…Our zone has settled for APC, can’t be deceived again – Igboetiti boss

The Tomorrow Is Here Movement (THM), a prominent political support group in Enugu State, has mobilised thousands of voters across Enugu North Senatorial District, popularly known as Nsukka Zone, in support of the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The mobilisation, which featured a victory walk across several communities in the district, attracted thousands of residents and supporters, with political leaders declaring that the zone was increasingly aligning with the APC ahead of the elections.

The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Hon. Martins Ugwu-Amadieze, reaffirmed the commitment of the zone to the APC, insisting that Nsukka voters would no longer be deceived by politicians without credible development agendas.

The rally, tagged “Victory Walk for All APC Candidates in Enugu North Senatorial Zone,” commenced at Opi, Nsukka, and proceeded through Orba, Obollo-Afor and Obollo-Eke in Udenu Local Government Area, before extending to Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, in Igboeze North; Ibagwa-Aka in Igboeze South and other communities in Nsukka Local Government Area.

Speaking during the exercise on Monday, the Leader of the movement, Chief Tony Okonkwo, thanked the people for their massive participation, disclosing that the mobilisation, initially planned for about 200 persons, attracted thousands of supporters.

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He attributed the turnout to the growing acceptance of the Mbah and Tinubu administrations, citing infrastructure development, educational interventions, healthcare delivery, agricultural empowerment and improved transportation.

“We were not prepared to see this number of people enduring a long walk across different parts of the zone that took several hours. Your presence today shows appreciation for what Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu are doing.

“The ongoing dual carriageway from 9th Mile through Igbo-Etiti, Nsukka and Udenu to Benue is a major infrastructure investment that will transform our communities. Nsukka has also produced its first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Ortuanya, after 50 years. Our people are benefiting from federal appointments, agricultural programmes and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

“Under Governor Mbah, we have witnessed improved security, Smart Green Schools in every ward, modern healthcare facilities and ongoing road projects. Over 50 CNG buses are also operating from the Nsukka Central Terminal, providing affordable transportation and security to passengers.

“These are visible interventions. We are glad that our people are embracing the APC. The good work must continue, and this is possible if we support the APC from the Presidency to the House of Assembly,” he said.

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In his remarks, Ugwu-Amadieze urged voters to reject attempts by opposition politicians to exploit tribal sentiments and political emotions ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the APC had demonstrated greater commitment to the development of the zone.

He said the massive turnout at the victory walk reflected the willingness of residents to identify with Governor Mbah, President Tinubu and other APC candidates.

“What happened today was a victory walk for Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the zone. From what we have witnessed across Nsukka, I can boldly tell you that our people are happy to identify with Governor Peter Mbah.

“Our zone has settled for APC. We cannot be deceived again by politicians who have no clear agenda for our people. Our people have embraced the ideology behind the broom and are ready to vote for all APC candidates.

“When we approached Governor Mbah with two requests; to assist in securing the Vice-Chancellorship of the University of Nigeria for an indigene of Nsukka and to consider the dualisation of the Penoks–Nike–Ugwogo–Ekwegbe–Opi–Nsukka road, little did we know that he would exceed our expectations within a short period of time. That has never happened in the history of our zone. The people of Nsukka are prepared to reciprocate his commitment through their votes in 2027,” he declared.

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Also speaking, the Chairman of Igboeze North Local Government Area, Dr. Chris Onyekachi, reaffirmed his people’s support for the APC, attributing increased financial capacity of subnational governments to the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration.

He said improved allocations to state and local governments had created opportunities for increased development interventions and infrastructure delivery at the grassroots, urging residents to support the continuity of the ongoing reforms.

Similarly, the Deputy ALGON Chairman and council boss of Igboeze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ferdinand Ukwueze, said the achievements of the Mbah administration and interventions by local government councils had demonstrated the APC’s capacity to deliver development.

He expressed confidence that the party would secure victory across the senatorial district in 2027, assuring that APC candidates would receive massive support from voters in the zone.

Among dignitaries who attended the rally were the APC State Secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie; APC State Financial Secretary, Hon. Ejike Idodo; Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; Dan Shere; William Amuta; Hon. Favour Asogwa; and the Deputy Mayors of Udenu and Igboeze South Local Government Areas.

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Others included Chief Chukwukwurote Odo, popularly known as Messiah na Nsukka; Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ugwuagu, Deputy Mayor of Ezeagu Local Government Area; Vitalis Okonkwo (Oil Money), Special Personal Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation; Osita Ajih; Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement; and several other APC and THM faithful.

2027: At last NDC Speaks On Peter Obi’s Healt
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed concerns over the health of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the former Anambra State governor is in good health but requires adequate rest due to exhaustion from his demanding political schedule.
The party’s Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, Dr Sam Omale, gave the clarification during an interview on Channels Television, explaining that Obi’s frequent travels, hectic engagements and commitment to political activities had taken a toll on his energy.
According to Omale, the former governor maintains a demanding routine, often travelling between different locations within short periods while attending to numerous political and other responsibilities.
He noted that Obi hardly has enough time to rest, considering the intensity of his engagements and the energy he devotes to his political activities.
Omale expressed amazement at the presidential candidate’s ability to sustain such a hectic schedule, given the number of places he visits and the volume of activities he undertakes daily.
He, however, stressed that Obi’s need for adequate rest should not be interpreted as a sign of ill health, maintaining that the concern was primarily about physical exhaustion arising from his demanding schedule.
The party’s clarification comes amid public concerns over the presidential candidate’s health as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said he and former governor Peter Obi remain close friends despite their political differences.

Soludo made the clarification during an interview with BBC News Igbo on Monday, where he addressed recent disagreements between his administration and Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The governor said the relationship between their families remained cordial, stressing that their political disagreements had not affected their personal relationship.

“Peter Obi and I are good friends. Our two families are on good terms,” Soludo said.

He added that although they had different political interests, both men understood that politics should not define their personal relationship.

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“When it comes to politics, give me mine, give him his. It’s politics that is being done,” he added.

Soludo said Obi’s decision to support another candidate during the last Anambra governorship election did not affect their relationship, noting that he eventually secured victory.

“He has someone he thinks should be the governor of Anambra. I am also listening. He supported the person he wanted. But I won by the grace of God,” he said.

Obi governed Anambra State for two terms between March 2006 and March 2014 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Soludo also disclosed that he personally invited Obi to join APGA in March 2022 to contest the 2023 presidential election.

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According to him, the invitation was made at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with the broader objective of mobilising the Igbo people politically.

“It was me myself who invited him to APGA so he could run, early March 2022 at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” he said.

The governor, however, explained that he later withdrew his support for Obi’s presidential ambition because he believed his candidacy could weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and improve the electoral chances of President Bola Tinubu.

“In fact, I also wrote to him that his participation would take away a lot of votes from the PDP and make it easier for Tinubu to win,” Soludo said.

He further argued that even a united opposition might struggle to defeat an incumbent administration, noting that political alliances alone do not guarantee electoral victory.

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Soludo’s comments come amid a disagreement between the Anambra State Government and Obi over the state’s debt profile.

The controversy followed a September 14 statement by the state Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, who said the state was still repaying loans obtained by previous administrations, including those of Obi and his successor, Willie Obiano.

Obi rejected the claim, insisting that he left no outstanding debts when he left office. He also maintained that his administration did not owe salaries, pensions or contractors and left N2.1 billion in the state’s ecological fund.

However, the state government subsequently disputed his account, alleging that Obi left $123.77 million in debt.

Amid the exchange, Obi said there was no personal disagreement between him and Soludo, adding that he and his wife were godparents to the governor’s children.

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Soludo’s latest remarks appear to reaffirm his position that the disagreement between them is political rather than personal.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged politicians aspiring to succeed him in November 2027 to seek divine guidance, insisting that the state’s next governor must be a God-fearing person.
Diri made the call on Monday during the 15th State Thanksgiving Service held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, where he said Bayelsa had been committed to God for spiritual guidance and protection.
With the November 2027 governorship election approaching, the governor advised prospective candidates to seek God’s approval, stressing that no individual could overturn a decision made by the Almighty.
“Only God-fearing persons will succeed me. Anybody who wants to be governor must go and seek the face of God. Anyone who wants to be governor must be God-fearing. If God says yes, nobody can say no, not even me,” he said.
The governor maintained that the state had been entrusted to God and that the Almighty would continue to have the final say in its affairs.
He also called on residents to embrace unity, tolerance and patience, describing peace and mutual understanding as essential to the state’s development.
Diri thanked the people of Bayelsa for their support over the past six years, expressing confidence in the state’s development prospects, which he attributed to its natural endowments and his administration’s commitment to transformation.
“Let us continue to worship God. Let us be tolerant and patient as we will become victorious at the end of the day. The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today we came to say thank you, Father,” he said.
Reflecting on the state’s development, Diri said residents who had lived in Yenagoa for many years could attest to the changes recorded.
“As I keep saying, those of us who were born in Yenagoa or know Bayelsa of old can see the difference today. It is enough to give thanks,” he added.
He further noted that Bayelsa’s natural environment, coupled with political will, could drive development and improve the lives of residents.
“Dear people of Bayelsa, I thank you also for your support and for standing by this government,” he said.
In his sermon, the guest preacher and former Bayelsa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, urged Christians to combine their religious beliefs with responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the theme, “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens,” Opelema said Christians had responsibilities both to the church and the wider society.
Drawing from Matthew 22:15-22, which recounts Jesus’ response to questions about paying taxes, the cleric said the biblical instruction to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God underscored the importance of responsible citizenship.
He urged Christians, particularly those occupying public offices, to demonstrate sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity in their daily activities.
Opelema lamented that while many people attended church services, fewer consistently practised Christian values in their everyday lives. He called on believers to become the salt of the earth and the light of the world through their conduct and service to society.
The cleric also described Bayelsa as richly endowed with natural and human resources, favourable weather conditions, land and waterways, which he said could support its development as a tourism destination.
He expressed optimism that God-fearing leadership would help the state realise its potential.
Highlights of the thanksgiving service included the unveiling of a book titled Lively Oracle, containing scriptural declarations made by the governor during morning devotions, and musical performances by gospel artistes.
Those in attendance included the governor’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, and his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe; as well as former deputy governors, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), among other dignitaries.

By Okey Maduforo Awka

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Anambra State, Senator Emma Anosike, has criticised the judiciary for interfering in the nomination of political party candidates, warning that the practice is undermining internal party democracy and threatening Nigeria’s democratic process.

Anosike described the judgment that replaced Senator Hope Uzodimma with Rochas Okorocha as the candidate for an Imo West senatorial district as an “imperial judgment” that would have only a momentary effect.

He expressed concern that a person who did not participate in the party’s nomination process could emerge as its candidate through a court ruling, despite established procedures for screening aspirants, capturing their details and conducting primary elections.

According to him, the affected aspirant allegedly bypassed these procedures and produced his own documents, which the party subsequently reported to the police as forged.

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Anosike said the police investigated the matter and confirmed the alleged forgery, adding that the documents were presented before the court but that the party’s position and police findings were disregarded.

He questioned how a candidate imposed on a political party through a court judgment could successfully contest an election without the support of the party whose platform he was seeking to use.

“If the person is the candidate of the party, how would the election be conducted without the party? Every election is a party. If the party turns its back on the person, that is the end of the person,” he said.

He observed that the problem was not peculiar to Imo State, alleging that courts across the country had increasingly been determining who becomes a candidate for political parties, sometimes without adequate consideration of the parties’ internal nomination processes.

He warned that such interventions could create divisions within political parties, particularly when party leadership and members refused to support candidates who had not emerged through recognised internal procedures.

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“How will the person campaign if he did not pass through the party process? Will you force the party members to vote for the person? You are creating more problems because the state party can issue a statement that nobody should work for or vote for the person,” he said.

Anosike however appealed to the judiciary to exercise caution in political party nomination disputes, stressing that the courts remained vital to the survival of democracy but should not undermine the autonomy of political parties.

“The judiciary is key to this democracy, and political parties are also important. The rate at which the judiciary is getting involved in party nominations is negatively impacting our democracy,” he said.

He further alleged that similar cases had occurred in Anambra State, where individuals who did not participate in party nomination processes secured candidacies through court judgments.

As a state party chairman, Anosike said it was difficult to work with candidates who had not participated in the party’s internal processes, adding that such individuals often lacked the support and acceptance of party members.

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Anosike also commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as significant infrastructural transformation in the state, urging residents of the South-East to appreciate and acknowledge achievements in governance.

He said the improvements in road infrastructure and public buildings under Uzodimma’s administration had contributed to the state’s development, noting that journeys between Owerri and Enugu had become considerably shorter.

Anosike cited the reconstruction of roads and buildings, including police stations that had reportedly collapsed after being poorly constructed under previous administrations, as evidence of the current government’s efforts to improve infrastructure.

He described the governors of South East as competing constructively with one another and urged political leaders and residents to support efforts that would advance the region’s collective interests.

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