Politics
Resignation: APC bigwigs at ‘war’ over 8 vacant Ministerial Positions
Intense lobbying has commenced in states and Abuja as top shots of the All Progressives Congress (APC) jostle to replace eight ministers who left the federal cabinet last week to pursue their 2023 ambitions.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, asked members of his cabinet who have picked forms of the party for various elective positions to resign.
Sequel to the directive, a valedictory session was organised on Friday for the ministers including, Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Godswill Akpabio (Niger Delta Affairs), Ogbonnaya Onu( Science, Technology and Innovation), Timipre Sylva (Petroleum Resources, State), Emeka Nwajiuba (Education, State), Uche Ogah (Mines and Steel Development), Pauline Tallen (Women Affairs) and Chief Tayo Alasoadura (Niger Delta Affairs, State).
Reports from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Plateau and Ondo states, revealed that high power networking has since commenced by those jostling to replace the former federal cabinet members.
It was gathered that many chieftains of the ruling party in the affected states have been waiting for the exit of the ministers since the introduction of section 84(12) in the Electoral Act, which barred ministers from participating in the party’s convention, congress, and primaries while still serving in office.
In some states, the development rekindled the hopes of aggrieved members of the party to benefit from the government. The president had only sacked two ministers Sabo Nanono (Agriculture) and Saleh Mamman (Power).
The swift moves by the chieftains were a result of the pledge of the president that he will not waste time in replacing the former cabinet members.
In Imo, Nwajiuba’s resignation ignites old rivalry
In Imo State, the resignation of Minister of State, Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, has ignited the old rivalry between the two powerful factions of the party in the state. Nwajiuba was the first presidential aspirant to purchase the party’s nomination and expression of forms.
The fight for Nwajiuba’s successor is being fought from three angles. The camp of the state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, that of Senator Rochas Okorocha and the minister’s camp. The feud between Okorocha and Uzodinma had polarised the party in the state.
Okorocha is said to be using his new rapprochement with the president to recommend one of his aides to replace Nwajiuba.
It was gathered that Nwajiuba is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that he produces his successor.
The former minister is said to be extending his lenses to Senator Frank Ibezim, who was his assistant before he won the rerun for the Imo North senatorial zone in 2021.
President Buhari had singled-handedly chosen Nwajiuba as a minister because of his long-standing relationship with him.
Some top politicians of APC extraction in the state loyal to Uzodinma have begun eyeing the post, expecting to get the governor’s endorsement.
It’s hoped that Uzodinma, as leader of the party in the state, may recommend a replacement to President Buhari, to make up for his sidelining during Nwajiuba’s appointment.
However, Special Assistant to Uzodinma on Local Media, Modestus Nwamkpa, said that it’s entirely the president’s prerogative to fill the vacant position.
He said, “Though Governor Uzodinma may have input, just like other interested parties, the bulk stops ultimately on the table of the president.
“Don’t forget the president appointed Nwajiuba in the first place and so he also has the prerogative, maybe in consultation with the party hierarchy, to fill the vacant position.”
He said that the party has absolute confidence in the president to make the right choice.
Tallen: Pendulum swings among 3 persons
Following the resignation of Pauline Tallen, who hails from Plateau State, as Minister of Women Affairs, the names of three persons have been mentioned as a possible replacement.
They are; Architect Pam Dung, a former Coordinating Chairman of the National Prototype Housing Scheme at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, former state Minister of Information and Communication, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande and Bashir Musan Sati, the former state Secretary of the APC.
However, political observers say the possibility of any of the said politicians being appointed as the minister is dependent on the approval of Governor Simon Lalong, who may possibly get the nod of the president.
Men likely to replace Alasoadura
Sources within APC in Ondo State told Daily Trust that Mr Olusola Iji may be considered as a replacement for the ministerial seat. Iji was said to be one of those penciled down at the time Alasoadura was picked for the position.
Iji is currently heading the campaign for Governor Akeredolu’s wife, Betty who is going for Senate in her Imo State.
Others who may also be considered include Bunmi Ademosu, Ademola Adegoroye and Boye Oyewumi.
Bunmi Ademosu and Ademola Adegoroye are from Ondo Central where Alasoadura hails from.
No clear position on who replaces Amaechi
There is no clear position on who will replace the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, our reporter learned from Port Harcourt.
Some of the chieftains of APC in Rivers State who spoke with our reporter under the condition of anonymity said that the picture is not very clear over who will replace him.
A chieftain of APC in the state said that everything about the resignation of the minister remains very ambiguous to them.
Addressing Kaduna State APC delegates on Sunday, Amaechi said he was yet to resign saying however that he would resign on Monday (today).
The state Publicity Secretary of APC, Senibo Chris Finebone said that he is not aware if people are lobbying for Amaechi’s replacement.
Sylva yet to resign as petroleum minister – Aide
However, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva is yet to resign his position.
His Media Assistant, Julius Bokoru, told Daily Trust that his boss has not resigned from his position.
Sylva was among the serving ministers that purchased N100 million APC presidential form to succeed President Buhari during the 2023 election.
Though it was not clear if the Sylva, a former Governor of Bayelsa State has withdrawn from the presidential race just like the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige did.
When it was probed further about Sylva’s presidential ambition, Bokoru simply said ‘Well, I cannot speak further on that for now.’
Also, the Bayelsa State Chairman of APC, Barr Dennis Otiotio, told Daily Trust that he was not aware if Sylva has resigned from his position.
Already, some party chieftains loyal to the former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, are plotting for his return to Federal Executive Council (FEC) if Sylva resigned.
Lokpobiri, who is the leader of one of the APC factions in Bayelsa State operating from a different office in Yenagoa, with its leadership different from the one loyal to Sylva, is said to have been projected to take the slot of Bayelsa State if Sylva resigns because of his ability to use the position to empower the party faithful in the state and unite the party ahead of the general election.
A chieftain of the party who spoke with Daily Trust on condition of anonymity said with Lokpobiri at the Federal Executive Council, Bayelsa APC will be more united compared to what is going on at the moment where factions have threatened the popularity of the party in the state.
Buhari will decide on ministers who made u-turn – Shehu
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, has said only President Muhammadu Buhari will take a decision on the fate of ministers who attended the send forth ceremony but later withdrew participation in the coming primaries of the ruling party.
He said this in response to an enquiry from Daily Trust yesterday.
A text message sent to him read: “On Friday, the President bade farewell to ministers who had shown interest to run for elective positions in 2023. But a few hours later, some of the ministers who attended the ceremony made a U-turn and withdrew their participation in the party primaries.
“Some lawyers had said that it was illegal for them to return without being re-nominated by the president. Will the president re-nominate them for Senate screening and approval?”
In a terse response, the presidential spokesman said: “That is for the president to decide.”
Daily Trust
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
STATEMENT BY CHIEF EMMANUEL CHIDI IGWE,
SPOKESPERSON TO CHIEF DR. IFEANYI CHUKWUMA ODII
The 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State is not a family affair, nor is it a matter to be decided by one individual or political godfather. It is a democratic contest, and Ebonyians will ultimately decide who becomes their governor through the ballot box.
No aspirant should be expected to step down simply because another politician believes he should. Every qualified candidate has the right to contest, present his programme and seek the mandate of the people.
Let me make this clear: since Senator Dave Umahi did not bring Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii into the governorship race, he cannot now claim the authority to ask him to step down. Chief Odii has his own political identity, supporters, convictions and legitimate right to seek the mandate of Ebonyians.
The decision to contest or withdraw belongs to the candidate, while the ultimate decision on who governs Ebonyi State belongs to the people.
The 2027 election should therefore be about issues, programmes, records, accountability and the future of Ebonyi—not political arrangements made by individuals behind closed doors.
Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is prepared to place his vision and programme before Ebonyians and subject them to public scrutiny. Those seeking to retain power should equally be prepared to defend their records before the electorate.
Ebonyi 2027 is not a family arrangement. It is a contest for the confidence of the people. The people of Ebonyi State—not individuals—will have the final say.
Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe
Spokesperson to Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
Politics
BREAKING: SaharaReporters Report on Arrest of Enugu Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker Is False and Misleading
The recent publication by SaharaReporters alleging that prominent Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi (USA Igwesi), and eight others were arrested over an alleged attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, is false and deeply misleading.
The report is being described as a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of respected leaders in Enugu State and create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Contrary to the claims contained in the publication, there was no arrest ordered by the Inspector-General of Police against Igwe Obiora Igwesi, Hon. USA Igwesi, or the other individuals named in connection with any alleged attack on an NDC meeting. There was also no operation by detectives from Zone 13 Command, Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, as alleged in the report.
Similarly, the purported petition dated September 15, 2026, and the allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault, threatening violence and stealing are strongly disputed and described as fabricated claims intended to create a damaging narrative around the individuals concerned.
The broader allegation that the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State have experienced coordinated armed attacks allegedly sponsored by Local Government Chairmen to silence the opposition is equally rejected as unfounded.
Attempts to associate Igwe Obiora Igwesi and Hon. USA Igwesi with criminal activity or political violence are viewed as an unacceptable effort to tarnish the image of individuals who have served their communities and contributed to the development of Enugu State.
The public, particularly the people of Enugu State, is therefore urged to exercise caution and verify the facts independently before accepting or circulating the allegations contained in the SaharaReporters publication.
Enugu State remains focused on peace, stability and development. Political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into the circulation of unverified allegations capable of inflaming tensions or damaging the reputations of individuals.
The position being maintained by the affected parties is clear: there was no arrest of the named individuals in connection with the alleged incident, no evidence has been presented establishing that any Local Government Chairman sponsored an attack, and the allegations contained in the publication are disputed in their entirety.
The public is encouraged to await verifiable facts from the appropriate authorities rather than rely on claims that have not been independently substantiated.
Fresh legal questions emerge over Chijioke Ugwu’s membership registration after Supreme Court restores party-register provisions
By Our Correspondent
Fresh legal questions have emerged over the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 governorship ticket in Enugu State following the Supreme Court’s restoration of key provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with political party membership registers and the conduct of primaries.
The questions centre on Chief Chijioke Peter Ugwu, who was recently announced by the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, as his running mate.
Nnaji announced Ugwu’s selection on September 24, shortly after the Supreme Court delivered its landmark judgment restoring Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. Ugwu’s selection was subsequently reported by several Nigerian media outlets.
But documents and information available to this newspaper raise a question that could potentially become significant if the PDP ticket is challenged in court.
The PDP governorship primary in Enugu State was conducted on May 25, 2026.
However, Ugwu is understood to have registered as a PDP member on May 31, 2026 — six days after the governorship primary.
This means that if the May 31 registration date is accurately reflected in the party’s official records, his name could not have appeared in the PDP membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the May 25 governorship primary.
That immediately raises the question:
Can a person who was not a member of the party on the date of its governorship primary subsequently be selected as the deputy governorship candidate without the Supreme Court’s restored membership-register provisions affecting the ticket?
What the Supreme Court restored
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on September 24, set aside the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision which had declared the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional.
The apex court upheld the validity of Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2), following an appeal by INEC against the Court of Appeal judgment in the case involving the Zenith Labour Party.
Section 77(5) provides that only persons whose names are contained in a political party’s membership register submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary, congress or convention may participate in the exercise.
Section 77(6) requires political parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, congresses and conventions.
Section 77(7) deals with the consequence of failure by a party to submit its membership register within the prescribed period.
These provisions are now back in force following the Supreme Court judgment. Legal opinions suggest that the law’s insistence on the membership register submitted to INEC is relevant to the validity of the party’s eventual nomination process, depending on how the PDP formally nominated and submitted its governorship and deputy governorship candidates.
The precise documents will therefore be crucial.
Among the questions likely to arise are:
What date did the PDP submit its membership register to INEC?
Was Ugwu’s name contained in that register?
When exactly did Ugwu become a registered PDP member?
Was he a PDP member before the register was submitted to INEC?
How did the PDP formally nominate him as running mate?
Was the nomination made through a procedure recognised by the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution?
The controversy is coming at a sensitive time for the PDP, which has only recently unveiled Ugwu as Nnaji’s running mate. Ugwu, from Nguru in Nsukka Local Government Area, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who runs businesses in logistics, contracting, consultancy and hospitality.
However, the governorship candidate and the deputy governorship candidate constitute a single electoral ticket. Therefore, any legal or constitutional issue affecting the eligibility of the deputy governorship candidate automatically has implications for the validity of the joint ticket, including the governorship candidate.
Another legal opinion available to this newspaper insists that “the gubernatorial ticket is a joint one. If the name of a deputy governor is not on the digital register, it invalidates the entire process.”
In the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election, APC’s David Lyon was declared winner. His running mate was Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.
The Supreme Court later disqualified Degi-Eremienyo over the documents he submitted to INEC. The crucial point was that the Supreme Court held that his disqualification affected the joint ticket he shared with David Lyon. Consequently, the court ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Lyon and his deputy.
This happened one day before Lyon was due to be sworn in as governor. The certificate was subsequently issued to Douye Diri of the PDP, who had the next-highest lawful votes and the required geographical spread.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will commence nationwide on October 9.
The development has prompted calls for eligible voters to visit the INEC office in their respective Local Government Areas to collect their PVCs and ensure they are prepared to participate in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, supporters of Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, Omeiheukwu Akpugoeze, have urged constituents in the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency to support his bid for a second term in the Federal House of Representatives.
The supporters made the appeal while encouraging eligible residents to collect their PVCs and exercise their franchise in the forthcoming election.
Voters are advised to follow official INEC guidelines and verify the applicable collection procedures and dates before visiting their designated collection centres.
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