Politics
2023: Wike, G-5 Govs storm Enugu as PDP flags off campaign, shutdown capital
….as coalition of political parties collapses structures, drums support for Mbah
…We’ve seen, heard and convinced Enugu is overwhelmingly PDP – G -5 Govs
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the people of Enugu State on Friday turned out en masse to show overwhelming solidarity and support for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at its official campaign flag off at Okpara Square, Enugu.
In a carnival-like atmosphere, supporters of the party across the different communities and local government areas in the state numbering thousands, stretched beyond the popular Okpara Square to both Agricultural Bank axis and Presidential Road, pledging to stand with all the candidates of the party at the polls.
Hailing the people for pouring out in huge numbers to identify with the party, the visibly jubilant State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, said the presence of the mammoth crowd showed that the PDP was on ground, alive and safe in the state.
The chairman attributed the support to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s leadership prowess which he said has enthroned the atmosphere of peace, prompt payment of workers’ salaries and other emoluments, his landmark achievements in rural development and the quality of candidates the party is parading for the elections.
Hon. Nnamani, who described Dr. Peter Mbah, governorship candidate of the party, as a man with the capacity to deliver on the people’s mandate having carved a niche for himself in the private sector, added that the governorship hopeful had already toured 56 development centres where he had direct discussions with the people at various town-hall meetings.
The Director General, DG, of the PDP Campaign Council in the state, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, boasting that the intimidating crowd which came out to welcome the PDP sent a strong message that the state was comfortable with the PDP, noted that the dividends of democracy the governor had brought to the state made it possible for them to embrace the party.
Chief Asogwa insisted that PDP would clear all the polling units in the state because of their walk-the-talk policy of grassroots mobilisation, saying the campaign council under his leadership will get the work done and deliver huge victory.
The DG further expressed faith in Dr. Mbah’s capability to move the state to greater heights through economic transformation and efficient service delivery.
On his part, the party’s gubernatorial flagbearer while commiserating with the Governor and the people of Abia State over the recent loss of the PDP’s governorship flagbearer in the state, commended the 5-G Governors of Rivers, Benue, Oyo and Abia states, governors Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Engr. Seyi Makinde and Okezie Ikpeazu, respectively, for honouring the party with their presence.
Dr. Mbah stressed that the state has remained one of the most peaceful and investors-friendly over the years, saying it was possible because of Governor Ugwuanyi’s inclusive economic development, massive infrastructure, robust education leading to the state emerging the best in the recent results released by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).
He also stated that the people understood and appreciated the significant of the good governance the party had brought in the last 24 years which spurred them to troop out to express their readiness to renew the mandate given to the party.
According to him, his administration will build on the existing infrastructure, grow the economy seven-fold, create millions of job opportunities for the teeming youths, attract healthy investments and steer the state out of the parlous national economy if and when elected governor.
Dr. Mbah, maintaining that PDP will continue to win in the state, said they’ve carried the banner of the party with a great pride and would not stop at taking bold steps that will lead to monumental development that will transform the people’s lives.
He urged them to vote for the candidates of the PDP in the March 25 and February 11 elections.
Appreciating the people for always queuing behind the PDP in the state, Governor Ugwuanyi expressed delight in the reaffirmation of the electorate that they would still vote for the PDP again.
Recalling that the PDP has been winning all elections since 1999, the governor, who’ is also the senatorial candidate in the Enugu North Senatorial District, promised that the party not fail in delivering good governance to the people and residents of the state.
Meanwhile, leaders of the opposition parties in the state who attended the flag off ceremony collapsed their parties’ support base, pledging to work for Dr. Mbah’s emergence as governor.
While adopting the PDP gubernatorial candidate as their preferred candidate, the opposition parties under the aegis of Coalition of Registered Political Parties and led by Dr. Sam Adams Ani, said they were at the event to renew their partnership with the ruling party.
They promised to extend the support that Governor Ugwuanyi is presently enjoying to Dr. Mbah at the polls.
…We’ve heard, seen and convinced Enugu is overwhelmingly PDP – G -5 Govs
In their separate remarks, members of the G-5 Governors, commended the people for their impressive turnout and overwhelming support for the ruling party, adding that they were convinced with what they saw in the state.
“We have heard, seen and are going home with the impression that Enugu State is PDP,” the said.
Describing Ugwuanyi as a reliable and dependable person who can be trusted always, Governor Wike assured that they would give the party all the support that will give it landslide victory.
“It is obvious that Dr. Peter Mbah is going to win, and we are happy with that,” Wike added.
Similarly, Governor Makinde urged the stakeholders in the party to go back to their various polling units and political wards and deliver them to the party since elections are not won on the state level.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as an attempt to undermine opposition parties through judicial interventions.
The party issued the warning following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that removed the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated the party’s nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu as an attempt to weaken the opposition and deny Nigerians the opportunity to freely choose their leaders in the 2027 general elections.
The party also questioned the timing of the judgment, noting that it came barely 24 hours after its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, which it claimed attracted hundreds of thousands of supporters.
According to the ADC, the development raised concerns that the judgment had been prepared earlier but was only delivered following the successful rally.
The party said the ruling could have far-reaching consequences beyond Atiku and David Mark, potentially affecting thousands of candidates seeking elective positions at the local, state and federal levels.
“Do these people understand what they are playing with? This is not about Atiku Abubakar or David Mark. It is about the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their own leaders. It is about the rights of thousands of candidates to participate in a democratic process,” the statement said.
The ADC further argued that the judgment was legally indefensible, citing an earlier ruling by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court, delivered on July 2, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to the party, the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
It maintained that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot review, vary or nullify the subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.
The party, however, said it was awaiting a Certified True Copy of the latest judgment to establish its precise terms, scope and consequential orders.
The ADC accused the APC of attempting to use the courts to weaken political opposition, insisting that Nigerians would not remain silent if their democratic rights were threatened.
“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party,” the statement added.
The party also questioned why the APC would be concerned about political competition if it was confident in its performance and electoral popularity.
It called on the judiciary to resist attempts to use the courts to undermine democratic institutions and pave the way for dictatorship.
The ADC urged its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while the party pursues all available legal avenues to challenge the judgment.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has dismissed the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the leadership of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and voided the nomination of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
The Council described the judgment as an academic exercise that had been overtaken by events, insisting that it would challenge the ruling at the appropriate judicial platforms.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC PCC maintained that the judgment had no practical effect and could not override an existing judgment delivered by a court of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter.
It recalled that Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court, Abuja, had earlier ruled on the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Mark and Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
According to the Council, Justice Liman had held that the transfer of leadership from Chief Ralph Nwosu to Senator Mark did not violate the provisions of the ADC constitution.
It further explained that the disputed July 2, 2025 meeting was a stakeholders’ meeting preceding the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of July 29, 2025, where Mark and Aregbesola emerged as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, under the monitoring of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Council argued that the leadership question had already undergone judicial scrutiny and could not be overturned without due consideration of the principles governing judicial authority.
It therefore described the latest ruling as an exercise in futility, adding that its legal team was taking immediate steps to challenge the decision.
The ADC PCC also questioned the timing of the judgment, linking it to the party’s growing political momentum following what it described as a successful presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto, in contrast to the reported failure of the APC campaign flag-off in Kaduna.
It accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to use political and institutional instruments to frustrate the opposition rather than confront it through democratic competition and the ballot box.
The Council also expressed concern over Justice Lifu’s involvement in another controversial judgment concerning the ADC, recalling that his earlier ruling declaring the party deregistered was subsequently set aside by the Court of Appeal.
It further alleged that there were concerns surrounding possible pressure and political interference in the proceedings, insisting that the independence and integrity of the judiciary must not be compromised by partisan interests.
The ADC PCC, however, reaffirmed its recognition of Senator Mark as the party’s National Chairman and Aregbesola as National Secretary.
It urged its candidates, members and supporters nationwide to remain calm and continue their political activities, assuring them that the party’s leadership was addressing the legal and political implications of the judgment.
The Council also disclosed that its legal team was taking steps to seek appropriate interim relief, including a stay of execution where legally applicable, before proceeding with an appeal.
It called on Nigerians not to be distracted by the development, but to remain committed to defending multiparty democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional right of citizens to freely elect their leaders.
The statement concluded that the ADC would remain focused on its political activities, declaring that its campaign for the 2027 general elections would continue despite the legal challenge.
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has announced plans to stage a one-million-man protest against the administration of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on November 9, 2026.
The coalition said the protest would hold simultaneously in Abakaliki, Abuja and Lagos, with 56 NGOs and 39 CSOs expected to participate.
Leader of the coalition, Dr Ibiam Oko Ibiam, disclosed this in a press release made available to journalists, explaining that the demonstration was aimed at drawing national and international attention to alleged human rights abuses, politically motivated killings, electoral violence and mismanagement of public funds in the state.
Ibiam called on Ebonyi residents, irrespective of their political affiliations, to join the protest, describing it as a collective effort to demand accountability and protect the interests of the people.
He questioned Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to the constitutional responsibilities of his office, particularly the protection of lives and property and the promotion of citizens’ welfare.
The activist expressed concern over the reported killing of one Ubochi Onwe at Mgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, alleging that the victim’s mouth was mutilated after he reportedly offered prayers for an opposition political candidate.
He also cited other reported assassination incidents in Ezza South Local Government Area, describing the alleged violence as disturbing and calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
On public expenditure, Ibiam accused the state government of misplaced priorities, questioning alleged spending on luxury vehicles for female political office holders, expensive champagne and cash distributions to political associates and official guests.
He argued that government spending on entertainment, hospitality and political largesse should not take precedence over critical sectors such as education, healthcare and other essential public services.
Citing figures covering January to September 2026, the coalition leader questioned alleged expenditure of ₦22.2 billion on entertainment, approximately ₦17 billion on cash donations to official guests and ₦30 billion on loan servicing.
He contrasted the figures with the reported allocation of about ₦9.3 billion to education and primary healthcare, demanding explanations from the state government over its spending priorities.
Ibiam also raised concerns over Ebonyi State’s borrowing profile, warning that rising debt obligations could put pressure on projected government revenue and undermine the state’s financial stability.
The coalition urged human rights advocates, labour unions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to mobilise for the demonstration.
According to the statement, the protest will take place in Abakaliki, at Louis Edet House in Abuja and around the American Embassy area in Lagos.
The coalition said its demands included accountability in governance, protection of human rights, an end to political violence and prudent management of public resources.
It also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for participants and ensure that the planned demonstration remained peaceful and orderly.
The allegations and expenditure figures cited by the coalition had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report. The state government’s response was also not contained in the statement.
A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has nullified the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Enugu West Senatorial District, ruling that no valid primary was conducted and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard Hon. Uche Eneh as the party’s candidate.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Segun-Bello in suit No. FHC/EN/C’S/153/2026, following a legal challenge instituted by Barr. Ugochi Ohajekwe, who is aligned with the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led Enugu State Working Committee of the party.
The court held that the NDC National Working Committee (NWC), which is legally empowered to conduct the party’s primary under the Electoral Act, did not organise any primary election for the senatorial district on May 29, 2026.
Justice Segun-Bello consequently ruled that the primary purportedly conducted by the state working committee was invalid, stressing that the committee lacked the legal authority to organise the exercise.
The judge further declared that no valid primary election was conducted by the NDC for Enugu West Senatorial District.
The suit was filed by Ohajekwe through her counsel, Kelvin Eya, Esq., who argued that the party’s national leadership failed to conduct a valid primary election in Enugu State.
She maintained that the only exercise held was organised by the state chapter under the leadership of Dr. Johnpaul Anih and challenged the process through which Eneh emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate.
The court also nullified INEC’s publication of Eneh’s name and ordered the commission to disregard him as the NDC candidate for the district.
The judgment came days after another Federal High Court sitting in Abuja removed Hon. John Nwokeabia as the NDC candidate for Awgu/Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency and declared Hon. Chijioke Okereke the duly elected candidate.
Reacting to the Enugu judgment, the NDC State Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, described the ruling as a victory for democracy.
Okafor accused the party’s National Working Committee of working against the presidential ambition of Mr. Peter Obi, alleging that its failure to conduct primaries in the state or initiate meaningful reconciliation had exposed its undemocratic approach.
He said the judgment had vindicated the position of the state leadership, adding that although the ruling might appear to be a setback for the party, it would strengthen internal democracy and discourage the violation of members’ rights.
According to him, the judiciary has once again demonstrated that no individual or group is above the law, stressing that political parties must respect fairness, transparency, equity and the rights of their members.
He described the judgment as a warning to party leaders against imposing candidates without following due process.
Okafor also warned that continued disregard for the Electoral Act and the legitimate aspirations of party members could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The latest ruling adds to the legal disputes surrounding the NDC’s candidate-selection process in Enugu State, with the party’s national and state leaderships facing continuing disagreements over the conduct of its primaries.
Politics
‘The Lord Fights for the Righteous’ – Agbese Speaks on Quiet Project Delivery, Political Attacks and More
Honourable Ibrahim Sani Bsc
Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Labour Party leader in Benue State, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible results as the general elections approach.
While seeking re-election, the lawmaker insisted that his focus remains on the work rather than political distractions or personal glory.
Agbese said a responsible lawmaker must keep working without being drawn into the negative campaigns and underhand tactics of rivals.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives says he draws quiet strength from his faith and prefers to leave every battle in God’s hands.
“The best advert for the kind of massive projects we have executed come from the people, not self-glorification,” Agbese stated.
“I deliberately refused to blow my own trumpet all these three years. I am grateful that critical segments of the society have taken notice of our monumental development projects.”
He added, “A good lawmaker works day and night and is not bothered by political opponents. I believe in the scripture that says we should leave vengeance to God. As it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ The Lord fights for the righteous.
“From the onset, we made education a clear priority and by the grace of God, we are delivering. We have so far built seven schools across the constituency, all constructed to international standard and fitted with tiles for the children.
“The record is there. Among them is the first one-storey primary school in our federal constituency. Many of our projects have come under heavy attacks but thank God that in the end, light has prevailed.”
Beyond education, his interventions also include health and market facilities, ICT training and empowerment for the youths, a befitting royal home for a monarch, solar electrification, farm inputs and equipment, as well as recreation, sports and agricultural support.
Despite the volume of work, Agbese is known for shunning fanfare. He rarely commissions his own projects and is often already planning the next one once delivery is complete.
“I am not the kind of person who loves to show off, especially when there is still more work to be done. That is why I hardly commission my own projects,” Agbese explained.
“Each time a project is delivered, I am already looking forward to starting the next one and not taking glory. I dread fanfare and do not love the spotlight like many others. The work itself is what matters.”
Beyond constituency projects, Agbese has built a strong legislative record in the National Assembly.
He holds the distinction of moving the highest number of motions and bills by any lawmaker from Benue State, including the Bill for the establishment of the College of Agriculture, Agila, which has already been passed.
He has also been a consistent voice on national issues, notably championing equal national honours for the Senate President and the Speaker, and taking a frontline position during the state of emergency debates in Rivers State.
“The work continues with the same energy,” Agbese noted. “Whether it is constituency projects, motions, bills or standing up on issues of national importance, the responsibility is the same — to serve effectively and without distraction. We remain committed to the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.”
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