged loyalty to the Southeast Governors Forum led by Uzodimma, describing the governors as offering “visionary guidance, steady statesmanship and consistent defence of the interest of Ndi Igbo.”

The leaders resolved that “never again will we allow personal ego and motivated actions to influence the fate of the Zone,” arguing that unity within a ruling party provides stronger bargaining power.

Delegates urged the Igbo across Nigeria and the diaspora to embrace the APC, rejecting scattered voting patterns that “historically diminished our influence and bargaining power.” They agreed on aggressive voter mobilisation, party strengthening and grassroots unity ahead of 2027.

Anyim Pius Anyim, who moved the endorsement motion, said “there is no better candidate that can help the region actualise her intentions except Tinubu,” insisting that he had “succeeded where others have failed.” Ken Nnamani seconded the motion.

Uzodimma warned against a repeat of the 2023 vote pattern, saying his role as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Initiative 2027 comes with the responsibility to deliver APC victories in the region.

Nwifuru called for sustained reception of new defectors to build party strength, while Mbah said the shift towards APC in the Southeast reflects pragmatism and a clearer appreciation of federal–state alignment.

Mbah: Why Tinubu’s Endorsement, S’East’s Alignment with Centre Matter

Mbah said that Tinubu’s endorsement and the massive movement to the APC, which now controlled three out of the five South East states were a paradigm shift grounded in pragmatism, noting that the region was already reaping the benefits of aligning with the centre.

“I am thrilled even more so by the major goal of this meeting, which is to stamp a seal of endorsement on the President’s bold reforms and his candidacy in the 2027 election.

“This is no whimsical decision; it is rooted in facts – and the understanding that success as a region comes from vision that is clear enough to guide action, discipline strong enough to withstand pressure, strategy grounded in reality, and delivery that is relentless.

“Politics is nurtured by partnership; the willingness to trust each other, to align, and to work together even when the path is challenging.

“Enugu State has become a bastion of the APC. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has begun the difficult work of repositioning itself for long-term strength. Hard choices have been made for sustainability.”

Continuing, he stressed, “The Renewed Hope Agenda is beyond political slogan. This endorsement is a clear decision to stand together and push this momentum further.

“It is about understanding that the ambitions we hold for our people, for our economy, for our future, are best served when vision at the centre aligns with delivery at the states and vice versa.”

Mbah emphasised that for the South East, “there has been a clear recognition from the federal government that national progress cannot be achieved with any region standing at the margins.”

“We are seeing that recognition translate into action as our common aspirations are connected to national opportunities.

“For a region teeming with entrepreneurial zest, it is ironic that energy development and gas prospecting across the South East have long seemed a distant prospect. But this is becoming an active priority, laying the groundwork for industrial growth and jobs.

“The Eastern Rail Line, connecting Port Harcourt through Aba, Umuahia, Enugu and beyond, is back on the national map, restoring the arteries of trade and mobility that once defined this region.

“Equally heartwarming is the approval of the Enugu airport concession. This is a turning point that has positioned Enugu as an international gateway for the South East, given how it opens direct access to Africa and the wider world.

“These are not symbolic gestures. They are strategic decisions in support of our region. And they reflect something deeper: a federal leadership that understands the value of decentralised execution, of strong states delivering strong outcomes, and of partnership as a tool for national renewal,” he stated.

He emphasised that going forward, the South East would pursue unity of purpose, rather than fragmented politics, which he said had undermined progress.

“Our region’s chequered history reminds us how easily progress can be undone when unity gives way to fragmentation. But it also reminds us of what is possible when purpose is shared and direction is clear. What is emerging now is the influence of sustained coordination.

“In collectively affirming an end to decades of fragmented politics in the South East, we’re saying that the South East will no longer stand as a divided political unit.

“This is a moment to think clearly and act strategically, and to remain focused on outcomes. Let us lean into partnership, not retreat into suspicion.

“Let us build, rather than fracture. And let us protect and extend the progress already in motion. That is the work before us. And that is w hy this endorsement matters,” he concluded.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured the people of Nkanu land and Enugu State in general that he would continue to make them proud, serving with integrity and the full measure of his capacity.

Mbah gave the assurances on Friday at the 50th coronation anniversary celebration of the traditional rule of Ihuokpara in Nkanu East Local Government Area (LGA) HRM Igwe Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu, who is also the Grand Patron of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.

The governor was reacting to his endorsement through the presentation of an ofo staff, the Igbo symbol of authority, truth and justice, by Igwe Nwatu and traditional rulers of Nkanu land, assisted by the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Ruler Council, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu.

“I would like to begin by thanking our elders and our revered royal fathers for the event of today and what has just happened. The weight, import and significance of the ofo I have just received cannot be lost on me as an Nkanu man.

“In our culture, what you see me holding in my left hand is beyond symbols because our traditional rulers are the representatives of our ancestors. I am sure they must have communed with our ancestors for today’s event to take place. We have our ancestors speaking through them.

“So, this is not an ordinary honour. This is trust, authority and it has been conferred on me by no other but by my people. It is an honour bestowed on me by my kinsmen that can never be compared to any other honour under the sun.

“I know that this endorsement is for us to continue to serve Ndi Enugu and it comes with responsibility. I understand that clearly. And I want to reassure our elders and traditional rulers that I will continue to serve Ndi Enugu with humility and with all the energy that I have and every fiber of my being, making you proud. You will never regret your action” Mbah stated.

He felicitated the celebrant for his meritorious service to his people and the Igbo land in the past 50 years, saying his longevity on the throne showed that the people, the ancestors and God were pleased with him.

“50 Years of service on the throne cannot be achieved by force. If a man has served his people for 50 years and they gathered so massively as we are seeing here today to celebrate him, then it is a reflection of honour to a man, who has dedicated his time in service to his community. So, we join rejoicing and congratulating him.

“So, on behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I convey our hearty felicitations. May God grant you many more years so that we can continue to benefit from your wealth of experience, wisdom, and knowledge,” he added.

Governor Mbah equally reassured the traditional rulers of a major improvement in their welfare starting from this month.

“We know that the traditional rulers are the custodians of our values, memory, and culture. As a government, we will provide the structure and the system that work with the soul of this traditional institution, which is why in our budget this year, we placed their welfare as top priority to the government.

“So, when you receive your alerts starting for the month of January this 2026 and going forward, you are going to feel something that is humongous that you will not be able to contain your excitement. We are also going to provide vehicles to all our principal officers of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council,” he added.

Meanwhile, presenting the Ofo staff, the celebrant, who spoke on behalf of other royal fathers cited what he described as Mbah’s exceptional governance and landmark projects, noting that Enugu State never had it so good.

He said the Ofo staff was an endorsement to continue his good work.

Other highpoints of the celebration was the unveiling of the book “Leadership as Service:
A Portrait of Stewardship, Justice and Peace” authored by Igwe Nwatu and cutting of golden jubilee cake by the celebrant flanked by Mbah and other signatories.

The event was attended by former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; wife of former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Patricia Nwobodo, and many political leaders, captains of industry, and lovers of the traditional ruler and Ihuokpara from across Nigeria and beyond.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says the Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) aims to build a two-million-member base, noting that the era of fragmented politics that denied Enugu State the benefits of the centre was over.

Mbah stated this during the flag-off of the APC e-registration exercise at Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Thursday, describing the exercise as a defining moment to concretise the movement from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.

“It was just barely two and a half months ago that we chose partnership, progress, and chose to stop being on the sidelines. The time that we played fragmented politics is over. We no longer want to be on the sidelines, but we want to be at the centre and play dominant politics. This requires that we support the politics at the centre.

“It suffices to say that we do have a target. We have the sentiment that we are not going to give 5 per cent and expect the same treatment as those who gave 95 per cent. So, we now have a duty to change that.

“So, we have a target of registering at least a minimum of two million persons here in Enugu because when we had this grand movement, it was not about Peter Mbah, the state government, or a particular arm of government. It was total.

“So, we have work to do to ensure that the banner of our political party is entrenched in our various homes, not just communities. This is to make sure that our people are not confused and know where we stand at the centre, state, and local government levels. We are APC in the morning. We are APC in the day and we are APC in the night,” he asserted.

Mbah explained that the movement from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC in October 2025 was not to displace those already in the house, but to make the house stronger, more viable, and more beneficial to the people of Enugu State going forward.

“So, in conducting the e-registration, we must make sure that everyone is accommodated. We have not come to displace those who were there, but we have come to co-mingle with them and increase our numbers. At the end of the day, it is the people we are going to do this politics with and not woods. It is very important that we are flexible, accommodate the people, and get everybody registered. That means that we are going to be expecting a lot of discipline and transparency from the agents, supervisors, and the coordinators,” he added.

Mbah assured that President Bola Tinubu’s programmes and the benefits of his policies would percolate to the grassroots more in the days ahead.

“If you look at some of the programmes and policies of the government, particularly the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, it is a programme designed to empower over 8.8 million people directly. Of course, if you talk about the indirect effect, you will be talking about 40 million people that this programme is designed to lift out of the pit of poverty.

“So, if you talk about stabilising the macro indicators and we are worried and concerned about when that will percolate to the micro levels, the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme is the answer because that is going to have a direct effect on our grassroots and lift our people out of poverty,” Mbah assured.

In their remarks, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Chief Emma Eneukwu, and the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Enugu State chapter of the APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye, said the aim of the e-registration was to digitalise the party’s database and bring it up to 21st-century realities and needs.

Eneukwu said, “The party has been doing registration before now. But this time, the party is trying to copy what Governor Mbah is doing, just like there are now Smart Schools and Smart everything in Enugu.

“The e-registration is abandoning the old way of doing things. This time, we decided to behave like Peter Mbah by embracing the modern world where everything is going electronic.

“The most important thing is that we know politics is all about power and the acquisition of power. When you have registered, we can have the number of people that have the power and ability to vote in the election because you have to provide your NIN.”

The Atiku Abubakar Media Office has accused the Bola Tinubu administration of deliberately weakening opposition parties and attempting to destabilise the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of what it described as a creeping move toward a one-party state.

In a statement issued on January 6, Paul Ibe, spokesperson to the former vice president, said Nigerians have endured “punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space” under President Tinubu over the past three years.

The statement alleged that the All Progressives Congress has survived politically “by default, not by merit,” following what it described as the systematic erosion of opposition platforms.

According to Ibe, the ADC has emerged as “the nucleus of a credible national alternative,” attracting patriotic leaders who chose “resistance over silence.”

He accused individuals aligned with the presidency of attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of the ADC, particularly regarding the choice of a presidential candidate.

“The ADC is on a national rescue mission,” the statement said, adding that former vice president Atiku Abubakar remains central to the effort. It warned that any call for Atiku to “step aside” would amount to “a gift to authoritarian ambition.”

The Atiku camp said the ADC remains committed to an open and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer and rejected what it described as intimidation or sabotage by “APC proxies and external meddlers.”

The statement noted that the party is currently focused on building ward, local government, and state structures across the country, urging disruptors to allow the process to continue unhindered.

It also described the ADC as inclusive, saying it remains open to all genuine opposition figures and insisting that “no one is stepping down” ahead of the party’s internal processes.

The statement further claimed that the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu triggered “open boasts” by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party.

Concluding, the Atiku Media Office said the ADC is determined to end what it described as the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy “will not be surrendered without a fight.”

The full statement is reproduced below:

PRESS RELEASE

Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threat

For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history—an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state.

Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing “achievement” has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its manifest failures—standing alone by default, not by merit.

Thankfully, patriotic leaders saw this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.

Predictably, agents aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilize the ADC from the outside—issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate.

Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to “step aside” is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.

The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.

At present, the ADC is focused on building strong ward, local government, and state structures nationwide. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference.

The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy.

When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability.

The recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heartbeat of the Southeast, triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. Their fear is evident.

Let there be no ambiguity: the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission.

Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.

Signed:
Paul Ibe
Atiku Media Office
Abuja
January 06, 2026

Elder statesman and former civilian governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo has hosted Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu at his country home, Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu, where the leaders held strategic discussions on the position of the Igbo in Nigeria’s political arrangement.

As political alignments and realignments continue ahead of 2027 general election, the closed door meeting is described as both consultative and reflective, focused on the need for the South-East to clearly define its interests, strengthen internal unity and play a more central role in the nation’s polity.

Speaking after the yuletide homage by the two leaders, Wednesday evening, Chief Nwobodo said the engagement was driven by the desire to end ambiguity surrounding the place of the Igbo in national affairs. He stressed that the region could no longer afford to be taken for granted.

“These are two very important Igbo men. They came to pay me a yuletide visit, and we also wanted to know the position of the Igbo in the scheme of things in this nation,” Nwobodo said.

“We don’t want anybody to deceive us or pretend that everything is okay. We want to know what Nigeria has for the Igbo, and this time around, we will get it.”

The elder statesman warned against symbolic or cosmetic inclusion, insisting that the Igbo must have a clearly defined and respected place in the country’s power structure.

“We don’t want any photographic information. We want to know where the Igbo stand. We cannot be taken for granted for so long,” he added.

Nwobodo disclosed that consultations were ongoing among key stakeholders, calling for a meeting of serving and former governors from the South-East to collectively decide on the political direction of the region.

“Let the present and former governors of the Igbo nation meet and take a decision. Others can meet and decide anything, but let our own governors meet and make a decision. We will definitely have a position for the Igbo,” he said.

Former Abia State governor and senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, said the discussions centred on ensuring that the Igbo remain relevant and strategically positioned in Nigeria’s political space.

“We are discussing the position of the Igbo in the polity of Nigeria and how it will be good for all of us,” Kalu stated.

“It is the desire of the Igbo to be in the centre of affairs. We have no alternative than to be in the centre. It is not an option; it is a requirement.”

Kalu added that the conversation would be expanded to include other Igbo leaders in order to build consensus.

Governor Peter Mbah, on his part, emphasised the need for unity and warned that internal divisions could weaken the region’s influence at the national level.

He described the talks as part of an evolving process aimed at fostering cohesion and strategic engagement.

“As people of Igbo extraction, we must not do anything that would create division. There is a need for us not to be fragmented,” Mbah said. “The discussions we have had are evolving, and they will come to light in the days ahead.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s historical foundation, the Enugu State governor noted that the Igbo remained a critical pillar of the federation.

“Nigeria started on a tripod, and the Igbo are one of the legs of that tripod. It is extremely important that we continue to play a very critical role in our polity,” he said, adding that the region must avoid fragmented politics and instead adopt a strategic approach.

Mbah said the visit also served as an opportunity to pay homage to Chief Nwobodo, whom he described as an elder statesman who had distinguished himself in the service of Nigeria.

The meeting is viewed as part of renewed efforts by South-East leaders to forge a united front and reposition the Igbo more effectively in Nigeria’s political equation.

Support groups backing Mr. Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential race have announced the formation of a Quad Steering Committee to coordinate mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement made available to PACESETTER by a top member of Peter Obi’s inner caucus who asked to remain anonymous, the committee brings together the Obidient Movement, Big-Tent, Coalition for Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) and the Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO).

The statement which was signed by Ibrahim H. Abdulkarim, Chairman of the Quad Steering Committee, issued on behalf of the coalition, revealed that the Quad Steering Committee will serve as a coordination and gatekeeping body to ensure structure, discipline and strategic alignment among Obi’s supporters nationwide.

According to the statement, the committee will receive strategic direction from Peter Obi’s team and translate such directives into coordinated actions across support groups and state structures.

The body is also tasked with ensuring message discipline, preventing duplication of efforts, and promoting unity of purpose among supporters.

The coalition clarified that the committee is not a political party organ and does not seek to replace any party structure, but to strengthen collective effectiveness and improve coordination.

The committee said it would engage existing support groups to develop implementation frameworks, assign responsibilities and introduce monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability.

Supporters were urged to remain united, respect coordination structures, sustain grassroots mobilisation and be prepared to follow Peter Obi to the platform of his choice.

The full statement is reproduced below:

STATEMENT TO ALL PETER OBI SUPPORTERS

Fellow Supporters of Peter Obi,

In furtherance of our collective commitment to the vision of a new Nigeria founded on competence, integrity, and effective leadership, we wish to formally announce the creation of the Quad Steering Committee comprising The Obidient Movement (OM), Big-Tent, Coalition for Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) and Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO).

The Quad Steering Committee has been established as a coordination and gatekeeping body for organised supporters of Peter Obi. Its core responsibility is to provide structure, discipline, and strategic alignment across the various support groups working toward the 2027 general elections.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Committee’s clear mandate is to coordinate Support Groups for effective performance.

The Committee’s mandate is clear and focused:

• To receive strategic direction and priorities from Peter Obi’s team.
• To translate those directives into coordinated, practical actions across support groups and state structures.
• To ensure focused effort, message discipline, and efficient use of resources.
• To avoid duplication of roles and activities, and to promote unity of purpose.

The Quad Steering Committee is not a political party organ and does not seek to replace or compete with any party structure. Rather, it exists to strengthen collective effectiveness by ensuring that supporter activities are properly aligned, timely, and impactful.

Over the coming period, the Committee will engage with existing support groups to agree implementation frameworks, assign responsibilities, and establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability and results.

We call on all Peter Obi supporters to:
• Remain united and disciplined.
• Respect agreed coordination structures.
• Continue grassroots mobilisation, advocacy, and engagement in line with shared objectives.
• Be prepared to follow Peter Obi to the platform of his choice when the time comes.

This moment calls for organisation, patience, and strategic clarity. Together, acting in unity and under clear leadership, we can convert shared conviction into measurable progress.

Further directions and communications will follow in due course.

Signed:

Ibrahim H. Abdulkarim

Chairman
The Quad Steering Committee