Category: Politics

Alia, however, appointed a former two-term Attorney-General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Moses Atagher, as his Chief of Staff.

Barr. Atagher, a seasoned administrator who is also former acting Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank, is expected to resume his new position immediately.

A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Tersoo Kula, indicated that the decision was announced by the Governor at the close of the 12th (2025) meeting of the Benue State Executive Council.

The governor appreciated all the former Commissioners who worked with him for two years, calling on those who may not be called back or reappointed to stay in the party and continue to liaise with the system as they are only paving way for other citizens who may be chosen to replace them to also contribute their quota.

He added that apart from the Chief of Staff, the dissolution affected only Commissioners.

Speaking on behalf of the dissolved Commissioners, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim according to the statement, appreciated the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve the state.

Mnyim was quoted to have said, “At every stage in life, everywhere you are called to serve is a school. We have learnt a lot while working with you.”

Meanwhile, the former Commissioners are directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries of their Ministries as soon as possible. Daily Trust

The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has insisted that he has no challenger in the November 8, 2025 governorship election in the state, saying that his challengers are only in the race to raise funds.

Soludo stated this during an endorsement rally organised for him by stakeholders of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, in Awka, on Saturday.

The governor insisted that other contestants are merely in the race to raise funds for their personal use and using the guise of being candidates.

He said, “They are not contesting, they are only doing fundraising. I hear they have been going around begging top politicians, ministers that ‘you know I’m contesting for governor, please support me’.

“We have not started our campaign and have not constituted a campaign council. We are not contesting the election with anyone. Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra. All Progressives contesting against me know what they are contesting for and not for governor, and they know. In Anambra, progressives are working together.

“We are targeting to win at least 90 percent of all the electoral wards in the Central Senatorial Zone.”

While addressing supporters, Soludo pointed out that Anambra enjoys an “unbroken zoning formula”, and that he would hand over to a candidate from the central zone after his second term.

He added that anyone opposed to his second term will just be disrupting the seamless zoning in the state, and delaying the turn of the central zone to take the governorship seat.

“A few weeks ago, a rally like this happened in the North Senatorial Zone, and all the stakeholders, community leaders traditional rulers, youths, students, all declared that our ticket is a consensus for Anambra.

“Today too, you(Anambra Central) are here to declare that this ticket is the consensus ticket for the 2025 election.

“On behalf of myself, my wife and running mate, we are happy and we are grateful to all the stakeholders. We have listened to your kind words, words of solidarity and all.

“I want to remind you people that we have zoning system in Anambra. It started with Central Zone with Peter Obi. When he finished, everyone agreed that for there to be order, fairness and equity that zoning be institutionalised.

“After then, it went to the North and for eight years, former Governor Willie Obiano was governor and after that, it went to South (where I hail from) and South is going to have it for eight years, after that it would be central again.

“I don’t know who else is contesting in this election, but we heard that some people are contesting, but we don’t know who they are. But I want to assure you that after South, power will shift to Central. Any one coming from South to contest against me wants power to stay in the South for 12 years.

“If anyone else from South gets to power, he will stay for eight years and that will delay the turn of the central. So, four more years for Soludo is better than eight years by anyone else, so that central can take their turn,” he added.

According to him, APGA is targeting to win at least 90 per cent of all the electoral wards in the Central Senatorial Zone, insisting that “Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra.”

“We will continue to work for Anambra people. Let me announce to you that I have officially moved into the Anambra Light House City (New Government House). I moved there officially yesterday and I slept there last night, woke up this morning and simply strolled to this venue. You have not seen anything yet, we have more in line for Anambra people.”

The highlights of the event was speeches by some stakeholders including; a former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, some student leaders, market and community leaders among others, who all endorsed the governor.

Chidoka praised Soludo’s “transformational leadership, prudent financial management, and vision” for the future of Anambra State.

“In 2025, the question is no longer ‘Is it broken? The real question is: why drop the spoon when the soup is tasty? Ndi Anambra, the pot is still on the fire. The aroma of progress is in the air.”

He hailed Soludo’s achievements in urban renewal, digital governance, education reform, and infrastructure, calling for continuity to sustain the gains of the past three years.

The Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chukwuma Okoye read a communique from the entire zone, pledging their support and endorsement for the Soludo. Punch

Speaking during the Southeast zonal meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru praised President Tinubu for taking bold steps to reposition Nigeria’s economy and uplift the lives of citizens.

He said, “President Tinubu has implemented people-oriented policies that are already yielding positive results.”

“His emergence as president was not by chance but divine orchestration. God chose him despite opposition based on ethnic and religious sentiments.

The governor further dismissed concerns over opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that no alliance can alter God’s plan for Nigeria.

“No amount of coalition can derail God’s purpose in 2027. The President is more than capable of confronting any challenge. He is a bold leader who takes decisive actions.”

Nwifuru urged political agitators to close ranks and support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, stressing the need for unity and tolerance within the party.

“The APC is firmly rooted in Ebonyi State. We must accommodate divergent views and strengthen internal democracy by ensuring inclusivity and avoiding imposition of candidates”, he said

The governor also commended the zonal and state leaders of the party for their commitment to democratic governance.

“Each time I see party executives, I see the real workers of democracy,” he added.

The Ebonyi State APC Chairman, Stanley Okoro Emegha, reaffirmed the party’s growing influence in the state, expressing optimism that more members of the opposition would defect to the APC.

Also speaking, the APC Zonal Chairman, Ijeoma Arodiogbu, explained that the meeting was part of a consultative tour to assess the party’s strength across wards and zones in Ebonyi.

“I am impressed with the level of development I have witnessed in Ebonyi. Governor Nwifuru’s support for the party is evident, and the transformation of Abakaliki is commendable,” he said.

The event drew party executives, stakeholders, and supporters from across the South East region.

The governor gave the warning in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the state while receiving a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member in the House of Representatives representing Esan West/Igueben/Central, Hon Marcus Onobun who has decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Okpebholo alleged that the last time Mr Peter Obi visited Edo state, where he donated N15m to a nursing school, three people died thereafter. He accused Obi of hypocrisy, saying someone who said he does not give “shishi” to people, how did he get N15 million to donate to people?

Speaking in pidgin and English, he said, “The man wey say e no get ‘shishi’, I am sending a direct message to him. He cannot come to Edo without telling me. A new Sheriff is in town.

“He came the other day and donated N15m. By the time he left after donating the money, there was crisis and three people died in Benin. Tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me. We are not lobbying anyone to join APC, they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu.

“Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State. I saw someone crying at Ring Road, talking about having 65%. That is what we call social media winning. When I said I would become the governor, I meant it. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it,” he said.

He accused key opposition figures of deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement, claiming some of them were responsible for derailed national infrastructure projects and national insecurity.

“Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and even ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. These same people now want to form new parties. Today, they are in SDP, tomorrow they are in ADC, next tomorrow they are in ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” Okpebholo declared.

The Governor, while welcoming Hon. Onobun and his supporters into the APC fold, urged them to join in the developmental vision for Edo State. On his part, Onobun said he was back home to the APC.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has slammed the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for allegedly threatening the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP),
in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi.

National Secretary of the CUPP and chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Peter Ameh, in response to the threat said the Edo State governor’s utterances violate the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which he swore to uphold.

Ameh said, “The recent statement by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, threatening former presidential candidate Peter Obi for visiting Edo State and donating ¦ 15 million to a nursing school, is utterly deplorable and a direct assault on the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.

“Okpebholo’s recorded remarks, warning Obi not to “dare” enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights. This is unacceptable from a sitting governor, who should uphold the rule of law, not undermine it.

“His (Obi’s) only offense is traveling across the country to support hospitals, schools, nurses, and IDPs at their points of need. Should a governor fear acts of charity? Such conduct is not only a disgrace but also a betrayal of the trust of Edo people, who deserve leadership that respects democratic values and fosters unity, not division through intimidation.

“Okpebholo’s actions reflect a dangerous ignorance of the constitutional guarantee of freedom of movement for all Nigerians, as well as a lack of decorum befitting his office. This incident must not be swept under the rug; it demands swift condemnation and accountability to ensure that no individual in power can trample on the rights of citizens. Edo State and Nigeria deserve better than this shameful display of governance.

“This shameful episode demands immediate and unequivocal condemnation from all quarters—civil society, political leaders, traditional institutions, and the general public. Governor Monday Okpebholo’s threat against Peter Obi is a disgraceful act that strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy. It is a direct assault on the constitutional rights to freedom of movement, expression, and association, and it reflects a dangerous arrogance that has no place in governance.

“This incident must serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians to defend their constitutional protections and demand accountability from those in power. The rule of law must prevail, and no individual, no matter their position, should be allowed to trample on the rights of citizens. Edo State and Nigeria deserve better than this shameful display of leadership.” Vanguard

In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the PDP, Jada 1 Ward, Jada LGA, Adamawa State, Atiku wrote, “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.”

Atiku, who served two full terms as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and was twice the party’s presidential candidate of the PDP, described his exit as deeply emotional and regrettable.

“Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life. As a founding father of this esteemed Party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision,” he stated.

The seasoned politician explained that his resignation stemmed from what he perceived as a fundamental deviation by the PDP from its core values and vision.

“I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for. It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”

Atiku concluded the letter by extending his gratitude to the party for the opportunities and support he received over the years, saying, “I wish the Party and its leadership all the best in the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and support.”

The letter was acknowledged and stamped “Received” by the PDP ward office on July 14, 2025, and signed by a representative identified as Hamman Jada Abubakar.

Initially scheduled to begin at 3:00 a.m., the restriction on vehicular and waterway movement was later revised to run from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., allowing essential commuters limited access while maintaining security during the polling period.

With police checkpoints in place and officers deployed at strategic locations, major roads across the state remained deserted, businesses shuttered, and traffic almost non-existent.

More than 20,000 law enforcement officers, including members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Cultism, and Counter-Terrorism Units, have been stationed at various polling units to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Authorities have also banned the use of armed escorts, sirens, and vehicles with concealed number plates near polling and collation centres, warning that violators risk immediate arrest.

In a statement released on Friday, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, urged residents to participate actively and peacefully in the elections. 

He emphasised the crucial role local governments play in delivering essential services and fostering grassroots development.

“This election offers Lagosians an opportunity to shape the leadership of their local councils by voting for chairmen and councillors who will represent their interests and drive development at the community level,” the governor said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored that voting is both a civic right and duty, describing the exercise as a “powerful expression of your voice and civic responsibility.”

He assured the public of a secure and credible election process, confirming that security agencies have been strategically deployed to safeguard voters, electoral officials, and materials.

He also affirmed that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is fully prepared to conduct the polls.

Calling on political actors, candidates, and party agents to uphold fairness and the rule of law, he emphasised the importance of peaceful conduct throughout the process.

Addressing young voters in particular, the governor encouraged them to act as ambassadors of peace, urging them to resist any form of violence or electoral malpractice.

“Lagos will continue to set the pace in democratic development,” Sanwo-Olu said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections.

He concluded with a call for unity and participation: “Let us show the world once again that Lagos stands for peace, progress, and participatory governance.” Sun 

Mr Obi, who recently declared his 2027 presidential ambition, spoke on Sunday night when he appeared as a guest on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has been rooting for a coalition of political parties and individuals to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 general elections.

On Wednesday, the National Opposition Coalition Group adoptedADC as its platform for the 2027 general election.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was part of the coalition and has since given reason for joining it.

The Julius Abure-led faction of the LP subsequently asked Mr Obi to resign from the LP within 48 hours having joined the coalition, although the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the party had backed the former governor.

Mr Obi, during the TV programme, stressed that he would work with the coalition group to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.

“Today, I am a Labour Party member. I remain in the Labour Party. But we have all agreed to work in a coalition for the 2027 election, and for that, we have adopted ADC. Going on, other parties, other individuals are going to still come in,” Mr Obi said during the TV programme.

“We want better governance for this country. We want to see a more competent government with capacity and character.”

Seun Okinbaloye, the programme anchor, asked the former governor if his joining the ADC coalition was not an anti-party given that he is still a member of the LP.

“No, there is no anti-party. Remember, we (the coalition group) said (the coalition) is for 2027. We are not in 2027. We are in 2025. It’s clear. We’ve adopted it for 2027,” he responded.

“So, if I say I am going to be part of your dinner in the evening, that doesn’t mean I should abandon my breakfast and lunch. So, I am not abandoning the Labour Party yet.” Premium Times