Politics
No to Second Term: Aninri People Rise Against Council Chairman
..calls for rotation arrangements adherence
By Chinedu Adonu
People of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, have staged protest in Enugu capital, accusing the council chairman, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku of gross incompetence, mismanagement and disloyalty.
The aggrieved indigenes numbering hundreds disclosed that the woeful performance of the chairman has set the local government area backwards.
They, therefore expressed displeasure over any plan to retain the chairman ahead of the Enugu State local government election.
The protesters led by some leaders from Mpu, Mrs Stella Ekweremadu, Oduma, Godwin Ezebuilo, Nenwe, Victor Okonkwo, Ndeaboh, Loisa Achieze and Okpanku, Gabriel Uklabi were at the Enugu Press Centre where they addressed journalists before they moved to the Enugu State Government House to present their position paper to Governor Peter Mbah, chronicling reasons the chairman should not be retained.
Some of the placard reads; It’s not turn of Oduma; Aninri is not Oduma LG; For equity, fairness, Justice and peace, zoning should be maintained; Our governor, Dr. Peter Mbah is a product of zoning, please maintain zoning in Aninri; We say no to corruption under Ugochukwu Nwanjoku in Aninri.
Nwanjoku was described as one of the worst in the council’s history.
On the issue of zoning, they said whereas Oduma had earlier occupied the chairmanship position for six years, Okpanku had only a single term rather than two tenures, in line with zoning arrangement.
“Contrary to this understanding, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, who hails from Oduma, was endorsed for the Chairmanship position after Okpanku had completed only one tenure.
“This endorsement fundamentally disrupted the rotational balance painstakingly built over the years.
“It returned the office to Oduma prematurely, despite the fact that Oduma had already held the position for six consecutive years and completed its fair share under the zoning structure,” they noted, explaining that the development was accepted in the spirit of loyalty and “respect for His Excellency, and in order to preserve peace.”
The protesters added that as another local government election approaches, “the time has come to restore the sequel rotational understanding of Aninri Local Government. Oduma cannot, for any justifiable reason, be considered to retain the Chairmanship position again. Equity forbids it. History rejects it. Justice condemns it.”
They stressed that even if zoning was to be ignored, capacity, competence and performance must never be sacrificed on the altar of sentiment.
“Within the period of his administration, Hon. Ugochukwu Nwanjoku has demonstrated glaring deficiencies in leadership, administration and public accountability.
“The Chairman has repeatedly exhibited limited knowledge of the statutory duties and legal mandates of a Local Government Chairman.
“Governance has been reduced to impulse rather than guided by law, policy, or institutional discipline.
“The Local Government has been run as though it were a private family enterprise.
“Decision-making is concentrated, dissent is suppressed, and governance is driven by threats and intimidation rather than consultation and consensus.
“He does not command genuine loyalty across the five towns. What exists is fear his usual threat and physical attack not respect. He weaponises poverty.
“His Excellency’s administration is widely recognised for innovation, reform, and disruptive service delivery. Unfortunately, the words and deeds of Hon. Ugochukwu Nwanjoku does not reflect these ideals.
“While he professes loyalty to His Excellency, his conduct and political affiliations suggest otherwise. Loyalty proclaimed in public but contradicted in action weakens governance.
“The chairman speaks arrogantly of his endorsement for a second tenure by Your Excellency and that of the former deputy president of the senate.
“There is widespread concern regarding financial prudence and asset management.
“Within a short period of assumption of office, the Chairman reportedly acquired more than six exotic vehicles, including SUVs, and has allegedly extended vehicle gifts to friends and relatives.
“To date, there is no verifiable record of a single substantial public project started and completed across the entire Local Government Area under his administration, except the construction of his private mansion in Oduma.
“While communities cry for potable water, the Chairman secured a private borehole and a modern swimming pool within his mansion.
“While the deteriorating portions of the Awgu-Ndeaboh road remain unattended, a private access road leading exclusively to his residence was constructed,” they claimed in their protest statement.
They then urged that the rotational agreement among the good people of Aninri must be restored, stressing that “the Chairmanship position, by equity and established precedent, should be reverted and move out of
Other demands included that “Oduma, having held the position for six consecutive years (including transition and two full tenures) and another tenure of two years, making it eight years within a very short period. Oduma, cannot in good conscience be considered again at this stage.
“Governance in Aninri must return to competence, transparency, accountability and inclusive leadership.
“Your Excellency, the good people of Aninri, stood firmly for zoning at the state level. We defended the principle that no zone should dominate another. We ask only, that the same principle be upheld within our Local Government.
“Peace in Aninri has historically rested on fairness. Where zoning is respected, there is harmony. Where it is violated, resentment brews.
“We urge Your Excellency, in the overriding interest of peace, justice, equity, and fairness, to restore the rotational understanding of Aninri Local Government.
“History will remember this moment. A decision taken now can either deepen wounds or heal them permanently.
“We remain loyal citizens. We remain committed to peace. But we also remain resolute in our demand for justice.”
Reacting, the chairman, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku described the allegation of non performance by the protesters as baseless, insisting that his administration is replicating the policies and programmes of Governor Peter Mbah in the area.
Prince Nwanjoku, while stressing the need to separate politics with governance, explained that the overdraft obtained by his administration was to fence the ten Smart Green Schools in the area and safeguard them from vandals.
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.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The leadership crisis rocking the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a fresh turn on Monday after the Federal High Court in Abuja granted a stay of execution on its earlier judgment that removed Sen. Emma Anosike as the party’s state chairman.
The order effectively restores Anosike to office pending the determination of the legal proceedings.
The dispute began after a faction of the party led by Ifeanyi Osegbo approached the court, seeking recognition as the duly constituted State Working Committee (SWC) of the APC. The application was opposed by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Following the initial judgment, the Anambra APC dismissed the ruling as a “kangaroo judgment,” alleging that the plaintiffs misrepresented facts before the court. The party further claimed that some individuals listed as plaintiffs were unaware of the suit and that their names had been inserted without their knowledge.
The party also argued that Anosike and the state secretary, Mr. Obi Okpala, were not joined as parties in the suit, making the judgment unenforceable against them.
Relying on the earlier judgment, members of the Osegbo faction reportedly took over the party secretariat in Awka, gaining access to the offices and holding a meeting there.
In response, Anosike, Okpala, acting on behalf of themselves and other elected executive members, filed an application challenging the judgment. They asked the court to set aside the ruling delivered on June 24, 2026, by Justice M.G. Umar, describing it as a nullity.
The applicants also sought an order staying the execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of their application.
Among the grounds for the application were alleged non-service of originating processes and hearing notices, denial of fair hearing, misrepresentation of facts, forum shopping by the plaintiffs, estoppel, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction to set aside a judgment obtained through procedural defects.
Speaking after Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the APC, Douglas Najime, alleged that the earlier judgment was secured through misrepresentation and without proper service on the affected parties.
According to him, the court’s decision to grant a stay of execution means that Sen. Emma Anosike remains the substantive chairman of the Anambra APC, alongside the existing executive committee, pending the outcome of the appeal.
He maintained that the stay of execution effectively suspends the enforcement of the earlier judgment and preserves the status quo until the legal dispute is finally resolved.
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