Politics
2023: Plot to secretly appoint thousands of politcial aides in Abia exposed
The Coalition For Abia Unity (CAU) says it has uncovered a clandestine plot by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led administration in Abia State to appoint thousands of political aides secretly to enable them to deliver Abia South Senatorial Zone to their candidate and also use the same thousands for governorship elections.
A statement signed by the CAU Chairman, Chief Uzo Chukwu said the discovery was made after a painstaking investigation into the activities of the state government of late which has proven to be an obvious copycatting of some political strategies of their Rivers State counterpart who recently has said he would increase the appointment of Special Advisers, Special Assistants and Liaison Officers to a whopping 100,000 people.
He said; “Well, we are not from Rivers State and we wish him well after all they are not in the same predicament as Abia.
“In Rivers State, they pay salaries, they don’t owe doctors, they don’t owe teachers, their pensioners are not dying, their schools are not losing accreditation like ours, they have motorable roads and many other good things, so they can afford to play politics as they want.
“What is however unacceptable is for us is for “the rat to join the lizard to play under the rain” knowing fully well that while the water dries on the lizard’s body easily, it will never be the same for the rat because it will surely die of cold considering its hair.
“Let us remind Abians that some days ago, the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu relieved all Senior Special Assistants/Special Assistants of their appointments. Let nobody get it twisted, he has the right to dismiss his appointees. After all, he appointed them.
“However, the undercover plot to appoint several thousand people with a similar portfolio to those dismissed and pay them with Abia money to win the election for the PDP is unacceptable.
“Our investigation revealed that following the obvious failure and arrogance that comes with it, the current Abia government has concluded plans to recruit hordes of aides albeit secretly in all the 17 local councils of the state, intending to use them to prosecute the forthcoming general elections.
“Let it be made clear that these secret political aides that will not be announced to the general public as we have discovered, are not really aides in its reality but polling henchmen who they have given the name “Third Force” because they will serve as a different organ to the party campaign team and the candidates’ campaign team.
“We want Abians to be alert and see why this government having realized that it has failed, comfortably accepted their failure in-house despite their public space denial but has decided to get power through the backyard by using money they hoarded, which could have improved the welfare of our suffering teachers and doctors to recruit aides to win elections.
“While our hospitals have only mortuaries functional, while our teachers are now hawking petty goods on the streets, while our doctors are now roadside sellers of all manner of things, the Abia government want to hire thousands of aides to pay them between N60,000-N80,000 as salaries to help them win election.
“Of course, we will not allow it which is why we’re exposing them earlier now. We’ll never allow the common patrimony of the people of Abia state to be used to maintain and sponsor some unproductive political hirelings to subvert the will of the people at the polls.
“We’re constrained to alert the good people of Abia on this evil plan to deploy the resources of the state for the achievement of the desperate ambitions of some political elements who already know that they have failed woefully and do not have any political relevance.
“Take note that we’re telling you now that these so-called Assistants, whose appointments may not be made public, will be drawn from all parts of the state’s LGA with the majority of them however coming from the Abia south senatorial district.
“Someone may ask why Abia South? The answer is simple; if the Governor loses his Senatorial ambition, the PDP will suffer massively in the governorship election and State Assembly elections so, all plans are geared towards delivering Abia South or burst!
“So, we want to alert Abians that the major assignment of these appointees, who we have equally learnt will form the nucleus, of what will be known as a “Third Force” will be to ensure the victory of the PDP senatorial candidate in Abia South.
“We’re also aware that their activities have been scheduled to be coordinated by one of the influential members of the current Abia State cabinet who will marshal the thousands of polling henchmen who must deliver or watch their political dynasty crumble and fall like the Tower of Babel
“We are also aware of a recent meeting in Aba where some top members of the current cabinet were instructed on the kind of people to recruit into the “Third Force” and were also given the orientation that the failure to achieve this senatorial ambition in Abia South will have a negative multiplier effect on the gubernatorial contest in the state.
“So, the good people of Abia State must realize that they’re desperate. They’re coming with Greek Gifts. They’ll appoint your brother, your sister, your cousin and your nephew to help them win the election.
“These appointees will play different roles. Some will come as blessings to your family (temporary). Some will tell you of promises made if victory is gotten. Some will come with evangelism while the last resort will be the lowest cadre of field agents for elections.
“Mind you, if we all this to happen, they’ve already secured thousands of votes with such appointments because they’ll never appoint anyone who cannot vote. It is an indirect and expensive system of vote buying which they’re willing to do to pay for their failure which is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf.
“Abians, shall continue to sell our votes hoping that God will send us a Messiah someday? How many of us will look at our teachers, our doctors, our schools and our suffering pensioners and say no to these Greek Gifts?
“For the people of Abia South, how many of you can boldly look at the Ariaria International Market, Ahia-Ohuru, Ohanku road, Obohia road, Port Harcourt road, Uratta road Omuma road Faulks road, Old Express road, Ozuomba road, Cemetery road, Amaukwu road, Azumini-Aba road, Obehie-Azumini road, Obehie-Owaza road and the laughable pipe dream and land grabbing project called Enyimba Economic City and say enough is enough?
“What could be more evil, wicked and inhuman than hoarding money meant for payment of salaries, pensions, infrastructural development and other necessities to win the election when good governance and sincere service to the people could have won the election in the first place?
“Let us make it very clear to all those plotting this acrimonious stratagem that copycatting Rivers State Governor’s political theories when you’re actually not working or putting in place dividends of democracy for your people as he has done for his people is tantamount to self-destruction.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over a suspicious credit into one of his private bank accounts, alleging that his confidential banking details may have been compromised.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to the statement, the transfer was made by an individual unknown to the former vice president, with the narration: “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.”
“Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment,” the statement read.
Atiku said the circumstances surrounding the transaction were “deeply troubling,” noting that the account was strictly private and its details were not publicly available.
“The account is a strictly private one whose details are not in the public domain. This raises a fundamental question: How did unknown persons obtain the confidential banking details of a private citizen?” the statement added.
He said the alleged access to his banking information raised broader concerns about the protection of Nigerians’ financial privacy.
“If the private banking information of a former Vice President and a leading presidential candidate can be accessed and deployed for reasons yet unknown, then no Nigerian’s financial privacy is safe,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
The former vice president also expressed concern that the information may have been obtained through individuals with privileged access.
“Even more disturbing is the suspicion that such confidential information may have been obtained through persons with privileged access,” the statement said.
Atiku warned that any breach of confidential banking information could expose citizens to serious security threats.
“If established, this would amount to a grave abuse of power capable of exposing the account holder to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements,” the statement added.
The ADC presidential candidate said security agencies and Nigerians had been notified of the development, describing it as part of a series of suspicious activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We therefore put the Nigerian public — and the security agencies — on notice about this latest incident in a litany of suspicious activities leading up to next year’s general elections,” he said.
Atiku urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as attempts to smear his reputation as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” the statement read.
“Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again,” he added.
The former vice president maintained that he remained committed to providing what he described as credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
“The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges,” the statement said.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court and vacate the order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts, citing the need to safeguard public confidence in the democratic process ahead of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, the President said he was not opposed to the EFCC exercising its statutory powers but expressed concern over the timing of the action, noting that Osun is only days away from the August 15 governorship poll.
Tinubu said he was “deeply embarrassed” not by the anti-graft agency’s mandate, but by the decision to freeze the state’s accounts at such a sensitive political period.
The EFCC had obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, as part of an investigation into alleged financial infractions involving the Osun State Government. The commission maintained that its actions were lawful, insisting it could freeze accounts suspected to be linked to financial crimes and seek judicial approval for extended restrictions.
The President, however, said actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to him, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of them.
He reiterated that since assuming office, he had consistently allowed anti-corruption agencies to operate independently without political interference, stressing that strong democratic institutions were essential to the rule of law.
Despite this position, Tinubu said the proximity of the Osun governorship election made the timing of the EFCC’s action inappropriate and required his intervention to prevent any perception that federal agencies were being used to influence the electoral process.
According to him, although he had not been fully briefed on the facts behind the investigation, the overriding public interest demanded that confidence in the integrity and fairness of the election be protected.
The President subsequently directed the EFCC to immediately return to court, vacate the freezing order and discontinue the action against the Osun State Government.
The development follows a dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC over allegations of financial misconduct. The state government has denied claims of misappropriating ₦11 billion and accused the commission of attempting to justify its decision to freeze the accounts, while the EFCC insists its investigation is strictly based on its statutory mandate and not politically motivated.
Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resisting all forms of intimidation through lawful and democratic means as the state prepares for the August 15 governorship election.
In a series of posts on his X account on Thursday, Adeleke said his administration remains focused on prudent management of public resources and implementing people-centred policies that have improved the lives of residents across the state.
The governor expressed appreciation to party members and supporters in Ayedaade Local Government Area for the massive turnout during his campaign visit, describing the reception as a strong endorsement of his continuity agenda.
According to him, the enthusiasm shown by supporters reflects their determination despite what he described as repeated provocations.
Adeleke urged his supporters to remain peaceful, vigilant and united, insisting that the best response to intimidation is discipline and a massive turnout on election day.
His remarks come amid controversy over the reported freezing of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing investigation.
The Nigerian Bar Association has criticised the EFCC’s action, arguing that the anti-graft agency lacks the constitutional authority to impose a blanket restriction on a state’s finances without due legal process.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has denied any financial wrongdoing. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, accused the EFCC of acting on the alleged directive of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola to frustrate the payment of workers’ palliatives.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, with Adeleke seeking a second term under the Accord Party platform.
Amid allegations of financial impropriety rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly, lawmakers on Wednesday held a parliamentary meeting to deliberate on pending legislative matters and announced the constitution of a four-member panel to investigate and audit the Assembly’s accounts, including the alleged involvement of the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.
The meeting was held at the Assembly complex, but the Speaker and his Deputy, Ololade Gbegudu, were absent. The Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, however, attended the meeting.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi, alongside some lawmakers, confirmed that the Assembly’s accounts would be audited.
Ifabiyi, who did not disclose the identities of members of the four-member probe panel, said the leadership of the House had been under pressure to resume legislative activities.
He said the lawmakers considered it necessary to reconvene to discharge their constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking and oversight, following concerns over the prolonged absence of plenary sessions and committee meetings.
According to him, the lawmakers deliberated on issues affecting the development of Ondo State, including constituency projects, community development and the welfare of residents across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking on the political situation in the Assembly, Ifabiyi said lawmakers had not abandoned their plan to impeach the Speaker, but were awaiting further directives from the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He dismissed allegations that lawmakers had been financially induced to abandon the impeachment move, insisting that the process remained pending.
“We are still waiting for the leadership of the party. We are unable to proceed further until the leadership of the party asks us to. So, it’s pending. We are still on course,” he said.
On the role of the state government in the crisis, Ifabiyi said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had no role in the day-to-day running of the legislature, describing the intervention of the APC leadership as a normal party affair.
“The Governor does not intervene in the running of the legislature. It is normal for a party to intervene because we are from the same family,” he said.
He added that the APC leadership should treat all members of the Assembly equally, noting that all 26 lawmakers belonged to the same political party.
“Our father will not prefer one person at the expense of 26. Our father will not do that,” Ifabiyi said.
The Ward Executive Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ward 9, comprising Amoli, Ogugu, Owelli and Ugbo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, has reaffirmed the indefinite suspension of Mr SKC Ogbonnia from the party.
The Ward said the suspension took effect on May 18, 2026, following the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution.
In a statement dated August 5, 2026, the Ward Executive Committee clarified that the suspension was not a recent decision and remains valid and binding until it is reviewed or lifted by the appropriate organs of the party.
According to the committee, the disciplinary action followed the report of a duly constituted Ward Disciplinary Committee set up to investigate petitions and complaints alleging anti-party activities, gross misconduct, acts of sabotage and conduct considered prejudicial to the interests of the NDC.
The Ward Chairman, Hon. Chief Chukwunta Chibuike Fabian, said the committee observed the principles of fair hearing and due process by issuing several invitations to Ogbonnia and giving him opportunities to appear and respond to the allegations against him.
However, the committee alleged that Ogbonnia failed and refused to honour the invitations or participate in the disciplinary proceedings.
According to the Ward, his alleged refusal to appear compelled the disciplinary committee to conclude its assignment based on the evidence before it.
The report was subsequently adopted unanimously by the Ward Executive Committee, which resolved that Ogbonnia be suspended indefinitely from the NDC with effect from May 18, 2026.
The party said the allegations against him included persistent anti-party activities, gross misconduct, disloyalty, attempts to undermine the party’s leadership, programmes and electoral interests, conduct capable of bringing the party into public disrepute, and disregard for the party’s constitution and lawful directives.
The Ward Executive Committee also claimed that its internal verification showed that Ogbonnia was not recognised as a registered member of the NDC in Ward 9.
The committee questioned the basis of his alleged association with the party and expressed concern over his possession of the Ward’s account number.
According to the Ward, it did not authorise or disclose its account details to Ogbonnia and called on him to explain how he allegedly obtained the information.
The committee further stated that, throughout the period of his suspension, Ogbonnia is prohibited from attending or participating in meetings, programmes, activities or decision-making processes of the NDC.
It also warned that he must not present himself publicly as a member, official or representative of the party unless and until the suspension is reviewed or lifted by the appropriate party authorities.
The Ward Executive Committee said the disciplinary action was necessary to protect the integrity, discipline, unity, constitutional order and credibility of the NDC.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, internal democracy and what it described as zero tolerance for conduct detrimental to the collective interests of the party.
The statement was signed by Hon. Chief Chukwunta Chibuike Fabian, Ward Chairman, NDC Ward 9, Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.
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