Category: Politics

…says support for Peter Mbah blind to party affiliations

Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

In what was a gathering of political heavyweights and stakeholders, cut across different political parties from Enugu East Senatorial District, the zone has designated and endorsed the incumbent governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as their sole governorship candidate in 2027.

Taking the decision in the just concluded Enugu East Senatorial District Townhall Meeting on Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, the decision was premised on what different speakers called the disruptive performance of the governor.

In a motion moved by a former governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Rt. Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, and seconded by a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Dr. Ben Nwoye, the district, while stating that the endorsement was not based on political affiliation with any party, called on Enugu West and Enugu North Senatorial Districts to stand in full support of the 2027 re-election of the incumbent governor.

…More details shortly

The Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, on Friday inaugurated the Nnewi South Wards Campaign Team before proceeding, in the company of his Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Mrs. Ifeoma Okaro, and a large crowd of supporters, to Amichi Eke Market and Osumenyi Eke Market in continuation of his grassroots engagement.

At the inauguration, the coordinators assured him of massive support and promised to deliver their various wards for his victory.

The visit later turned into a carnival of excitement as traders and residents thronged the markets to welcome Moghalu and his team. In a symbolic display of affection and acceptance, market women presented him with food items, underscoring his deep connection with the grassroots.

Addressing the jubilant crowd, Dr. Moghalu pledged that he would never fail Ndi Anambra when entrusted with leadership. He promised to rebuild and modernize local markets, making them safe, conducive for business, and attractive to investors.

He further assured that his vision for Anambra is people driven, anchored on inclusiveness, service, and practical solutions to everyday challenges. Moghalu stressed that under his watch, government will return to the grassroots, the true heartbeat of Anambra.

The Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, today attended the empowerment programme of Uruagu Nnewi women, which took place at the palace of the Obi of Uruagu.

Dr. Moghalu, who was warmly welcomed by the Obi’s wife, Lolo Udochukwu Obi, received an emotional reception as she led the women in embracing him as their own and a true son of the soil. Their songs, smiles, and chants of solidarity filled the palace with excitement and pride.

The event featured the distribution of empowerment items and financial support designed to help women expand their businesses, sustain their families, and acquire new skills for self-reliance. Dr. Moghalu, who also made personal donations in support of the programme, commended the women of Uruagu for their resilience, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial spirit.

“No society can grow without the active involvement of its women. They are the backbone of families and the engine of community progress. As governor, I will prioritize women empowerment by expanding access to training, business support, and other opportunities that will uplift our mothers, sisters, and daughters,” he assured.

The Obi of Uruagu, His Royal Highness Obi Afam Charles Obi (Ogidi IV), offered royal blessings and prayers for Dr. Moghalu’s success, assuring him of the palace’s support and affirming him as one of their own.

In a vote of thanks, Chief Agu Okonkwo praised Dr. Moghalu for his consistent identification with his people, describing the gesture as a true sign of genuine leadership. He declared that Uruagu Nnewi is solidly behind him and will give him total support in the November 8 governorship election.

The atmosphere was festive and colourful, marked by cultural dances, traditional songs, and fervent prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity in Nnewi and Anambra State at large.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared Bright Ngene of the Labour Party, as the winner of the August 16 re-run election in Enugu South Urban Constituency.

The election had effectively become a contest between Labour Party candidate, Bright Ngene, who was sworn into the Assembly in 2023 but is currently in prison over a community-related matter, and PDP candidate, Sam Ngene, a former member of the House of Assembly.

Recall that there were allegations of disrupting the electoral process, leading to the PDP candidate, Sam Ngene, trading accusations with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.

However, INEC went on to make a return in the poll with the initial casted ballots.

In a press statement issued on the Commission’s verified X handle, it noted that the election was a court ordered re-run election.

“Two re-run elections by order of the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals were held in Enugu and Kano States. After previous disruptions of the elections in the two States by violence and thuggery, the elections have now been concluded. Declaration and return were made by the Returning Officers. For the Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, Ngene Bright Emeka of the Labour Party (LP) was declared winner…”, the state partly read.

Bright Ngene is currently in prison over a community-related matter.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 12 of the 16 legislative seats contested in Saturday’s by-elections across 12 states, according to results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

APC swept all seats on offer in Ogun, Edo, Niger, Kaduna, Taraba, Jigawa, Adamawa, and Kogi; split two seats with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano; while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in Anambra and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a seat in Oyo. Tally: APC 12 seats; APGA 2; PDP 1; NNPP 1.

President Bola Tinubu congratulated winners across party lines and commended INEC. Opposition parties—PDP, Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP)—rejected the outcomes, alleging rigging, vote-buying, and intimidation, and warned of 2027 implications.

Kano

APC’s Ya’u Garba Gwarmai won Ghari/Tsanyawa with 31,472 votes to NNPP’s Mohammed Yusuf Ali’s 27,931. NNPP’s Ali Lawal Alhassan took Shanono/Bagwai with 16,198 votes, defeating APC’s Abdullahi Ahmad Muhammad (5,347). Despite the split, NNPP retains a House majority (26–14). APC stakeholders alleged there was no election in Shanono/Bagwai; NNPP vowed to challenge Ghari/Tsanyawa in court.

Anambra

Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu won Anambra South with 90,408 votes, defeating APC’s Azuka Okwuosa (19,812) and ADC’s Donald Amamgbo (2,889). In Onitsha North 1, Barr. Ifeoma Azikiwe polled 7,774 votes to beat ADC’s Mrs. Justina Azuka (1,909); APC’s Ezennia Ojekwe had 1,371, YPP’s Njideka Ndiwe 655.

Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Environment Commissioner Engr. Felix Odumegwu escaped lynching in Nnewi South after alleged vote-buying claims. Governor Chukwuma Soludo said: “This is an act of thuggery. Government officials, including the deputy governor, were attacked. It’s unacceptable,” he said.

APGA’s Mazi Ejimofor Opara echoed the allegation, accusing APC’s Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of sponsoring thugs. Ukachukwu’s aide, Mr. Tony Uche, denied it, insisting officials stormed Osumenyi with security trucks to influence the polls, sparking youth resistance.

Oyo

INEC declared PDP’s Folajimi Oyekunle winner of Ibadan North Federal Constituency with 18,404 votes to APC’s Adewale “Murphy” Olatunji’s 8,312—PDP’s first win there since 2011.

Ogun

APC’s Princess Adesola Elegbeji won Remo Federal Constituency with 41,237 votes to PDP’s 14,324.

Edo

Joseph Ikpea (APC) won Edo Central Senate with 105,129 votes over PDP’s Prince Joe Okojie. In Ovia Federal Constituency, APC’s Omosede Igbinedion scored 77,053; PDP’s Johnny Aikpitanyi had 3,838; ADC’s Dr. Sandra Asemota 925. Governor Monday Okpebholo hailed the results, praising voters and projecting a stronger showing for President Tinubu in 2027. “This victory is a clear indication of the trust and confidence the people have in Ikpea and Igbinedion’s abilities to represent their interests effectively at the National Assembly,” Okpebholo said.

Kaduna

APC’s Felix Bagudu won Chikun/Kajuru with 34,580 votes to PDP’s 11,491. The party also won Zaria Kewaye (Isa Haruna, 26,613) and Basawa (APC 10,926 to PDP 5,499). Turnout was generally low but polls were largely peaceful.

Niger

APC’s Matthew Daje won with 12,556 votes to PDP’s Sabo Adabynlo’s 5,646. The seat became vacant after the death of PDP’s Joseph Haruna Duza.

Taraba

APC’s Abner Shittu won Karim Lamido I with 5,895 votes to PDP’s Ali Kanda’s 5,488; ADC’s Badina Garba had 1,774; SDP’s Abubakar Dauda 149.

Jigawa

APC’s Rabi’u Mukhtar Garki polled 38,449 votes, defeating PDP’s Isa Auwalu Manzo (13,519) and NNPP’s Sabo Salisu (2,931).

Reactions 

In a statement by spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised INEC and lauded APC’s new National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda: “Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God.’’

Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor said: “state institutions, both federal and state, colluded with APC apparatuses to muzzle the process, intimidate voters, and change the outcome of the election.”

“INEC needs to be restructured, the Electoral Act amended, and its neutrality re-emphasised,” he said, warning that without reforms before 2027, opposition parties might boycott the polls: “It would be a waste of time, resources, emotions and energy,” he cautioned.

Spokesman Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said: “What Nigerians witnessed in yesterday’s (Saturday) by-elections is yet another reminder that under the current administration, democracy itself, just like the economy and national security, continues to decline.”

He cited reports of ballot-box snatching, arrests of nearly 300 thugs, and an individual caught with ₦25.9 million. “When ballots are brazenly exchanged for money, the vote of the ordinary Nigerian ceases to have meaning,” he said, urging the President to guarantee credible polls. “No government can claim legitimacy if it consistently presides over fraudulent polls,” he warned.

In a statement by Ken Asogwa, aide to Acting National Chairman Senator Esther Usman, LP said: “From Kaduna to Anambra, Ogun to Oyo, and Kano, the narrative remained the same: large-scale rigging, brazen vote-buying, and violence.”

“Two years after the brazen heist of 2023, we had hoped Yakubu would attempt a semblance of redemption. Yesterday’s (Saturday) outing proved such expectations misplaced,” it declared, warning that “history will be most unkind if he permits hawks around him to desecrate our democracy in pursuit of power.”

National Secretary Chief Peter Ameh cautioned against reading too much into off-cycle wins: “The intense pressure from those who control the state apparatus, coupled with low turnout, thuggery and vote-buying, significantly distort the process. These results create false hope.”

“Such elections do not reflect a candidate’s true capacity.

“There is no justification for incurring huge costs when the party owns the mandate,” he added.

APC spokesman Felix Morka called the results an endorsement of the administration: “This win is yet another solid endorsement of President Bola Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope Agenda designed to deliver, and now steadily delivering, transformation of our country’s economy and other sectors of our national life,’’ he said.

The party commended the President “for creating a level playing field for the bye-election contest”.

“Our hearty congratulations go to our victorious candidates across the country, and we charge them to reward their constituents with purposeful legislative interventions that translate the Renewed Hope Agenda to meaningful benefits for the people.

“We specially congratulate our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on this crucial first dominant victory under his eminent leadership as National Chairman. It is a strong pointer to greater things to come.

“The party applauds the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, for its successful conduct of the bye-elections, and hails all security agencies for maintaining peace and order, despite cases of election violence and voters suppression in some districts.

“Again, our deepest gratitude remains with the Nigerian electorate, and we urge all Nigerians to sustain their support for our great Party and Mr President as he continues to pave a clear and steady path of prosperity for this and future generations,” APC added.

Full Credit, Excluding Headline: Vanguard

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has mocked former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the outcome of the by-election in the state.

Soludo said the results of Saturday’s by-elections in the state showed that the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, are “dead” and “non-existent” in Anambra.

He made the remarks on Sunday during an event in the Nanka area of the state to celebrate the victory of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the by-elections.

Soludo also mocked Obi, who supported ADC candidates in the polls, insisting the party does not exist in Anambra.

“ADC does not exist in Anambra. We showed it yesterday, Saturday. Labour Party is dead,” Soludo said.

According to him, the ADC opposition coalition had sought to use the by-election in Anambra to test its popularity, but “the people spoke overwhelmingly with over 75%.”

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Chief Emma Nwachukwu and Mimi Azikiwe, both of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), winners of the Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 state constituency by-elections held on August 16, 2025.

The Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, today hosted the executives of the Hausa community in Nnewi at his Uruagu residence, in a meeting that underscored peace, inclusiveness, and unity.

The delegation was led by the Sarkin Hausawa Nnewi, Alhaji Salihu Suleiman, together with the Youth Leader, Rufai Ayuba, and other executive members of the community.

In his remarks, Dr. Moghalu welcomed the leaders warmly and urged them to support his governorship aspiration, assuring that his administration would run an inclusive government where every resident of Anambra, regardless of ethnic or religious background, would feel at home and have access to opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the community executives, Alhaji Salihu Suleiman assured Dr. Moghalu of their unwavering support. He noted that most members of the Hausa community have lived peacefully in Nnewi for decades, engaging in various businesses that contribute to the town’s growth and development. He stressed their desire for a government that will continue to promote peace, security, and economic inclusion.

The Hausa community executives also outlined some of their expectations, including youth empowerment, improved security, and better recognition of their contributions to the state’s economy.

The meeting ended on a cordial note, with Dr. Moghalu appreciating their solidarity and reaffirming his resolve to build an Anambra where every community thrives in unity and progress.

There was tension in Enugu on Saturday as PDP candidate, Sam Ngene accused the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, of disrupting the by-election in Enugu South Urban Constituency with hoodlums — an allegation the minister immediately denied.

The by-election came after a prolonged legal battle. The State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal had nullified the March 18, 2023, results and ordered a rerun in eight polling units with 4,618 registered voters.

Three previous attempts to hold the rerun had failed: on February 3, 2024, over missing result sheets; on February 14, 2024, due to violence; and on June 8, 2024, when it was postponed indefinitely. Today marked the fourth attempt.

The race has effectively narrowed to Labour Party candidate Bright Ngene — sworn into the Assembly in 2023 but currently serving a prison sentence over a community-related matter — and PDP’s Sam Ngene, a former state lawmaker.

Addressing reporters at his polling unit, PDP’s Sam Ngene alleged that political heavyweights were trying to hijack the process.

“We are here as PDP to conduct this election because we know that this is my stronghold, this is my ward, and my polling unit is one of the places that had this problem.

“The first time, it was Senator Kelvin Chukwu from Nkanu West and some other people who were not supposed to be here. They disrupted this election. The second time, the same thing happened. This third time again, we are announcing that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, is also here, and I am wondering why he came. He came in here with hoodlums, with intimidation, disrupting this election and making sure that it does not hold.

“Ask yourself, who are we even contesting with? Somebody is behind bars for fraudulent activity—convicted and sentenced—and he is still on the ballot. Is that supposed to be so? The answer is no. The constitution is very clear: if you are convicted or if you are an ex-convict, you cannot stand for any election. You can’t even vote. You have lost your freedom completely,” he said.

Minister Uche Nnaji dismissed the claims, insisting his presence at the polling unit was legitimate in his capacity as APC leader in Enugu State.

“I am an APC man, and that is why I was appointed. I remain an APC man. I am the leader of APC in the state, and on that basis, I am the polling unit agent of APC. You can see my tag, so I am here rightfully.

“I don’t carry hoodlums. I carry policemen, army, and DSS—people that are friendly to the public, people that are law-abiding, people mandated by law to protect lives and property. That is what I use,” he said.

Reacting to the growing tension, Enugu’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, appealed for calm and urged stakeholders to allow the election to conclude peacefully.

“You can see the good number of political bigwigs present here today from the PDP, APC, and Labour Party. Many people are here, either to vote or to observe. However, according to one of our Corps members presiding over this election, some voters are saying they will not cast their votes unless the candidate currently in prison; who they allege isn’t constitutionally qualified is disqualified from contesting,” Dr. Chukwu said.

“So, I am pleading with members of the public and the good people of Enugu to kindly allow us to conclude this process today. This is my prayer. Let all of us conduct ourselves properly, regardless of our positions in society. This is the fourth time we are coming out for this election, and I am appealing to everyone to cooperate.

“I honestly do not know why this place is even this crowded; it is not supposed to be so. Therefore, I am pleading with all stakeholders in Enugu State—let us not create problems in this election. Please, that is my prayer and my request.”

PACESETTER reports that in a video making rounds on social media, women, assumed to be voters at the polling unit were seen praying. While some sat on the ground and placed their hands on the ground in a prophetic manner, others squatted, doing same.