A legal practitioner and former senatorial aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Sir OAU Onyema, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged procurement of N20 million through misrepresentation, undue influence and coercive pressure by members of the party’s senatorial screening committee.
In a petition dated June 3, 2026, and received by the EFCC on June 9, Onyema, through his solicitors, OAU Onyema & Co., alleged that he was induced to part with N20 million after being made to believe that the payment was necessary to secure consideration for the Enugu West Senatorial ticket of the party.
According to the petition, Onyema had earlier purchased the party’s Expression of Interest Form for N3 million and also voluntarily paid N500,000 as a development levy into the party’s account.
The petitioner claimed that during the senatorial screening exercise, the chairman of the screening panel, former Governor Sam Egwu, allegedly informed aspirants that senatorial contenders were expected to “show capacity” by contributing N20 million, while House of Representatives and governorship aspirants were expected to contribute N10 million and N50 million respectively.
He alleged that although the payment was described as voluntary, the comments and conduct of the screening committee created the impression that payment of the N20 million was a prerequisite for serious consideration as a senatorial candidate.
Onyema further alleged that after making the payment and submitting evidence to the screening committee, he later discovered that several aspirants who did not make similar contributions were still being considered and sponsored by the party.
The petitioner maintained that he would not have paid the N20 million but for the representations allegedly made by members of the screening committee and party officials.
He also claimed that despite participating in the screening exercise and primary election process, he was neither issued nomination documents nor given any official explanation regarding the status of his candidature.
According to the petition, Onyema subsequently resigned from the party and demanded a refund of the N20 million through a letter addressed to the party leadership. He alleged that the demand was ignored.
The petitioner is asking the EFCC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collection of the funds, the utilisation of the money paid into the party’s account, and the roles played by persons connected to the transaction.
He also urged the anti-graft agency to recover the money and prosecute anyone found culpable of obtaining money under false pretence, fraudulent inducement, extortion, abuse of office or related financial crimes.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the NDC leadership to the allegations were not immediately successful as of the time of filing this report.

BY PETRUS OBI
A major boost has emerged for Governor Peter Mbah’s anticipated 2027 re-election bid following the unveiling of campaign vehicles, branded uniforms, musical instruments and other mobilisation assets by the Tomorrow Is Here Movement in Enugu.
The development signals what political observers describe as the early consolidation of grassroots structures ahead of the next governorship election, with supporters positioning Mbah’s governance record as the foundation for a second-term campaign.
At the unveiling ceremony, the Convener of the movement, Hon. Tony Okonkwo, said the initiative reflected growing public confidence in the governor’s leadership and commitment to transforming Enugu State. According to him, the newly acquired campaign brands and logistics materials would be deployed to deepen public awareness of the administration’s achievements and strengthen grassroots engagement across the state.
The event, which attracted thousands of supporters, also featured a road procession through major parts of Enugu metropolis, demonstrating the movement’s organisational capacity and growing presence in communities.
Political analysts view the unveiling as more than a ceremonial exercise, describing it as an early indication that supporters of Governor Mbah are already laying the groundwork for what could become a vigorous second-term campaign. With the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, security, transportation and economic development forming the centrepiece of its message, supporters appear determined to convert governance performance into electoral support.
For many observers, the showcase of campaign brands, coupled with the widespread mobilisation witnessed during the procession, marks one of the clearest signs yet that the journey towards 2027 has begun in earnest for Governor Mbah and his supporters. As political activities gradually gather momentum, the focus is expected to remain on the administration’s record and its vision for the future of Enugu State.

Political parties are racing to resolve post-primary disputes, finalise candidate lists and conclude consultations on running mates after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed June 26 for the release of access codes to its nomination portal and July 11 as the deadline for the submission of candidates’ particulars for the 2027 general elections.
As appeals, grievances and leadership tussles continue to trail the conclusion of party primaries, INEC has warned that unresolved internal conflicts and ongoing court challenges to its electoral timetable could complicate preparations for the polls, even as major parties intensify efforts to beat the nomination deadline and complete their presidential tickets.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Young Progressives Party (YPP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have expressed readiness to submit the names of their candidates following the conclusion of their primary elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with leaders of registered political parties. He noted that the issuance of access codes follows the completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026.
According to the commission’s schedule, political parties will gain access to the dedicated nomination portal from June 27, while the deadline for submitting candidates’ details is July 11, 2026.
The portal is a critical component of the nomination process, as only candidates whose particulars are submitted within the stipulated period will be eligible to contest elections under their parties’ platforms.
Amupitan said access codes would be issued to authorised national officers of each political party, who will be responsible for uploading nominees’ biodata and other required information into the system.
“On Friday, June 26, 2026, the commission will issue official access codes to all political parties for the purpose of accessing the Candidate Nomination Portal.
“These access codes will enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars and other required information relating to nominated candidates.
“I urge political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared and that all submissions are completed well before the stipulated deadlines. The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period,” he said.
The INEC chairman also expressed concern over unresolved court cases relating to internal party leadership, describing them as unnecessary distractions that could affect electoral preparations.
He urged political actors to resolve such disputes promptly to keep the electoral timetable on track.
Reiterating the commission’s independence, Amupitan assured stakeholders that INEC would continue to discharge its duties impartially and in line with constitutional provisions.
He further encouraged political parties to intensify voter education campaigns and mobilise citizens to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the elections.
“The success of the 2027 general election will depend not only on the preparedness of the commission but also on the commitment of political parties to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law, conduct transparent primaries, discourage violence, hate speech and vote-buying, and promote issue-based campaigns,” he said.
Amupitan noted that the commission would ensure equal treatment for all parties while strictly adhering to the Constitution, the Electoral Act and all relevant guidelines.
Meanwhile, INEC disclosed that it has filed appeals against two recent Federal High Court judgments that questioned key components of its timetable for the 2027 general elections, warning that any attempt to dismantle parts of the schedule could disrupt the entire electoral process.
The first ruling, delivered on May 20, 2026, in a suit filed by the Youth Party, challenged certain timelines contained in INEC’s election schedule.
The second judgment, delivered on May 26, 2026, in a case instituted by the Social Democratic Party, affirmed the commission’s authority to issue an electoral timetable but struck out some timelines relating to candidate nomination and substitution procedures.
INEC maintained that the disputed timetable is built on interconnected processes that cannot be separated without affecting the integrity of the entire election planning structure.
Citing portions of the SDP judgment, Amupitan noted that an election timetable without dates for submission of party membership registers and conduct of primaries would be incomplete and could create confusion in the electoral system.
While affirming the commission’s respect for judicial decisions, he said the judgments raise important legal questions concerning the extent of INEC’s constitutional and statutory powers in coordinating and regulating electoral activities.
According to him, the electoral timetable is not merely a list of dates but a coordinated framework guiding multiple administrative and logistical processes necessary for credible elections.
He explained that several critical activities, including verification of party membership registers, monitoring primaries, uploading primary results, candidate nominations, printing ballot papers, deployment of election materials, voter education, training of personnel and configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, are all interconnected and must be harmonised within a single framework.
“The commission therefore considers it imperative that all electoral activities be harmonised within a coherent and workable framework that promotes certainty, transparency, administrative efficiency and equal treatment of all political parties,” Amupitan stated.
He assured political parties and Nigerians that the ongoing legal challenges would not distract the commission from its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, INEC remains committed to conducting credible elections in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and binding judicial pronouncements.
Alternative headlines:
2027 Polls: INEC Opens Nomination Process, Warns Parties Against Internal Crises
Parties Rush to Meet INEC Deadline as Legal Battles Threaten 2027 Election Timetable
INEC Issues June 26 Portal Access Date, Urges Parties to Beat July 11 Nomination Deadline
Court Challenges Won’t Derail 2027 Preparations, INEC Assures Parties

The Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, has revealed plans to sponsor a bill seeking a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors after the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce in the next Senate, arguing that the reform would enable elected leaders to focus more on governance and less on re-election campaigns.
According to him, the current two-term arrangement often compels officeholders to devote a significant portion of their first term to political calculations and preparations for a second election.
He maintained that a single six-year tenure would eliminate the distractions associated with seeking re-election and allow leaders to concentrate fully on implementing policies and delivering on their mandates.
The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal may not receive universal support but insisted that lawmakers have a duty to initiate reforms they believe will strengthen governance and improve the nation’s democratic process.
Bamidele further argued that laws should evolve to reflect changing realities and societal needs, stressing that constitutional and electoral reforms remain essential to deepening democracy.
The proposed change, if eventually adopted, would require amendments to the Nigerian Constitution before it can take effect.

A delegation from the Kwankwasiyya Movement has held a closed-door meeting with the National Leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the party’s national leadership in a bid to resolve internal disagreements in Kano State.

According to a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the meeting, which lasted several hours, focused on addressing issues between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and legacy officials of the party in Kano.

The statement noted that Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership are currently facilitating discussions aimed at fostering inclusion, unity, and active participation among all party stakeholders.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, stressing that it would not impose candidates in Kano State or any other part of the country.

“The NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State, and indeed across the nation, as the party cherishes the virtues of internal democracy,” the statement said.

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It described the meeting as productive and expressed optimism that the ongoing engagements would strengthen cohesion and promote harmony within the party.

The NDC also dismissed reports circulating on social media purporting to contain results of its primary elections, clarifying that no official primary election results have been released in any state.

The party therefore urged its members and the general public to disregard any unofficial lists or purported election results currently in circulation.