Politics
2023: Why I want to represent Enugu West in the Senate – Osita Ngwu
Having won the PDP Enugu West Senatorial Primaries, how do you feel?
Thank you for congratulating me. I am happy but I know it is a call to serve. Apparently, not a call for jamboree because even getting the PDP nomination in Enugu West was not easy. We were 13 in number that contested. I think the most viable contested zone in the whole of Nigeria as far as my party is concerned. So, I am grateful for the trust and confidence that my party men and women reposed in me to lead them to victory in the general election for the Enugu West Senatorial election in 2023.
Could you tell us why you chose to run for the Enugu West Senate and what your chances are?
The last time, if you have followed my political journey, I ran for House of Representatives in 2018 against the 2019 election. I had to concede for the incumbent to be able to get a second tenure in the National Assembly on compassionate grounds. My drive has always been to represent my people and provide quality and effective service to the People of my constituency. I have served in my private capacity, and will do more as a public office holder. I want to use the leverage and instruments of public sector to drive and bring development to my people.
I will represent Enugu West effectively in the affairs of the federal republic of Nigeria. As for your question on my chances at the polls, I think it is very bright. By the grace of God, and the support of the good people of Enugu West Senatorial Zone, we will win the election convincingly.
With the political rumbling of other growing political parties, what are the chances of PDP winning Enugu?
I don’t think we have any genuine threat. PDP has been in Enugu and has performed as a government in Enugu. The best thing PDP did in the last primary election was to produce credible and competent candidates. If you check from the House of Assembly to National Assembly and then to our governorship candidate, the party produced credible candidates. The political awareness is very high in Nigeria. People are looking for competent and credible candidates now. This is an era of where people are clamoring to vote candidates of their choice and not just political parties. So, we have two things going for us. PDP is the only party on ground in Enugu and have sustained its structure. It is the only party that is widely spread in Enugu that you can find in all the nooks and crannies of the rural communities; it is one advantage for us. The second advantage is the quality of candidates that the party produced. We have candidates that can win elections even if they are running from other parties. We have the best chances of winning this election. I don’t think there is any genuine threat but it won’t stop us from working hard. We must continue to talk with our people to reassure those that are already with us, and convince those that are not yet decided.
Don’t you feel concerned that Enugu has been one political party since 1999?
No, I am not concerned. The political party is one thing but it is the people that vote to produce the leaders. It also means PDP has been producing credible candidates. There are other parties in Enugu, APC, AGPA, Labour, etc. They produce candidates and people go to the polls and still vote for PDP. If by any chance they produce better candidates, they can also have a chance. No, I am not worried, provided we have effective and responsible leadership. I will only become worried when my party, PDP starts losing elections to other political parties. It is a good thing that PDP in Enugu State has remained focused in good leadership to the good people of Enugu State.
Other parties are also encouraged to start producing good candidates, so the elections can become more competitive.
With the force and rise of the Labour Party, do you think that it will not trounce the PDP in the forthcoming election?
No, I think the issue of Labour Party is totally misplaced. Labour party is only benefiting from Peter Obi’s popularity and acceptance across party lines as a credible choice for presidency. Labour party will likely disrupt voting demographics for the presidential election, but I don’t think they will make any significant impact in other federal and state elective positions.
What would you say distinguishes your team from the other candidates for this race?
My pedigree and my performance in positions I occupied in the private sector. I have distinguished myself in the private sector of the Nigerian economy.
And I also have a proven record of ability to inspire, mobilise and organise credible men and women of substance in cooperative efforts to achieving extraordinary ends for the greater good of humanity. My uncommon ability to listen and make myself accessible to all, has been acknowledged by the good people of Enugu West.
In addition, some of the people that you see struggling to get tickets under other political parties ran for primaries in PDP. They lost in the primaries and started running from pillar to post, which is their right anyway. The credible candidates that contested with me at the primaries all accepted the outcome and are supporting me. I give them special thanks.
There were speculations following a video trending online that you mocked Ike Ekweremadu who is facing charges of alleged organ harvesting. How true is that?
It is laughable to say that I am mocking Ike Ekweremadu; I can’t do that. It is not in my nature. In a campaign of this nature, you will always have overzealous supporters who may be overtaken by heightened emotional frenzy that is usually associated with internal party primaries, and may do or say hurtful things.
However, I wish to clarify that this particular video was captured in the heat of things, when we just finished the primaries; I think two days or so after the primaries, and one cannot personally control the emotions of everyone. If you watch that video, you notice that I didn’t react. I was just standing.
The first time I saw the video online was on June 6; so it’s not a recent video.
The video was made many weeks before the unfortunate ordeal of our Senator occurred.
People are bound to make mistakes, retract and apologise. The people in the video couldn’t have predicted that Senator Ekweremadu’s present predicament will ever happen. It is very unfortunate and shameful that someone wants to play a political card with it now.
Senator Ekweremadu, who has been serving as our senator since 2003, has performed well. I was interviewed two or three times in the past two weeks and I said it clearly. I am going to continue from where he stopped, and consolidate the gains he has made so far.
I spoke with Senator Ike Ekweremadu several times after the primaries.
He congratulated me and we scheduled to meet immediately after his return from his trip because I need his guide, support and assistance. It is that trip that he is yet to return from, very disheartening. And while we are all praying for him, I am directly in touch with his family even up to last week. His current ordeal can happen to anybody. We will continue to pray for him and will receive him here sooner than we think because he will be exonerated
Ike Ekweremadu was a high-ranking senator who spent so many years in the Senate. Do you think you will fit into his big shoes?
Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu performed creditably to the benefit of our people, and I intend to continue where he will stop. I have the courage, competence and capacity to improve on his achievements.
What would be your plans for the people of Enugu West if elected as the senator?
I will provide them with effective leadership and effective representation. You know the job of the senator is lawmaking, primarily. So, we are going to make laws that will create opportunities for our people. We are going to legislate laws that will enhance the people’s welfare, create jobs, security and good governance in Nigeria.
I will focus legislative effort ion sponsoring or supporting bills that will promote excellence in education, skill acquisition and improved healthcare for the good people of Nigeria. I will continually lobby for the appropriation of funds for projects to be sited within my Senatorial constituency for the benefit of all.
The fulcrum of my legislative efforts will revolve around Human Capital Development, particularly skill acquisition and job creation (through support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises).
With inflation just around, do you think you have the financial war chest to tarry along till the day of the election?
The election is almost five months away. Elections these days are not about who has the highest money. The people are aware of who they are going to vote for. The people have confidence and trust in me. They are not expecting me to carry money and give them and I don’t have all the money to throw. I am not hoping that it is money that is going to buy Enugu West senatorial seat. I hope it is the credibility and capacity of my person to give effective representation that will count.
What would you say is the greatest challenge facing the people and the state as a whole?
Among the greatest challenges in Nigeria today are insecurity, dwindling economy, poor education and healthcare infrastructures, which every part of the country is dealing with.
I think the Federal Government has not done enough to solve the insecurity problem that has now come down to the South East. I think the root cause of the intractable insecurity challenges we are having today is the inorganic, unintelligent and unintelligible security and administrative structure of the Nigerian federation. I will spend substantial legislative effort in crafting, sponsoring and supporting a comprehensive bill to restructure Nigeria back to a secure and productive nation.
Even today, as we speak, there was an attack on the police station within Enugu West. The current APC led Federal Government has put the whole nation in deep security and economic jeopardy.
What advice would you give to the electorate towards this forthcoming election?
To be steadfast and monitor the candidates; they should avoid campaigns of calumny against perceived opponents. People should have issue-based campaigns. Voters should open their eyes and listen to what the candidates have to offer. Be prepared to vote and protect their vote.
What do you think about the Labour Party candidate in Enugu West senatorial seat?
The Labour Party candidate that I saw INEC publish is Uchenna Ekwe. He was in the House of Representative years back. He’s not new to politics, a fine gentleman who I also have respect for. He cannot be taken for granted. But another fact is that the Labour Party in Enugu West is having an internal crisis especially regarding his candidature. They are in court because someone who lost an election in PDP has gone to sponsor a court case against Labour Party and its candidate to create unnecessary problems for them in LP after trying and failing in PDP.
I hope they resolve their issues because it is distracting the candidate, and I wish him luck. My focus now is on Osita Ngwu, PDP, the people of Enugu West and the job ahead.
How are you going to unite Enugu West after the election?
I am a peaceful person and a unifier. We were 13 that contested for the ticket of Enugu West under PDP. I visited 11 of them immediately after we finished the primaries, to ask for their support and they all gave me their word. Some have hosted me and are all part of our campaign. If I was able to unify Enugu West PDP after a very grueling primary campaign and election, then you can easily predict what I will do after the general election. I will raise the olive branch and make sure that all of us work together to develop Enugu West.
What strategies and platforms do you have on ground to get the full support of the youth?
Remember I am also a youth, so this election is our project. The biggest youth platforms we have in Enugu West are all supporting us. We have about four youth groups now campaigning vigorously. On September 29, a youth group called Renaissance Youths held a mega rally in Udi Local Government in support of PDP candidates. Thousands of youths came out. We have youths strongly behind us. We have several other platforms too. We have women groups, teachers, motorcycle riders (okada), and market women all supporting us. Persons living with disabilities have an association that has thrown their weight behind us. It’s overwhelming. It’s almost like the election has already been won.
What is your take on zoning in the state?
It’s a political party affair. I support zoning and I will remain an advocate of zoning.
Ranging from insecurity to economic crises in the Southeast, which would be your priority?
Security is key. I think when you tackle insecurity, the economy will continue to thrive. It’s like the chicken and egg situation. They have mutually beneficial relationship. Probably, insecurity is caused by a bad economy and a bad economy causes insecurity. Once you deal with insecurity, then you can go back to work. You should know, it’s not about the Southeast. In Nigeria as a whole, we have insecurity and economic problems.
What gives you an edge in this race?
My experience, my competence, my intellectual capacity; I have performed. We have nine political parties that have forwarded candidates for the next election. I have looked at the candidates they have produced and I have not seen anyone that can match me in performance in terms of what I have achieved as a private individual both in experience and capacity. I stand out because I have performed. I can also tell you that in Enugu West, I am one of the highest employers of labour through the factories that I have set up. I presently employ about 600 people, and I can tell you confidently that there’s no other person amongst those contesting with me that have up to 10 or 15 people under their employment.
Therefore, the difference is clear.
Do you think the PDP will retain power generally in Enugu State and why?
I am very confident that PDP will retain power in Enugu after the 2023 general election. Enugu State will remain PDP because as I earlier mentioned, the PDP candidate for the Enugu state governorship election is a very successful business man who has come home to help.
Dr Peter Mba is a perfect example of a distinguished entrepreneur and public administrator wound in one person. Enugu State is very lucky to have a man of his ilk make himself available to serve us at this time.
I have no doubt he will be elected as the next governor of Enugu State, and we will all be better for it.
All other political parties have candidates who don’t even have a manifesto. Our candidate will unveil his manifesto on Thursday, October 13 and I urge you to also come and witness the unveiling of that manifesto. All the others are not sure why they want to go to the lion building.
Chief Sir OAU Onyema, a senatorial aspirant for Enugu West in the 2027 elections, has announced his resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing alleged lack of transparency, internal manipulation, and attempts by party leaders to impose candidates on the electorate.
Speaking during a media briefing, Onyema accused influential figures within the party of abandoning democratic principles by allegedly sidelining popular aspirants in favour of loyalists and personal associates.
According to him, party leaders have failed to release the results of screening exercises and purported primary elections, raising concerns that the process is being manipulated to favour preferred candidates before names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The former aspirant specifically alleged that a prominent political figure from Delta State was working with some NDC leaders to undermine the wishes of the people of Enugu West Senatorial District by promoting a personal aide for the senatorial ticket despite lacking grassroots political support in the district.
Onyema said such moves would be resisted through lawful and democratic means, insisting that the people of Enugu West deserve candidates with established political relevance and local acceptance.
He further claimed that efforts to integrate political structures built around Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the NDC were frustrated, resulting in what he described as weak and ineffective party structures at the ward level.
The politician also alleged financial irregularities within the party, including what he termed the undue collection of funds from members, though he did not provide specific evidence during the briefing.
Expressing disappointment with the party’s operations, Onyema declared that the NDC had failed to live up to expectations of transparency, fairness, and sincerity.
He vowed to work towards providing voters in Enugu West with credible alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections, regardless of political party affiliation.
“We remain committed to the ideals of justice, fairness, democracy, and the will of the people,” Onyema stated, adding that while he still believes a new Nigeria is possible, he has lost confidence in the NDC and is formally exiting the party.
He maintained that the 2027 elections would be “interesting” and expressed confidence that voters would increasingly focus on the quality of candidates rather than political party platforms.
In the now-controversial post shared on his social media page, Osborne wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”
The comment quickly generated reactions online before the Akwa Ibom State Government moved to terminate his appointment.
In a letter dated June 2, 2026, the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor announced his immediate disengagement.
The termination letter, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Osborne Ubong Okon had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.Politics
According to the letter, the decision was taken over actions the office described as disloyal.
“You are hereby relieved of your engagement as a Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect and from today, 2nd June 2026,” the memo read.
The letter further cited “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to keep the office “purified” as reasons for the dismissal.
The office also issued a warning to members of the public and government officials regarding future dealings with the former aide.
“Any person having dealings with the above-mentioned former Media Aide in relation to this office of his former engagement does so on his/her own peril,” the statement added.
The development has sparked fresh conversations about the limits of political expression for government appointees and the expectations of loyalty within public service, particularly when comments are directed at the presidency.
Neither Osborne nor the Presidency had publicly responded to the development as of the time of filing this report.
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.
The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.
Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.
Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.
The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.
Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.
He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.
He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.
He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.
“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.
The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.
Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.
“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.
The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.
He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.
Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.
“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
Mr. Samson Chukwu Nnamani has declared that he remains the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 election.
Nnamani made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Enugu.
Reacting to allegations that he was suspended from the party before the PDP governorship primary election, Nnamani dismissed the claim, questioning how a supposedly suspended aspirant could participate in the exercise and secure votes.
“The purported claim that I was suspended is very funny. If I was suspended as they claim, how can they attribute votes for me during their kangaroo primary,” Nnamani questioned.
Represented by his Media Director, Dr. Buchi Nnaji, the PDP chieftain said his authenticity derives from the present recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of which he is a member.
The clarification followed the emergence of multiple claimants to the PDP governorship ticket in Enugu State.
Nnamani insisted that the party was no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership, noting that the panel which declared him winner where sent from their headquaters, Abuja.
Nnamani expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and supporters whom he said turned out massively on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to elect him as the party’s governorship candidate.
He pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation and people-oriented policies.
“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.
He added that his aspiration was to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status.”
According to him, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, support for small businesses and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“We shall also review and remove policies and practices that are truncating the wellbeing, economic survival and social advancement of the citizens,” he stated.
Nnamani further called on stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, traditional rulers and the people of Enugu State to join hands in building “a united, peaceful and progressive state.”
“Together, we can achieve the Enugu of our dreams,” he added.
The Presidency has reacted following the circulation of an alleged WhatsApp voice note in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly claims he begged opposition figure Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The reaction came on Wednesday from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President.
Onanuga condemned the audio file, labeling it a fabrication and called for legal action against popular social media critic VeryDarkMan who shared it.
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform.,” Onanuga tweeted.
In the viral video, VeryDarkMan used the alleged leaked audio to urge Nigerians to vote against President Tinubu’s reelection bid in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Recall that just days ago, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, President Tinubu secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a landslide nationwide direct primary election.
During that contest, Tinubu faced a lone challenger, Edo State businessman and APC chieftain Stanley Osifo. The President won with 10,999,162 votes from the 12,643,306 registered party members, while Osifo secured 16,503 votes.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 election, is widely expected to fly the flag for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Both Obi and Tinubu hail from the southern region of Nigeria and are set to face last year’s runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to lead the ticket for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
-
Crime4 days ago
Oyo abduction: Teachers begin strike as Tinubu sends 1,000 forest guards to rescue victims
-
Education4 days agoEnugu East Chairman Celebrates Children’s Day with St. Ann’s College, Reaffirms Commitment to Education
-
News4 days agoDSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
-
Crime4 days agoUS Announces $3.5m Religious Freedom Initiative, Questions Nigeria’s Response to Attacks
-
Crime4 days ago2 Police Officers Shot Dead as Gunmen Attack Anambra Chief of Staff’s Convoy
-
EverydayNews Telescope5 days agoThree Years On the Saddle : The Governor Peter Mbah score card that is a tall order
-
News2 days agoPower Doesn’t Last Forever, It Has Expiry Date — VeryDarkMan Warns Wike
-
Politics2 days ago
Speaker suspended over anti-party activities