The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Politics

  •  ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga, Ex LP Guber Candidate Back to PDP

     ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga, Ex LP Guber Candidate Back to PDP

    …‘You’re Enugu people’s choice,’ Edeoga tells governor

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, back into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fold, commending the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics is not a do-or-die affair.

    Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance, urging him and his supporters to feel very much at home.

    This was even as the former gubernatorial candidate endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of the people of Enugu State, stressing that he had fully aligned with that choice.

    Receiving Edoega in his office, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, “Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family.

    “What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party – the imperatives of reconciliation.

    “It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, ‘Look, let us join hands together and serve our people.’

    “I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions.

    “So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people.”

    Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development.

    “I thank Your Excellency for overseeing the process that has culminated in my return to the PDP and my visit to your office. It is easy to downplay what has happened. But something like this has not happened in the annals of politics in Enugu State. I commend your wisdom, I commend your empathy, I commend your mental sagacity.

    “What has happened here today will effect a paradigm shift in the way politics is played in Enugu State. It will no longer be winner takes all or politics being seen as a hostile or brutal activity. It has restored politics as just a contest of ideas and visions. These contesting visions were thrown open to the public and the people of Enugu State have made their choice, which I completely align myself with.

    “Politics should be played without bitterness; it should be played without animosity and as much humanely as possible. Once the victor has emerged, the next thing is governance. The governance is ongoing and it is going very well. When it is time for politics, people are free to pursue their dreams. For now, it is time for governance.

    “Anyone, who feels annoyed or deeply angered that Edeoga has taken this step of faith, I believe with time, they will align with the superior wisdom of those who are their leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and one of these responsibilities is to take a step of faith.

    “Again, thank you for making my return to the PDP possible. I recommit myself to the ideals of PDP. As much as possible, I will work to ensure that PDP becomes victorious going forward,” he said.

  • Rivers: This challenge will make us stronger – Fubara

    Rivers: This challenge will make us stronger – Fubara

    Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured residents that the ongoing political turmoil in the state will ultimately make them stronger.

    Fubara stated that although he feels depressed with the turn of things in the state, he believes what happened might be for reasons beyond human reasoning.

    His remarks came during a heartfelt interaction with Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt, as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

    Addressing the delegation, Fubara encouraged the Muslim community and his supporters to remain resilient and trust in the divine plan.

    He emphasised that this challenging period, marked by political upheaval, should not lead to despair but rather serve as a test of strength and unity.

    He said: “”We as humans might feel a bit depressed because of the situation and what we are seeing. But we might not understand what is deeper that is beyond us that has happened. But we’ve decided to give glory to almighty God.

    “So in this season of sharing, love and sacrifice, I want you all to understand that I key into your period of festival and also believe strongly that we shall come out stronger.

    “You’ve said it already, our dream and vision for this state is that no man should be oppressed, it’s a very important virtue in the cause of the struggle.

    “Be patient, don’t allow anybody push you into provocation, because what they want is to destroy this state, and create problem to deny you that means of livelihood that you have here. We would continue to operate in a peaceful manner and respect every constituted authority.” AIT

  • [VIDEO] JUST-IN: Edeoga, Ex Enugu Labour Party Guber Candidate Returns to PDP

    [VIDEO] JUST-IN: Edeoga, Ex Enugu Labour Party Guber Candidate Returns to PDP

    Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    The 2023 Enugu State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party.

    In an event to welcome him which is currently ongoing at the state secretariat of the PDP, Edeoga who was a former two – time Commissioner in the state, led his supporters to rejoin the party.

    Recall that Edeoga had left the PDP for the Labour Party following his inability to grab the PDP gubernatorial ticket in 2022.

    During a visit to Edeoga by the Enugu State PDP executives led by Dr. Martin Chukwunweike on January 31, 2025, to woo him back to the PDP, the former House of Representatives member promised to consult widely before making his decision.

    …More details later

  • Rivers Sole Administrator suspends all political office holders

    Rivers Sole Administrator suspends all political office holders

    The Rivers State Government has announced the suspension of all the political office holders especially those appointed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Those suspended are Secretary to State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, Commissioners, chairmen and members of all boards, councils of agencies, commissions, institutions and parastatals, special advisers, special assistants and senior special assistants.

    The government said the development was in line with the powers conferred on the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The statement was titled: ‘The Rivers State Government announces the suspension of political office holders and appointees in Rivers State’.

    The statement that emanated from the official mailing box of the Rivers Government was signed by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator.
    The statement reads: “This suspension takes effect from Wednesday March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
    “Where there may be no permanent Secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director or head of administration.”  Nation 
  • If Atiku runs for President in 2027, Wike will thwart it again – Wike’s Aide

    If Atiku runs for President in 2027, Wike will thwart it again – Wike’s Aide

    Lere Olayinka, the media aide to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has declared that the latter will thwart Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 bid for the presidency.

    Olayinka made the remark while responding to Atiku’s recent comment on having no regrets that he did not pick Wike as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

    Atiku disclosed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) committee presented him with a choice of three candidates as running mate.

    Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa topped the list, Wike came in second, while ex-governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel was in third position.

    Atiku would eventually choose Okowa, who became his running mate.

    Reacting, Olayinka shared that Wike did not regret losing the slot to Okowa and added that the FCT minister would ensure that Atiku fails yet again in his quest for the presidency.

    In his X post, Olayinka penned, “Two years after making the @OfficialPDPNig lose a presidential election it could have won, @atiku is giving reasons he did not pick @GovWike as his running mate and that he has no regrets.

    “Someone should tell our serial presidential election contester that Wike also has no regret for ensuring that he failed in the election and will make sure that he fails again and again.” Sun

  • Sen Natasha refutes report of apology to Akpabio, Senate

    Sen Natasha refutes report of apology to Akpabio, Senate

    The suspended Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has said she will neither apologise to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, nor the Senate for speaking her truth.

    According to her, the six-month suspension is a clear case of political victimisation.

    In a statement on Monday entitled, “Re: purported apology to the Senate over my sexual allegations claim against Senate President Godswill Akpabio”, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the desperation to silence her was palpable, but that she will not be intimidated.

    The statement read: “I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stand firm in my resolve to never apologise for speaking my truth.

    “The desperation to silence me is palpable, but I will not be intimidated. The games being played in full view of the Nigerian people will be exposed, and the corrupt individuals who have hijacked our institutions will be held accountable.

    “As a senator, I have a duty to represent my constituents and uphold the principles of justice and transparency.

    “My allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were not made lightly, and I will continue to seek justice and accountability, no matter the cost.

    “My six-month suspension is a clear case of political victimisation, but I will not be deterred. I will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerian women and ensure that our voices are heard.

    “I urge the public to ignore the viral report claiming that I apologised to the Senate, as it is entirely false.

    “I will continue to stand by my truth and fight for what is right, even in the face of adversity.” Vanguard

  • SE PDP Congratulates Udeh-Okoye, Hails S/Court for affirming Party Supremacy

    The South East Zonal Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has congratulated Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye on the affirmation of his position as the National Secretary of the PDP by the Supreme Court.

    The South East PDP, in a statement co-issued by the Chairman of the Zonal Executive Committee, Chief Ali Odefa, and the Zonal Secretary, Hon. James Ugwu, on Friday, equally hailed the Supreme Court for saving, not just the party, but also the nation’s democracy from the hands of those bent on destroying it for their selfish political capital.

    Reacting to the apex court ruling, the statement said, “This is not just a victory for Rt. Hon. Udeh-Okoye as a person, but also for the party as a whole and for the nation’s democracy in general.

    “This judgment expressly ratifies the South Zonal Executive Committee’s nomination of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary to serve-out the remaining tenure of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had won the party’s nomination as its flag bearer in the Imo 2023 governorship election. It equally validates Udeh-Okoye’s ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC) on November 7, 2023 and his endorsement by various organs of the party.

    “Consequently, the South East heartily congratulates our party leaders, party faithful, and, of course, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye on this momentous victory.

    “We are happy that this judgment has finally reestablished party supremacy and the ramifications of this decision is a big win for not just the PDP, but for all the political parties in Nigeria. By this decision, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed that, as our people would say, the okara can never be taller than the person that planted it. The party is supreme.”

  • 2027: Atiku unveils coalition against Tinubu

    2027: Atiku unveils coalition against Tinubu

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday at a meeting of key opposition leaders said they have formed a coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members who have since defected.

    The event was convened to address President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State over the political crisis there.

    Among those present at the event were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who was represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal; former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; a former gubernatorial hopeful in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi; former Director General of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Lukman; Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, Chief Peter Ameh and Soni Monidafe, among others.

    When asked whether the emerging coalition would serve as the main opposition against the APC in the 2027 elections, Atiku said: “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.”

    Even though some stakeholders have reservations, Atiku’s statement signalled a significant political realignment, with opposition forces preparing to challenge the dominance of the APC.

    Observers are asking how leaders with differing ideologies, ambitions, and party affiliations can work together to fulfil their promise to Nigerians.

    ‘Approach different from how we defeated Jonathan’

    A prominent member of the 8th Senate, who was part of the coalition that ousted former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, said that the recent realignments in the political space might not work.

    The source, who does not want to be quoted, said: “The first problem is that they are talking about forming a coalition and not a merger to form a strong political party. This is not what happened ahead of 2015 general election and based on my understanding, this will not work.

    “Secondly, for you to remove a sitting president like Tinubu, you need to have a strong leadership, just like what happened in 2013 ahead of the merger when despite our differences we all agreed from the onset that Muhammadu Buhari will be the leader and our potential presidential candidate.

    “We all worked along that direction and in the movement, we have strong people including serving governors, technocrats and other people with serious influence in the society,” the source said.

    He said after projecting themselves as a single force with firm control over their political parties, they approached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of APC.

    “We achieved all these ahead of the 2015 election and during the primaries, Buhari emerged as the candidate of the APC and we collectively mobilised resources and confronted Jonathan and we defeated him with the massive support from Nigerians.

    “Unfortunately, the people that are working to have a coalition now are racing against time, they mostly have personal ambitions. They are also coming on the back of their various political parties. I wonder how this will work in their favour. It is very unlikely to defeat Tinubu with this arrangement.

    “Look at how he worked his way ahead of 2023 to get the APC ticket. Now that he has access to enormous resources and the instrument of authority, it will take more than a coalition to defeat him,” he said.

    How past coalitions fared

    Historically, Nigerian electoral victories have often resulted from marriages of convenience rather than ideological unity. Political alliances and coalitions are typically formed out of necessity, driven by the need to secure power. While some have succeeded, many have collapsed due to internal disagreements and power struggles.

    In the First Republic, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) was formed in 1964 as a coalition of opposition parties, including the Action Group (AG) and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), to challenge the ruling Northern People’s Congress (NPC). The alliance ultimately failed to achieve its goal.

    However, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) formed a strategic alliance in 1979, allowing the NPN to secure a parliamentary majority and form a government.

    In 2003, opposition parties such as the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) attempted alliances against the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but failed to consolidate power.

    The most successful coalition in Nigeria’s political history emerged in 2013, when the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the new PDP (nPDP) merged to form the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This coalition defeated the PDP in the 2015 presidential election, marking the first time an opposition party unseated an incumbent government.

    Since then, several efforts have been made to replicate that feat, but all have fallen short. Daily Trust

  • Fubara denies allegation of orchestrating pipeline vandalism in Rivers

    Fubara denies allegation of orchestrating pipeline vandalism in Rivers

    Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed as false, allegation by the federal government through the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, that he telegraphed attacks on oil pipelines in the state.

    In a statement by his equally suspended Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara, who took his time to respond to some of the allegations against him, said the federal government knew the criminals and should have gone after them.

    The statement read in part, “It is clearly untrue that somebody who has all the while preached peace and non-violence, even in the face of extreme provocations, would be ‘telegraphing attacks on oil pipelines’ and breaching the peace he has worked so hard to promote and sustain for the good of the people of the state.”

    Detailing his response, he said, “Our attention has been drawn to a number of allegations claiming that Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir SiminalayiFubara, did nothing to dissuade criminal groups and militants from making good their threats to attack oil installations in the state.

    “There was also another claim that after demolishing the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the governor did nothing to rebuild the facility.”

    According to him, “Ordinarily, we would have ignored the statements as mere results of lack of adequate information to the presidency by those tasked with the responsibility of providing same to guide decision-making, but it has become imperative to set the records straight and correct the erroneous impression such narratives are creating in the minds of the Nigerian people.

    “First, it is important to clarify that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and also did not in any way ‘telegraph’ the reported attacks on any oil facility in the state.

    “It is on record that the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, especially elders, chiefs, women, Ijaw National Congress, its youth wing, IYC, as well as militants, among others, was triggered by remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in a live media chat, during which he dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity, saying that Ijaws are not the only ones that are militants and can blow up pipelines; that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others are also militants and can as well blow up pipelines.

    “Most of the Ijaw groups and leaders even demanded an apology from the FCT minister, which he rebuffed.

    “Available public records show that Governor Fubara, on several occasions and at every forum, including all the project commissioning events as well as the handover of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, between March 3 and 13, 2025, made it clear that his administration was committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State.

    “He often recalled his pivotal role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Region, and repeatedly emphasised the need to protect oil pipelines and other facilities in the state, urging his supporters and the people of the state to avoid acts capable of destabilising the state or sabotaging the nation’s economy.

    “Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritised investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the state by building livable office and residential accommodation for officers and men and donating vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and other critical needs of the formations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their duties.

    “His commitment to total peace and good governance in the state has contributed significantly to increased oil production and revenues for the country since May 29, 2023, as the continuous rise in the accruable revenue from the state into the Federation Account has shown over the months.

    “On the claim that the governor acted with impunity to demolish the Hallowed Chambers of the state House of Assembly and did nothing to rebuild the chambers 14 months after, it is on record that Governor Fubara acted based on professional advice and guidance.”

    Fubara stated further, “Let it be clarified that the former governor and now FCT minister repeatedly criticised the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex, and during the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, challenged the lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the edifice, rejecting requests to rebuild it to ensure a conducive legislative environment for the lawmakers.

    “It must be noted that immediately after the incident of October 29, 2023, and experts’ reports, the government decided to heed the age-old demands of the lawmakers to rebuild the facility and promptly demolished the dilapidated structure to give way to a state-of-the-art Assembly Complex, which is now nearly 80 per cent completed.

    “It would be recalled that in the wake of the most peaceful and violence-free local government election in the state on the 5th October, 2024, the supporters of the FCT minister violently attacked and razed facilities in some local government council secretariats without any reprisals from Governor Fubara’s supporters.

    “It is also pertinent to draw the attention of security agencies to the fact that LGAs where those attacks were unleashed are the same places that have repeatedly witnessed violence perpetrated by detractors of the Governor Fubara-led administration.

    “This is why it is important for the security agencies to focus on the real purveyors of violence, critically evaluate these incidents, and diligently undertake investigations to unravel the elements behind the crimes and bring them to justice without let or hindrance.” Arise News

  • BREAKING: Like Reps, Senate Okays Emergency Rule In Rivers

    BREAKING: Like Reps, Senate Okays Emergency Rule In Rivers

    …Calls For Mediation

    Like the House of Representatives, the Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution.

    The approval grants President Tinubu the authority to enforce emergency measures while mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months.

    Per the Constitution, the National Assembly has also imposed a joint committee of both chambers, to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.

    Additionally, the Senate has resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis. Channels TV

  • BREAKING: Reps pass resolution approving President Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers [WATCH]

    BREAKING: Reps pass resolution approving President Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers [WATCH]

    The House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly in support of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months following the political crisis that had rocked the state.

    Two days after the move, Tinubu wrote to the National Assembly, seeking their approval for the emergency rule declaration.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbass read the president’s letter during a plenary session on Thursday.

    When put in a voice vote, the lawmakers overwhelmingly backed President Tinubu’s declaration, approving his decision.

    According to Abbass, 240 lawmakers attended the session, meaning there was a quorum. Channels TV

  • DEVELOPING STORY: Rivers Lawmakers serve letter of misconduct on Gov Fubara, Deputy Gov

    DEVELOPING STORY: Rivers Lawmakers serve letter of misconduct on Gov Fubara, Deputy Gov

    As the political tension in Rivers state continues to heighten, the Rivers House of Assembly has served a notice of alleged misconducts on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu.

    The lawmakers claimed the action was in line with the Nigerian Constitution.

    The notice reads: “In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office”.

    It is believed that this is a signal to the grand scheme to impeach the governor following his fall out with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    …More details later