Politics
Amaechi yet to decide as Rivers Political Leaders take sides in Wike, Fubara rift
Many observers had noted that Amaechi, who had been the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State since the party’s formation, gradually became withdrawn from the party’s affairs from the time he lost his bid for the presidential ticket of the party to incumbent President Bola Tinubu and after the general elections, when his preferred candidate, Tonye Cole, was defeated by Fubara, who had the backing of Wike.
But after the fallout between Wike and Fubara, many had expected Amaechi and his supporters to take the side of Fubara, owing to the well-reported animosity between him (Amaechi) and Wike. This, however, did not happen as the former minister maintained a deafening silence even as the APC National Working Committee (NWC) dissolved the Rivers APC state executive council, which was loyal to Amaechi, and installed a caretaker committee with members loyal to Wike, who is serving in the federal cabinet of the APC-led government as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Eze Chukwuemeka, a chieftain of the APC in Rivers and an ally of Amaechi, had said at that time that the dissolution of the party’s leadership in the state was “part of the ongoing efforts in a series to wane and totally demolish the political influence and legacies of Amaechi in Rivers State. The public should expect more in the coming months as the stage is set for the cabal to publicly display what has been strategically agreed upon behind closed doors.”
He said this was a grand ploy to demean Amaechi. “Things have fallen apart in the party. Some people from the party recently went to meet Wike to pledge their loyalty to him as their leader, although Wike is not a member of the APC,” he said, adding that the entire scenario was meant to spite Amaechi.
This ridicule, many observers noted, emanated from two sides: first, they suggested that it could have been a sort of payback against Amaechi for refusing to withdraw his ambition and support President Tinubu during the APC presidential primary election, where he came in second with 316 votes against President Tinubu’s 1,271 votes. The second reason, which they believe is closely related to the first, was the decision of Wike to work for the success of Tinubu during the general election against Atiku Abubakar, his own party’s (PDP) candidate. Those close to the president believed that Wike unilaterally delivered the 231,591 votes the president got from the 23 local government areas of the state. As such, it was not surprising when the president appointed Wike as a member of his cabinet from the state, contrary to the traditional way of the president’s party producing the cabinet member.
Observers have thus expected Amaechi to take full advantage of Wike’s rift with his estranged political godson and current governor, Fubara, to get back at his former Chief of Staff-turned-political foe.
This is even as Wike’s former ally and former governor of the state, Peter Odili, decided to identify with Fubara in the ongoing fight. Aside from Odili, other political leaders in the state have also taken the side of Fubara in the fight. They include: former national chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus; a former Minister of Transport and the Director General of the PDP-PCC in Rivers State, Dr Abiye Sekibo; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Opera; a former governor of the state, Sir Celestine Omehia; a former deputy governor of the state, Tele Ikuru; Senator Lee Maeba; and former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Gabriel Pidomson, among others.
Surprisingly, however, Amaechi has not publicly commented on the ongoing rift or taken sides. After the 2023 general election, the former minister went back to school, completed his law programme, and was admitted into the Nigerian Bar alongside 4,411 other successful candidates in March.
Like Amaechi, several other leaders of the APC in Rivers State have also refused to comment on the rift between Wike and Fubara, making observers believe the Amaechi faction of the APC in the state may be biding their time. The APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election in the state, Tonye Cole, an ally of Amaechi, has also maintained a stoic attitude towards the development of the state, but Senator Magnus Abe, who earlier left the APC to contest the governorship election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in January announced his decision to return to the APC and said it was only proper to support Tinubu’s administration. He has, however, also refused to comment on the Rivers political crisis.
Amaechi wants Rivers people to be the judge of character – Aide
Speaking with Daily Trust Saturday, however, a media aide to Amaechi, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said that the former governor of Rivers State is not keeping quiet or silent about the political development in Rivers State.
Eze, who spoke with Daily Trust Saturday in Port Harcourt, said that it was wrong to assume that the Wike or his loyalists have taken over APC in Rivers State. He added that it’s an elusive dream to assume that Ameachi has lost out in Rivers State politics.
“That is nothing but an elusive dream, as they lack what it takes to take over the structure of the party in the state. Forget about the so-called APC; they know that they have lost the battle for the soul of the party in the state as all their plans are falling down like the cards.
“In answer to your question on what Amaechi is doing, to the best of my understanding, it is to bring to light the statement that ‘silence most of the time is golden and that silence at times is louder than much noise’.
“For a clearer picture, Amaechi has played his politics in Rivers State for over 24 years, and in the same vein, Wike has also played his own politics for 24 years in Rivers State. What Amaechi is doing is allowing the people of Rivers State and the entire Nigerian population to compare the politics and personalities of these two characters and then determine who is a better leader to lead the state in 2027.
“I will suggest that we just be calm and watch out for the scenario. Wike can’t take over APC when he is the greatest enemy of APC in the state; he never knew how it was formed, so what he is currently doing is the type of politics he is well known for, which will come to nothing in a few years.
“In conclusion, Amaechi is the soul of Rivers State politics, and neither Wike nor anybody born by a woman can dislodge him, no matter the evil machinations or plots. Those who have followed Wike sheepishly have come to understand the political blunder they have committed and are in the process of retracing their steps. It is also not in doubt that Fubara is the current governor of Rivers State, and nobody will deny him that. Amaechi, as a peaceful and patriotic fellow, can’t work against the state or her governor.”
Another associate of the former minister, who pleaded anonymity, said Ameachi is a man of high principle and does not give in to flippant talks.
He said Amaechi was busy all this time with his law programme and was just called to the bar.
“He is fully aware of all the political activities in the state and will talk at an appropriate time,” he said.
The immediate past Publicity Secretary of APC in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, said Amaechi has always been wary of taking on issues pertaining to his former staff and will always maintain that disposition.
“He supported someone else against Wike in 2015 and 2019 for reasons Rivers people and Nigerians are now beginning to ask his (Amaechi’s) opinions. What else will he say that he didn’t say before? Asking where he is in the current fight for the soul of Rivers State will be most unfair to him.
“As per the talk of Wike’s loyalists taking over the APC in Rivers State, we leave that to the courts to decide,” he added.
Daily Trust
…donates N300 million to back Mbah’s re-election
By Chinedu Sabastine
The people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Saturday turned out en masse to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Peter Mbah for a second term in office, come, 2027.
At a rally tagged, “Ofu Obi Mega Solidarity Rally,” held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, the people of the zone not only endorsed Mbah as their sole governorship candidate but also donated the sum of three hundred million Naira, N300 million, to procure nomination form for the governor.
Earlier, elders and traditional rulers from the senatorial district presented Gov. Mbah with a totem, Ofo, as a sign of their support and solidarity.
Prominent sons and daughters attended the rally in their numbers including the former governor of the old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo and the former Senate President Ken Nnamani were among the top citizens of the zone that graced the occasion.
Speaking, Gov. Mbah, overjoyed with the show of support and solidarity from his people, said that he was overwhelmed.
Mbah noted that at an earlier rally held at Nsukka by the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, the turn out and mobilization was impressive but that of the Enugu was stunning.
“This is massive. I have used this word before but this one is mind blowing. The last time I was at Nsukka, I saw a sea of heads but this one quite stunning,” Mbah declared pointing out that he lacked words to show he delighted he was.
He pointed out that the endorsement of President Tinubu was also highly appreciated and added that the show of solidarity was highly appreciated.
According to Mbah, his people did a similar thing in 2023 and were re-affirming their support again this time around.
“Four years ago, you presented your son as a governor and today, you are re-affirming the import of that presentation and the import of what you are doing today cannot be lost on us.
“This show of affection and support is beyond symbolicism and my heart is full of gratitude, gratitude because you have always stood firmly like a rock behind me,”he said.
Gov. Mbah said that four years ago, his people did something that defined an era, stressing that what they did has today produced tangible results because today, Enugu has air transports, EnuguAir, a remodeled Hotel Presidential, completed and functional International Conference Centre, ICC, transport terminal as well as CNG buses with Air conditioner and wifi services as well as Green and Smart Schools and Type 2 primary health centres among others.
He said that when he assumed office, he sign a citizens charter to deliver good governance to the people and has been living up to it.
Expressing hope that if returned as a governor, come 2027 he would do more, pointing out that in no distant time, Enugu will begin to experience uninterrupted power supply by launching a 36O mega watts of electricity through a Coal fire powered plant.
With that he said, citizens of the state will stay in the state to do business instead of moving out to other cities in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking earlier, former governor, Jim Nwobodo, while endorsing Mbah for a second term in office said that other governors before Mbah did eight years and that it would be good that he too go for a second term in office because he has performed and is performing.
“I didn’t come here for party. Others did eight years and now Mbah will do eight years. He is doing well, let him complete his second term. As far as I am concerned, Peter Mbah will go for a second term.
“I don’t have much to say. I say the truth. Peter Mbah is doing well. It is not only APC that will vote. PDP, ADC and others will vote for Peter Mbah. Allow Peter Mbah to finish what he started,” Nwobodo declared.
On his part, the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani said that Mbah has shown that he has a vision and a mission and should be allowed to continue.
Nnamani urged those who are itching to compete with governor Mbah to steer clear because one does not rule with anger. “We have only one candidate and that is Gov. Mbah,” he emphasised.
The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Ben Nwoye, commended political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District for endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office, describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.
He praised the district’s leaders for what he described as a visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.
“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and many of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity,” Nwoye said.
He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.
Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.
According to him, Mbah’s performance has earned him support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also highlighted the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a major factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.
Chairman of the Planning/Steering Committee that organised the mega rally, Ofu Obi Mega Rally, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, noted that Gov. Mbah by every ramification has shown the capacity to govern and should be allowed to continue with his good works and urged his people to give the governor their maximum support.
“Today is not just another political gathering. Today is a historic declaration of faith, unity, gratitude, and determination. Today, the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have risen with one voice, one spirit, and one mission to declare before the entire nation that we stand firmly, proudly, and unshakably behind the re-election of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, come 2027.
“What we are witnessing here today is not an ordinary rally. This is the mother of all rallies. This is the gathering of a people united by progress, inspired by vision, and riven by the extraordinary transformation taking place across Enugu State under the purposeful leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. Our assembly here today offers us a unique opportunity to welcome home, our son in whom we are well pleased.
“My brothers and sisters, when leadership is visionary, the people rejoice. When leadership is courageous, development becomes visible. And when leadership is committed to the welfare of the people, hope returns to society.
“Governor Peter Mbah came into office with a clear vision to make Enugu State one of the leading economies in Nigeria, to create jobs for our youths, to modernize infrastructure, to secure our communities, to reposition education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and technology for the future.
“Today, that vision is no longer a promise; it is becoming a living reality before our very eyes. He came, he saw and he is conquering the development challenges and transforming the socio-political and economic landscape of the capital State of Eastern region. Across our roads, schools, hospitals, communities, and economic sectors, the evidence of transformational leadership is speaking louder than propaganda. The people can see the difference. The youths can feel the energy of a government working for them. Women can see renewed hope. Traders, farmers, civil servants, professionals, and entrepreneurs can testify that Enugu State is moving forward with confidence and speed.
“That is why we are gathered here today to celebrate and to consummate and express a collective resolve to queue and rally round this icon of leadership and enigmatic apostle of disruptive innovation, who is steadily taking us to the lofty heights of growth and stability. We are here today not because anybody forced us, but because gratitude compels us; because conviction unites us; because the future of Enugu State matters to us.
“This rally is a loud message to the entire nation that Enugu East Senatorial Zone and in deed Enugu State, stands solidly behind our son, our leader, our pride, Governor Peter Mbah. We are proud that he comes from our soil, but even more importantly, we are proud of the quality of leadership he has brought to Enugu State.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ben Nwoye, has commended political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District for endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office.
Nwoye, describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.
Nwoye spoke on Saturday at Okpara Square during a gathering where stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District publicly declared support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah.
Addressing the gathering, the APC chieftain praised the district’s leaders for what he described as a visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.
“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and many of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity,” Nwoye said.
He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.
Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.
According to him, Mbah’s performance has earned him support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also highlighted the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a major factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.
“Rotation among the three senatorial districts has given us peace since 1999. It is good that this event held today, in addition to those of Enugu West and North senatorial zones, so that our people will know where we are going,” he said.
Nwoye explained that the zoning formula had ensured fairness and equitable distribution of political power among the state’s three senatorial districts, fostering unity and inclusion.
He urged political stakeholders to continue supporting the rotational arrangement, which he said had helped sustain a peaceful political atmosphere in the state.
“The stakeholders should sustain the peaceful political atmosphere in Enugu State brought to us through the zoning of the governorship position,” he added.
The endorsement event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and supporters from across Enugu East Senatorial District, many of whom expressed confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah.
Chief Sir OAU Onyema, a senatorial aspirant for Enugu West in the 2027 elections, has announced his resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing alleged lack of transparency, internal manipulation, and attempts by party leaders to impose candidates on the electorate.
Speaking during a media briefing, Onyema accused influential figures within the party of abandoning democratic principles by allegedly sidelining popular aspirants in favour of loyalists and personal associates.
According to him, party leaders have failed to release the results of screening exercises and purported primary elections, raising concerns that the process is being manipulated to favour preferred candidates before names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The former aspirant specifically alleged that a prominent political figure from Delta State was working with some NDC leaders to undermine the wishes of the people of Enugu West Senatorial District by promoting a personal aide for the senatorial ticket despite lacking grassroots political support in the district.
Onyema said such moves would be resisted through lawful and democratic means, insisting that the people of Enugu West deserve candidates with established political relevance and local acceptance.
He further claimed that efforts to integrate political structures built around Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the NDC were frustrated, resulting in what he described as weak and ineffective party structures at the ward level.
The politician also alleged financial irregularities within the party, including what he termed the undue collection of funds from members, though he did not provide specific evidence during the briefing.
Expressing disappointment with the party’s operations, Onyema declared that the NDC had failed to live up to expectations of transparency, fairness, and sincerity.
He vowed to work towards providing voters in Enugu West with credible alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections, regardless of political party affiliation.
“We remain committed to the ideals of justice, fairness, democracy, and the will of the people,” Onyema stated, adding that while he still believes a new Nigeria is possible, he has lost confidence in the NDC and is formally exiting the party.
He maintained that the 2027 elections would be “interesting” and expressed confidence that voters would increasingly focus on the quality of candidates rather than political party platforms.
In the now-controversial post shared on his social media page, Osborne wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”
The comment quickly generated reactions online before the Akwa Ibom State Government moved to terminate his appointment.
In a letter dated June 2, 2026, the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor announced his immediate disengagement.
The termination letter, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Osborne Ubong Okon had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.Politics
According to the letter, the decision was taken over actions the office described as disloyal.
“You are hereby relieved of your engagement as a Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect and from today, 2nd June 2026,” the memo read.
The letter further cited “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to keep the office “purified” as reasons for the dismissal.
The office also issued a warning to members of the public and government officials regarding future dealings with the former aide.
“Any person having dealings with the above-mentioned former Media Aide in relation to this office of his former engagement does so on his/her own peril,” the statement added.
The development has sparked fresh conversations about the limits of political expression for government appointees and the expectations of loyalty within public service, particularly when comments are directed at the presidency.
Neither Osborne nor the Presidency had publicly responded to the development as of the time of filing this report.
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.
The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.
Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.
Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.
The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.
Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.
He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.
He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.
He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.
“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.
The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.
Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.
“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.
The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.
He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.
Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.
“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”
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