Politics
Pro Democracy Group Alleges Plot To Pitch President Tinubu, APC against Former Minister
By Our Reporter
Youths for Progressive Governance (YFPG), a socio-political group in the fold of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria, has frowned at the latest orchestrated plan to blackmail former Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah by political opportunists.
The pro-democracy group noted that the evil machination of these opportunists is to incite President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the APC against Dr Ogah with accusations of sabotaging the party during 2023 general elections held in Abia state as recently displayed by one Nnamdi Oleh.
Recall that Mr Oleh had accused the ex-minister of openly working against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Nkeiruka Onyejiocha and rigged the 2023 elections in his Uturu village in Isiuakwato local government area of Abia state against APC.
He also accused Dr Ogah of sponsoring media bloggers to launch attacks on Senator Kalu who currently represents Abia North senatorial district in the national assembly.
However, Youths For Progressive Governance while reacting in a statement on Tuesday signed by the national coordinator, Comrade Samuel Aguiyi and the Publicity Secretary, Chiamaka Nzomuche, exonerated Dr Uche Sampson Ogah from the abysmal performance of the APC in the concluded 2023 elections held across Abia state by the INEC.
The organisation reminded Mr Oleh and his sponsors to heap blames on the party’s failure in the last presidential, governorship, national and state assemblies in Abia to the unpopularity of the State Gubernatorial candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike, and the open treacherous dealings of some APC leaders who were in monthly payroll of the former ruling government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The organization noted that these self-styled Abia party leaders had truncated many chances of the state chapter of the APC to clinch majority of elective seats in the state and national in past elections held across the 184 electoral ward of the state by the Nigeria electoral commission.
As one of pro-democracy and political advocacy bodies accredited to monitor the concluded 2023 election in Southeast geopolitical zone by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, the Youths for Progressive Governance informed Oleh and co-travellers that the sterling leadership qualities and membership of Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah propelled the overwhelming popularity being enjoyed by APC in Abia state and Southeast zone.
The organisation also reminded Mr Oleh that Dr Uche Ogah’s emergence as leader of the party and 2019 Abia Governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress saw the election of party members as members of the State House of Assembly, a feast described as first of it’s kind in history of numerous electoral outings by the party in Abia state.
“Abia APC’s participation in 2019 led the party to record impressive performances in the governorship poll despite the open treachery exhibited by undemocratic elements under the guise of party leaders to sabotage the very opportunity of the party and the then Gubernatorial candidate, Dr Uche Ogah to emerge victorious in the 2019 poll conducted in Abia state.
“It remains on record that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah mobilized and delivered Abia state to APC at his Uturu ward and local government area(Isiuakwato) in 2019 elections unlike most of these self-styled leaders that failed woefully to canvass support for APC and as well convince the electorates into voting APC in office. The unwholesome characters of these so-called critical party stakeholders was clear manifestation of betrayal, sabotage and distrusts, which the former ruling PDP-led government in Abia contracted and bankrolled them to carry out.
The group recalled during the last 2023 elections held in the state by the nation’s electoral umpire, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah invested huge personal resources to persecute all electioneering campaigns embarked by APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all other candidates of the party who participated during the last elections in Abia state.
“Not only investing his personal resources in party campaigns, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah mobilized eligible voters across nooks and crannies of Abia state and they reaffirmed their massive supports by overwhelmingly voted and elected Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, and as well APC members from Abia extraction as members of the national and state assemblies in 2023. And Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah demonstrated the capacity and spirit of a loyal party member, and equally mobilized people of Abia North senatorial district that saw Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s election for second term in office.
The group also informed Mr Oleh that legislative redundancy and the sit-tight leadership style of Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejiocha birthed her outright rejection by people of Isiuakwato/umunneochi federal constituency during the house of representatives election held in 2023.
“Insinuating that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah worked against Onyejiocha is seen as being economical with the truths, and that can’t be justified by Nnamdi Oleh and his paymasters. Obviously, this recent tantrums by this disgruntled Oleh on Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah is borne out of selfish political aggrandizements, and solely orchestrated to taunt the former minister’s sterling leadership qualities and sow seed of discords between President Tinubu, critical Abia party stakeholders and Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah. And this coordinated attacks on the foremost Nigerian industrialist is already dead on arrival.
On giant strides recoreded by Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah as Minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Youths For Progressive Governance drew Nnamdi Oleh ‘s attention that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah facilitated the training of hundreds of indigent Abia sons and daughters in Solid Mineral Processing organized by federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
“Numerous reforms engendered in Nigeria mining sector by the former minister attracted applauses from the then President Buhari during the assessment exercise carried out on federal Ministries, departments and agencies (MDA’s). These reforms initiated by Dr Uchechukwu Ogah fostered increase in internally revenue generation of the ministry which the then government channeled in building critical infrastructures across the geopolitical zones of Nigeria”, the group added.
Continuing, the progressive youth group further drew the attention of Nnamdi Oleh that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, secured government approval for fully construction of Okigwe-ABSU-Uturu-Akara road, facilitated employment of indigenes of Abia state in ministries, departments and agencies controlled by the federal government, and as well facilitated inclusion of Abia citizens in Social investments and human development programs initiated by government, wherein hundreds of Nigerian youths, elderly men and women were empowered to become business shop owners, and self-productive.
Before his sojourn to public leadership, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah achieved milestones in private sector-driven business investments as he sited his numerous business conglomerates that specialized in food production, oil and gas, manufacturing of different assorted products ranging from plastic chairs, tables etc.
“This industrial revolutions by Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah in Abia state engendered job creation as thousands of youths are currently engaged in business of manufacturing, reducing high rate of joblessness and restiveness commonly associated with youths in the society.
While admonishing opportunitic Nnamdi Oleh to look for lucrative ventures, and refrain from serving as willing tool to sow seed of discords among leaders of the APC in Abia state, the socio-political organization therefore vowed that no amount of campaign of calumny will deter positive efforts and laudable gains recorded Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah in societal development and human empowerments.
The End….
Politics
Breaking: Court of Appeal Sets Aside Judgement Ordering Deregistration of ADC, Four Other Parties
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court which ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties.
The appellate court, in a unanimous decision on Tuesday, declared the judgement ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties “null and void.”
Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had ordered INEC to deregister the parties over their performance in the 2023 general elections.
Dissatisfied with the decision, the affected political parties — the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) — approached the Court of Appeal seeking to nullify the Federal High Court judgement.
However, the three-member panel of the appellate court, presided over by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that the trial court lacked the judicial power to entertain the case in the first place.
The Court of Appeal also faulted the Federal High Court for proceeding with the delivery of the judgement despite an order by the appellate court directing a stay of proceedings, which included the delivery of the judgement.
The appellate court described the Federal High Court’s decision as “a nullity,” stating that the action of the trial court amounted to “judicial impertinence” or what the Supreme Court had described as “judicial insubordination.”
The court further held that the first respondent lacked the locus standi to institute the action in the first place, and consequently set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court.
“The evidence before the court clearly shows compliance with Section 225A of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The judgement of the trial judge was perverse,” the Court of Appeal held.
The former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to focus on ensuring the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.
In a statement on Sunday in Enugu, Okechukwu noted that credible elections remained the strongest antidote to intra-party impunity.
He was responding to the INEC Chairman’s recent call on political parties to adhere strictly to principles of internal democracy during a courtesy visit to former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Minna, Niger.
According to Okechukwu, the INEC Chairman has consistently emphasised the issue of internal democracy, having made similar remarks in Akwa Ibom in March 2026 and again in Abuja in June 2026.
He said, “Whereas one agrees with the Chairman that strict observance of internal democracy within political parties is of paramount importance.
“However, the greatest incentive for political parties to uphold internal democracy is the consistent conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections by INEC.”
He argued that political scientists had long maintained that political parties were more likely to respect democratic principles and popular will when electoral processes are credible and transparent.
“Political party leaders will do everything within the ambit of the law to keep their houses in order and present the most acceptable and popular candidates when they are confident that elections will be free and fair.
“In such circumstances, they are compelled to obey the wishes of the electorate. However, when elections are perceived as lacking transparency, internal party conflicts and impunity are more likely to thrive,” he said.
Okechukwu also dismissed the allegation of other political parties feelings that INEC is the handgun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC chieftain said that APC needed free and fair elections as core patriots who are committed to the genuine growth of our fledgling democracy and overall progress of every Nigerian.
“I dismiss the handgun allegation, as APC needs free and fair elections,not only for legitimacy with our 31 state governors, but for the genuine growth of our fledgling democracy and overall good governance,” he said.
He maintained that the APC remained a formidable political force and that credible elections would ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and political parties alike.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, says Buhari didn’t publicly back Tinubu in the 2023 All Progressives Congress primary due to religious and ethical concerns.
In an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal revealed that Buhari was initially hesitant to back Tinubu due to religious and ethical considerations regarding his suitability as a successor.
Lawal claimed that, however, after extensive discussions, the late president agreed to remain neutral and allow party delegates to decide the candidate at the convention.
According to the former SGF, Tinubu played a critical role in previous APC election campaigns by providing resources and political strategists, making it difficult for Buhari to oppose his presidential ambition outright.
“Bola Tinubu brought people and we coarced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people.
“Buhari is a human and he’s a decent guy. So I am the only person that confront him with these facts.
“He will not say I don’t know. He would not say it’s a rumour because I was there.
“So why would he deny him (Tinubu)? Why would he… in the end he said okay,” Lawal said.
Lawal added that before the APC presidential convention, he advised Buhari to refrain from backing any aspirant and allow party delegates to choose the candidate.
“As we were going to the convention, I said, ‘Oga’, let’s make a deal. I said look, this man (Tinubu), we now know that on the basis of your religion and your ethics and your upbringing, you don’t want to hand over to this man, but he has helped us get here.
“So there’s no way. Let’s make a deal. Stay neutral and allow me to run the process.
“If we go to the convention and the party faithfuls defeat him, so be it. Your hand is not in it.”
Lawal said Buhari initially rejected the proposal, insisting that if he allowed him to manage the process, Tinubu would emerge as the party’s candidate.
“But Buhari said that’s not an excuse. I know you, you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket.“I say, are you God now, sir?
“Buhari said, no, you started with me since 2002. So I know how you work. I know your methodologies. That man, if I leave him to you, he’ll get the ticket.”
Lawal said he responded that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, Nigerians would still decide the outcome of the presidential election.
“I say, okay, okay, granted. If he gets the ticket, it means you are now a prophet. However, you’re ascribing to me qualities I don’t have.
“But let’s assume it happens. Supposing the general election rejects him, is that you?”
He added that Buhari also expressed concern over whether Tinubu would be fair to members of their political camp if elected president.
“He mentioned some things. This man, is he going to be fair to our people? Is he going to be this?
“I said, yes, as long as I’m there, you know, I can checkmate him.
“He said, ‘Okay, deal.’”
Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged party delegates to choose a candidate they believed could advance the party’s ideals but stopped short of publicly endorsing any of the aspirants, despite intense lobbying by contenders, including Tinubu.
Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, went on to defeat other leading aspirants, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, to clinch the APC presidential ticket.
He later won the February 2023 presidential election and was sworn in as president on May 29, 2023.
Politics
Enugu NDC Passes Vote Of Confidence On Dr. Johnpaul Anih-Led State Exco, Warns Against Destabilisation
The Enugu State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee (SWC), reaffirming its confidence in the current leadership and warning individuals allegedly plotting to destabilise the party to desist.
The resolution was reached on Saturday during an expanded meeting of the state working committee, party stakeholders, candidates and members, who commended the state executive for its leadership, commitment and efforts at repositioning the NDC in Enugu State.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the Chairman of the party in Isiuzo Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Ogbu, said the current state leadership had transformed the fortunes of the party in Enugu.
“This is the only leadership of the party that emerged through a valid congress monitored by INEC, and any attempt by Enugu politicians spending dollars in Abuja to destabilise the party will be firmly resisted”.
“Without the current leadership, nobody would be hearing about the NDC in Enugu State today. The Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive has given the party life and made it attractive through its programmes and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.
Corroborating his position, the Igboeze North Local Government Chairman of the party, Hon. Kingsley Ape and his Aninri counterpart, Hon. Stephen Ajah, stated that the achievements of the present leadership had positioned the party to participate effectively in the forthcoming local government elections.
According to them, without the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive, the NDC would not have been on the ballot for the forthcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections in Enugu State.
The party leaders declared that they remain firmly behind Dr. Anih and his executive, insisting that the State Working Committee enjoys the overwhelming confidence and support of the party’s grassroots structure across the 17 local government areas of the state.
They further warned that any attempt to tamper with the existing leadership could trigger a mass exodus of members from the party in Enugu State.
The stakeholders also cautioned individuals allegedly fomenting crisis within the party, urging them to steer clear of activities capable of undermining the unity, stability and progress of the NDC.
According to them, any attempt to create parallel party structures or sow discord among members would be firmly resisted in the interest of preserving the party’s cohesion ahead of future political engagements.
The members equally expressed concern over what they described as the actions of the party’s national leadership, alleging that recent developments could further deepen internal disagreements if not handled with fairness and respect for due process.
They urged the national leadership to refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions within the party, stressing that internal disputes should be resolved in line with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.
Reaffirming their loyalty to the NDC, the stakeholders called on members across the state to remain united, focused and committed to building a stronger political platform.
They pledged their continued support for the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee and maintained that the Enugu chapter would continue to protect the integrity of the party while working tirelessly to advance its political objectives in the state.
Kwankwaso disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, saying the agreement was aimed at ensuring power returns to the North after a single four-year tenure in line with the party’s power-sharing arrangement.
The former Kano State governor said he had no reason to doubt Obi’s commitment to honouring the agreement.
“Oh yes, I personally believe him. I don’t think, based on what I now know about him, that he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen,” he said.
Asked whether the understanding had been documented, Kwankwaso replied that both the party and the two candidates signed separate agreements.
“We have done one for the party, and we have done another one between the two of us,” he said.
Explaining the substance of the agreement, Kwankwaso said it provides for a single four-year tenure for Obi before the presidency returns to the North.
“The agreement is what you said, that for four years, we will work together, team together as a group, party, friends and brothers so that after his term of four years (2027-2031), it comes back to the North. That is the general agreement.”
“Together we felt that the presidency should go to the South for four years; thereafter it will come back to the North.
“We believe that should be the consensus of everybody in this country so that we can move together as a family, both North and South,” he said.
On whether he intends to contest the presidency in 2031, Kwankwaso said the party remained focused on winning the 2027 election while keeping its long-term political plans in view.
“We have a short-term plan which we are executing now and, of course, we also have our medium and long-term plans for the country, and that is what we are working on now,” he said.
Obi had in May announced that he would serve only one term if elected president, saying the decision was intended to promote political stability and strengthen national unity.
“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” Obi had said.
The NDC has consistently defended its power-sharing arrangement, presenting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as a consensus aimed at balancing the country’s regional interests ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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