Politics
2023 Election: Dr Wining picks Presidential form, vows to rescue Nigeria
A budding politician and cleric, Dr. Solomon Uchenna Wining, Monday, picked the presidential expression of interest/nomination forms from the National Headquarters of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), with a promise to rescue Nigeria from the shackles of man-made-hardship if elected the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the forthcoming election.
Dr Wining, who was led to the NRM National Secretariat Abuja by a large number of his supporters said he was moved to join National Rescue Movement(NRM) because the manifesto of the party was in line with his personal vision and ideology, adding that he was deeply committed to providing answers to most of the Nation’s socio-economic and political problems.
The Presidential hopeful advised members of the party and youths across Nigeria to identify with the NRM and his aspiration, ‘as one of their own’ in order to ‘take what belongs to them.’
He disclosed that he had taken time to study the issues confronting Nigeria as a Country, and that as a youth in the current presidential race, he would use his energy, knowledge and vast worldview to provide solutions to the Nation’s vexed issues, including insecurity, youth restiveness, unemployment, industrial unrest, corruption, educational decedents and separatist agitations across the county.
“Nigeria at this point in time needs someone who understands the challenges of the country and the solution to them. I have offered myself to rescue the nation from the problems of insecurity, high level of poverty, economic degradation, inefficient power sector, weak currency, amongst others”. Dr. Solomon Uchenna Wining stated.
He advised the electorate to identify with National Rescue Movement (NRM) and urged the youth, women, artisans, academicians, labour unions, and indeed all Nigerians to come out en-mass during the next election and bring in those that will be responsible for empowering the ‘youths dor the relity of today’s world.
Dr. Solomon Uchenna Wining said that the time to rescue Nigeria Is now and that he had what it takes, adding that the National Rescue Movement, NRM was the right platform for achieving the dream of a new Nigeria.
Earlier while welcoming Dr Wining to the party, the NRM National Chairman, Hon. (Ambassador) Benson Chigozie Umeh on behalf of the entire members of the party thanked Dr Wining for identifying with the party and, described his mission as timely and a script written by God even as he charged the youths to see the National Rescue Movement, NRM as the alternative to addressing the challenge(s) facing the nation.
The National Chairman of the NRM, who described the party as the ‘third force’ however, called on all yearning for a positive change and the rescue of the Nation from years of misgovernance to canvass support for the NRM to enable them to win the forthcoming election and brighten the future of Nigerians.
The highlight of the event was issuance of expression of interest/Nomination Forms to the Presidential Aspirant, Dr. Solomon Uchenna Wining, Gubernatorial Aspirant from Kaduna State, Hon. Samson Bature, Senatorial/ House of Representatives aspirants from Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, and, Lagos States.
In Hausa-language video interview shared on 𝕏, Atiku said after securing the presidential ticket in 2007, Tinubu sent five elders, including Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande, and three others, to meet with him, requesting to be his running mate.
Atiku said he opposed Tinubu’s proposal because a Muslim-Muslim ticket would not be in the best interest of the country.
He said, “He said he would back me to secure the ticket. After I got the ticket, he sent five elders among them Tom Ikimi, Bisi Akande and three others. They told me that Tinubu wanted to be my running mate. I told them that, as Christians they should understand that it was inappropriate for me to pick a Muslim as my running mate.
“I asked them why they could not tell him that. I told them that I could not accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, because it would not be of the best interest of our country. He broke away and backed the late President Umaru Musa Ya’adua, may his soul rest in peace.”
Speaking further, Atiku said they parted ways and did not find themselves in the same political camp until 2014 during Buhari’s campaign.
Atiku said late Buhari solicited for his support during a meeting at his (former Vice President’s) residence, and he gave a condition that Tinubu must not be his running mate.
According to Atiku, Buhari agreed to the condition but Tinubu got upset over the late former President’s failure to keep to his promise.
Atiku also said that Buhari declined to work with a female running mate when Tinubu suggested his wife, Oluremi, who is a Christian.
He added, “I returned to Abuja after the convention and Late President Muhammadu Buhari visited me at my residence. He told me that he had contested the primary election and won, but needed support to win the secondary election, saying he could not win without my support.
“I gave him one condition because I learnt that Tinubu wanted Buhari to pick him as his running mate. I assured him I will support on the condition that he will not do Muslim-Muslim ticket. After about five minutes of thought, he assured me would not.Executive Branch
“Tinubu was so upset, saying that Buhari had not kept his promise, and so on. He was eventually calmed down. He later asked Buhari to pick his wife since she is a Christian, but Buhari declined to work with a female running mate.
“Clerics were involved in the ensuing disagreement, but in the end, Tinubu was convinced to nominate Osibanjo who was his Attorney-General and a Christian and Buhari accepted the nomination.”
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Chief Kevin Chukwu, has declared that he is contesting the election to win and provide what he described as purposeful and people-oriented representation.
Chukwu made the declaration while reacting to social media reports alleging that he was being sponsored by political opponents or merely contesting to secure recognition as a candidate.
The NDC candidate dismissed the claims as attempts to distract the electorate, insisting that he enjoys strong grassroots support across the constituency and is fully focused on building a formidable campaign ahead of the election.
He said he would soon unveil his manifesto and campaign strategies, which, according to him, would focus on the needs and aspirations of the people of Ezza South and Ikwo.
“Those saying I am not serious or that I am not contesting to win are jokers sponsored by my opponents to distract the electorate. I am prepared to launch my grassroots campaign, where I will unveil a people-centred manifesto that will speak directly to the needs of the people of Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency,” he said.
Chukwu also criticised the current representation of the constituency, arguing that the incumbent, who he said had served two terms, should give way to another person in 2027.
“We all know the current person occupying the position. He has been there for two tenures, and it is time for him to come back home for another person to go, because we don’t do third term in our constituency,” he said.
He further alleged that the incumbent’s programmes and projects had not been sufficiently inclusive, claiming that the benefits had largely been limited to a section of the constituency.
According to Chukwu, “the people are already tired of his representation and are ready to bring him home in 2027.”
The NDC candidate urged his supporters and other constituents not to be discouraged by what he described as “fake speculations,” assuring them that his campaign would soon commence at the grassroots.
“I wish to call on all our supporters and people of our constituency not to be discouraged by their fake speculations or be intimidated by the APC thugs. By the grace of God, our grassroots campaign will showcase the plans of NDC, and I am certain that all NDC candidates will emerge victorious, right from the presidential candidate down to the State House of Assembly,” he said.
Chukwu also disclosed that he would soon unveil his campaign team as part of preparations for the 2027 election.
He promised that, if elected, his legislative agenda would prioritise human empowerment, infrastructural development and the promotion of laws and policies designed to improve the welfare of residents of Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency.
He added that his legislative representation would also seek to contribute to the broader development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
Kwankwaso said this when he featured on the News Agency of Nigeria Personality Interview Series in Abuja on Sunday.
He explained that his experience from the 2023 election had helped him understand Obi better and that he was convinced that both of them could work together in the interest of the country.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the decision was also influenced by the need to allow the South to retain the presidency for another term after the completion of the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“People learn every day and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi.
“But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with,” he said.
He said the decision was reached after consultations with members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Obidient Movement.
He said the groups believed that the country needed a balanced ticket capable of attracting support from both the North and the South.
Kwankwaso said the security challenges confronting the country, alongside declining agricultural productivity and deteriorating infrastructure, had further strengthened his resolve to support a political arrangement capable of bringing democratic change.
He said economic hardship had particularly affected farmers, especially in Northern Nigeria, where agricultural production had become increasingly difficult and unprofitable.
The former Defence Minister said the dilapidation of infrastructure across the country, except in some areas such as Lagos, was another reason for accepting to pair with Obi.
He said the current situation required the kind of democratic change that Nigerians sought in 2015, adding that the need for such change was now greater.
Kwankwaso said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would provide a combination of regional balance, competence and credibility.
“Nobody, no ticket can beat our own in terms of credibility, in terms of capacity and of course, in terms of love for the country; even in terms of empathy for the poor that are suffering across the country today,” he said.
He explained that agreeing to serve as vice-president was not a setback for him, despite his extensive political experience, including serving as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, governor, minister and senator.
“I have never been the vice-president. I think it is a step forward despite all the things you counted,” he said.
Kwankwaso said his decision was based on broader national interest rather than personal ambition, stressing that public office should primarily be viewed as an opportunity to serve.
“To me, being in government is to serve. I don’t have to be president. I don’t have to even be vice-president. These are things that are in the hands of Almighty Allah.
He said the agreement with Obi was for the South to produce the president for one term, after which the political arrangement would return to the North.
Kwankwaso cited historical examples of political leaders who had accepted positions below what they could have attained, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, who chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria rather than becoming Prime Minister.
He also said Nigerians should understand that service could be rendered at different levels, including as councillor, local government chairman, legislator, governor, minister, vice-president or president.
According to him, political leaders should be prepared to serve wherever they are needed, rather than considering certain offices beneath them.
He dismissed claims by political opponents that his political engagements with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or other parties were contingent on securing either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
Kwankwaso said discussions he held with President Bola Tinubu after the 2023 election were about working together and not about abandoning the NNPP or securing a particular position.
He said he had previously played a major role in the APC’s electoral victory, particularly through the votes recorded in Kano in 2015, but became disappointed with the party’s leadership after the election.
The former governor said his confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance was strengthened by what he described as Obi’s commitment to fairness, justice and national unity.
He said the arrangement would also ensure that the North would not be disadvantaged, stressing that the one-term understanding was important in securing the confidence of his supporters.
Kwankwaso said he was confident that Obi would respect the agreement and work with him as a partner rather than treat the vice-president as a “spare tyre.”
He said his experience as deputy speaker, minister and governor had taught him the importance of allowing deputies to function effectively.
According to him, a president or governor who gives his deputy meaningful responsibilities ultimately strengthens the government because the success of the deputy also benefits the principal.
He said he was therefore comfortable with the proposed arrangement and had confidence that Obi would allow him to contribute meaningfully to governance.
Kwankwaso said the alliance would prioritise competence in the appointment of ministers and other officials, with power shared according to the needs of the country rather than for political patronage.
“Power will be shared according to the needs of the country. We should not be in a hurry to go and take anybody on the streets or anybody we remember.
“We will make sure that we have competent people because from our experience, the president and vice-president cannot do it alone,” he said.
The former governor said an NDC administration would need technocrats, professionals and experienced politicians capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges. (NAN)
Politics
2027 Enugu Guber: NDC’s Odalije Chinyeaka Ohaa Reiterates Power of Electorates to Hire and Fire Leaders
ENUGU, friday, August 14, 2026, the National Democratic Party, NDC, hosted thousands of their members in the monthly Enugu East Senatorial zonal meeting of party held at 37 Park Avenue GRA, Enugu.
Present at the meeting, beside NDC Party faithfuls, were Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, the 2027 NDC governorship candidate for Enugu state, and Princess Ada Ogbu, the NDC Enugu East Senatorial candidate. Other candidates were House of Reps candidates, Hon. Maduka Arum (Enugu South/Enugu North federal constituency), Hon. Ike Chinaemerem El-Shaddia (Nkanu West/Nkanu East federal constituency), Hon. Nnaemeka Obuna (Enugu East/Isiuzo federal constituency).
In attendance also were the State House of Assembly candidates who included Rev. Emmanuel Nnamani (Nkanu West), Hon. Patrick Chukwuma (Nkanu East), Mrs Ngozi Agbo (Enugu South Urban), Pastor Nnaemeka Johnson Okwor (Enugu South Rural), Barr. Odinaka Ugwu ( Enugu East Rural), Hon. Chijioke Ugwu (Enugu East Urban), Hon. Henry N. Nnamani (Enugu North), Hon. Chinemere Ikeoha (Isiuzo).
The party chairmen and the exco of each of the six local government areas (Enugu North, Enugu East, Enugu South, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Isiuzo) that make up Enugu East Senatorial Zone were all in attendance and duely recognized. Similarly the NDC Ward Excos of the 77 political wards in the senatorial zone were on hand and equally recognized.
Speaking to party faithful, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, went down the memory lane of his career in the public service that spanned from Enugu state Treasury, culminating in his appointment as Accountant General of the state, to the federal civil service where he retired as a super Permanent Secretary. He strongly dispelled the rumor hitherto making the rounds that he was a place-holder for any politician while stating that he won the NDC gubernatorial primary fair and square and that his name has been uploaded to INEC portal as the NDC 2027 governorship candidate for Enugu state.
He expressed appreciation to them for standing with him in the gubernatorial primaries that saw to his emergence as the party’s governorship flagbearer. He called on the people to remain steadfast and unwavering on their commitment to the principles of NDC on good governance and the NDC preparedness to win the 2027 Enugu governorship election, stressing that his campaign manifesto would be unveiled the moment it is time for the governorship campaigns.
Sir Chinyeaka went biblical on what he called the challenges currently facing Ndi Enugu as he cited the famous biblical quotation, Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
He criticised some of the policies of the present government, particularly its tax regime, which he described as burdensome and called for greater consideration of the welfare and economic wellbeing of the people.
“He went further to reiterate that the power lies on the electorates to hire and fire their leaders at each election cycle.
Other key leaders of NDC were in attendance included Barr. Emeka Okeke, former Enugu state commissioner for Labor/Chieftaincy Matters, Barr. Chika Smart Ogbe, former Enugu state Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Barr. PC Eneje, former Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Wilson Okenwa, retd Permanent Secretary, Chief Chukwujekwu Nebo, State Secretary of NDC and a host of others.
By Emmanuel Igwe
ABAKALIKI, Ebonyi State — The people of Ori Agba zone in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have declared their unalloyed support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, Chief Hon. Egah Paul Chidiebere, popularly known as Double Chief, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made yesterday when political stakeholders and residents from Ntezi, Okpoto and Agba communities gathered at the country home of Hon. Agu Chigozie Agu, the PDP contestant for Ishielu South State Constituency and Chairman of the PDP in Ishielu Local Government Area.
The gathering provided an opportunity for stakeholders from the Ori Agba zone to express their concerns over what they described as years of inadequate representation and marginalisation of Ishielu Local Government Area in the distribution of constituency projects and other dividends of democracy.
Addressing the gathering, members of the group argued that the federal constituency, which comprises Ezza North and Ishielu Local Government Areas, should benefit from equitable political representation and development.
They particularly expressed concern that Ezza North has occupied the federal constituency seat for about 12 years and indicated their desire for Ishielu Local Government Area to have an opportunity to produce the representative.
According to the stakeholders, the issue was not about antagonising Ezza North but about ensuring fairness and rotation between the two local government areas that make up the constituency.
The group therefore rallied behind Chief Egah Paul Chidiebere, describing him as a candidate capable of providing effective representation and attracting meaningful development to the constituency.
The political gathering also witnessed a wider endorsement of the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.
The Ori Agba stakeholders said their decision to support Odii was aimed at pursuing what they described as a strategic political objective—ensuring that the people of the area secured effective representation at both the federal and state levels.
They maintained that the emergence of Odii as governor in 2027 would provide an opportunity for a new approach to governance and development in Ebonyi State.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that an Odii-led administration would promote equitable development across the state and ensure that rural communities and constituencies receive greater attention in the implementation of government programmes.
They subsequently urged voters across Ntezi, Okpoto and Agba communities to remain united and mobilise massively for the PDP candidates in the 2027 elections.
The endorsement is expected to add another dimension to the emerging political contest in the Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, particularly as stakeholders continue to debate the principle of rotation and equitable representation between the two local government areas.
For the Ori Agba stakeholders, however, the message from the gathering was clear: they want greater political representation for Ishielu and are prepared to support candidates they believe can deliver that objective.
The group also called on PDP supporters in Ishielu and across Ebonyi State to remain committed to the party and work collectively towards its success in the 2027 general elections.
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