…Says Political Disagreements Must Not Lead to Loss of Lives

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, Hon. (Chief) Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on security agencies to investigate the reported attack on the party’s State Assembly candidate for Ezza South, Barr. Rollins Ovu-unata Offia-Nwali.

Chukwu said the incident, which reportedly left one person dead, several others injured and a vehicle burnt, raised serious concerns about the safety of political actors and their supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the federal constituency candidate condemned political intimidation and violence, insisting that residents must be allowed to participate in the democratic process without fear.

He expressed gratitude to God for the survival of Offia-Nwali and others who reportedly escaped the incident, while extending condolences to the family of the deceased and wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

“As the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, I consider this incident a matter of the utmost seriousness. It occurred within the federal constituency I seek to represent, and I cannot remain silent when the safety, freedom and constitutional rights of our people are threatened,” he said.

Chukwu maintained that Ezza South belonged to its people and should not be treated as the political territory of any individual, officeholder or party.

He stressed that every citizen had the constitutional right to contest elections, support candidates, associate freely and participate in political activities without intimidation.

The NDC candidate expressed concern that the incident had generated political exchanges and accusations rather than a united demand for truth, accountability and justice.

He noted that allegations raised by Offia-Nwali against the Commissioner, Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali, reportedly involving intimidation of political supporters, an earlier assault on a supporter and circumstances surrounding the identification and subsequent destruction of a vehicle, required an independent investigation.

Chukwu, however, cautioned against treating the allegations as established facts before the conclusion of investigations.

“These allegations must be independently investigated. They should neither be dismissed because of the political positions of those involved nor accepted as established facts without evidence,” he said.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Security Adviser to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

According to him, the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the reported death, identify those responsible for the attack and determine whether any individual or group planned, sponsored, encouraged or facilitated the violence.

“No political office should confer immunity from investigation, and no political disagreement should become a death sentence,” he added.

Chukwu also appealed to political leaders and stakeholders in Ezza South and Ikwo to discourage threats

…Accuses Ebonyi Governor of Poor Performance, Challenges Him to Public Debate

The campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has rejected calls for its principal to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race, insisting that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru should instead reconsider his re-election bid.

The organisation, known as Anyi Ga Eme Ya, described the call by former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Hon. Barr. Uchenna Orji, for Odii to step aside in the interest of zoning as misplaced.

It accused the Nwifuru administration of lacking direction and failing to deliver on its promises, challenging the governor to a public debate ahead of the 2027 election.

The campaign organisation made its position known in a statement reacting to Orji’s comments on zoning and the outcome of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders Political Summit held on October 20, 2026.

It argued that the governor’s performance should be the primary consideration in determining who governs the state beyond 2027, rather than political arrangements allegedly designed to favour the incumbent.

According to the organisation, Ebonyi residents deserve leadership with a clear development agenda, accountability and a commitment to improving their welfare.

Questions Government Projects, Aircraft Purchase

The campaign organisation cited the Vanco flyover project as one of the issues it believes reflects the shortcomings of the current administration.

It also questioned the status of three aircraft which it alleged the state government announced it had purchased nearly two years ago, demanding clarification on their whereabouts and delivery.

On the proposed Ebonyi New Cement Company at Nkalagu, the organisation called on the government to provide verifiable information about the project’s status, including the relevant licences and preliminary technical assessments.

It argued that establishing a cement manufacturing plant requires extensive geological investigations and other technical evaluations, insisting that the government should clarify the level of progress made.

The organisation maintained that the electorate should assess the administration based on verifiable achievements and its handling of projects and commitments.

The claims and questions raised by the campaign organisation were not independently verified in the statement.

Rejects Zoning Argument, Faults Stakeholders’ Summit

Reacting to Orji’s argument that Odii should withdraw to respect the rotation of the governorship among Ebonyi North, Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South senatorial zones, the campaign organisation dismissed the position as politically motivated.

It also described the October 20 stakeholders’ summit as a “kangaroo summit”, alleging that its organisers were seeking to secure support for Nwifuru’s second-term ambition.

The organisation accused Orji and other supporters of the governor’s re-election bid of placing political interests above the welfare and aspirations of ordinary residents.

It insisted that the choice of the next governor should be determined by leadership records, policy proposals, development priorities and the electorate’s decision.

The campaign team added that Odii remained committed to contesting the 2027 election and would not abandon his ambition in response to calls for his withdrawal.

Alleges Intimidation of Opposition

The Anyi Ga Eme Ya organisation also raised concerns about what it described as an atmosphere of intimidation against opposition politicians in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It alleged that Nwifuru had threatened to sack local government chairmen who failed to deliver their areas during the election, describing the alleged threat as an attempt to pressure council officials into supporting the governor’s political ambition.

The organisation further cited reported killings in Ohaukwu and attacks in Ezza South, Onicha and Ivo local government areas as issues requiring attention.

It also condemned a reported restriction on opposition parties’ campaigns in the state, arguing that political parties should be allowed to canvass for votes in accordance with democratic principles and the law.

The organisation called on the relevant authorities to protect political actors and their supporters, ensure the safety of residents and prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence.

It urged security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure that political activities ahead of the election take place in a peaceful environment.

The allegations concerning threats against local government chairmen and restrictions on opposition campaigns were not independently verified.

Warns Against Misuse of Odii’s Name

The campaign organisation also cautioned individuals against using Odii’s name to seek government favour, political patronage or personal benefits.

It reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as an alternative leadership agenda focused on development, accountability and citizens’ welfare.

The organisation said the debate over zoning should not overshadow public scrutiny of the incumbent administration’s record and the policy proposals of candidates seeking to govern the state.

Challenges Nwifuru to Public Debate

As part of its response to calls for Odii’s withdrawal, the campaign organisation challenged Nwifuru to participate in a public debate with the PDP candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

It said the proposed debate would provide both politicians with an opportunity to explain their records, present their policies and outline their plans for Ebonyi State.

According to the organisation, the engagement would enable voters to compare the candidates’ positions on governance and development before making their choices.

It maintained that the governor should be prepared to defend his administration’s record before the electorate rather than rely solely on political endorsements and zoning arguments.

The campaign organisation reiterated that Odii would continue to engage residents on his governorship ambition and urged them to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.

The statement was signed by the Anyi Ga Eme Ya Campaign Organisation on behalf of Odii, the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State.

The Ebonyi State Government has effectively restricted political campaigns and gatherings in Ezza South Local Government Area, directing political parties and groups to obtain prior approval from the council chairman before holding such events.

The directive, issued by the Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Mkpuma, follows a recent security breach in Amaezekwe community amid growing concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abakaliki, Mkpuma expressed dismay over the security situation and said the measure was necessary to protect lives and property, maintain public order and prevent further security breaches.

He acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of association and peaceful assembly but warned that political gatherings in the local government area must henceforth receive prior approval from his office.

The chairman added that violations of the directive would attract appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party governorship candidate, Eze Oko, has condemned the reported killings and alleged attacks on opposition parties in the state, calling on political leaders to end violence and intimidation.

Oko questioned why opposition members were allegedly being targeted and urged youths to resist attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of violence.

He called for a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, insisting that political competition should be based on ideas, manifestos and records of performance rather than violence.

The LP candidate also cautioned political leaders against inflammatory statements capable of fuelling tension during the electioneering period.

He urged candidates seeking re-election to allow their achievements to speak for them instead of allegedly engaging political thugs to intimidate opponents.

Oko further appealed to youths to reject political thuggery and violence, while extending his condolences to the families of those reportedly killed in the incident.

The development comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with renewed calls for security agencies to investigate reported attacks and ensure that all political parties can operate without intimidation.

The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, has declared that 2027 is not the South-East’s turn to produce Nigeria’s president, insisting that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, is not the region’s best presidential candidate.

Umahi, who made the declaration during an interview with ARISE News on Friday, defended South-East political leaders supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, maintaining that their political choices should not be interpreted as betrayal of the Igbo presidential ambition.

“Peter Obi is not the best of our finest in South East. He’s not the best, he can never be the best,” Umahi declared.

The minister faulted Obi’s approach to the 2023 presidential election, alleging that he failed to adequately consult governors and other influential political stakeholders in the South-East before pursuing his ambition.

“You cannot play politics in South East without consulting people like us,” he maintained.

According to Umahi, any presidential aspirant seeking to represent the collective aspirations of the region must first engage critical stakeholders and build the necessary political consensus.

He argued that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election did not automatically make him the South-East’s most qualified presidential candidate, stressing that the region boasts several other capable political figures.

Umahi also questioned why Anambra State should be given preferential consideration whenever the opportunity arises for the South-East to produce Nigeria’s president.

Citing Nigeria’s first President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, who hailed from the area now constituting Anambra State, the minister maintained that Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and Imo states equally deserve consideration in future presidential arrangements.

On the growing support for Tinubu among South-East political leaders ahead of 2027, Umahi dismissed allegations that those backing the president had abandoned the region’s political interests.

He insisted that the South-East’s path to the presidency lies in strategic negotiations, consensus-building and alliances with other geopolitical zones rather than presenting loyalty to Obi as the ultimate test of commitment to the Igbo cause.

The former Ebonyi governor had earlier challenged comparisons between himself and Obi during a political engagement in Benin City in September, declaring that he saw no area in which the former Anambra governor was superior to him.

While expressing confidence that the South-East would eventually produce Nigeria’s president, Umahi maintained that the region’s opportunity had not yet arrived, insisting that “it is not yet our turn.”

By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State have scheduled a joint meeting for November 1 to strengthen collaboration and mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The planned meeting comes amid claims that the two parties are not working together in the state to advance Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
The meeting, convened by Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in his capacity as the state coordinator for Tinubu’s re-election campaign, is expected to bring together leaders and members of both parties, including serving and former political officeholders and members of their respective national and state working committees.
The APC State Chairman, Senator Emma Anosike, also confirmed the meeting, telling reporters that he would lead members of his party to attend the gathering.
The development is expected to counter claims of disunity between the two parties over the president’s re-election project in Anambra State.
According to an announcement dated October 22 and signed by Dr Ben Nwankwo, Chief of Staff to the Governor and Coordinator of the Secretariat for the Presidential Campaign Council in Anambra State, the meeting will take place at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., while accreditation will commence at 10 a.m. Participants have been directed to arrive early, as the doors will be closed once the meeting begins.
Attendance is restricted to duly accredited invitees drawn from designated categories of political officeholders, party officials and other stakeholders who remain members of APGA or APC.
Those invited include serving and former governors and deputy governors of Anambra State; members of the national, zonal and state working committees of both parties; and serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies from the state.
All APGA and APC candidates for the 2027 general elections who are members of either party have also been invited.
Other participants expected at the meeting include serving and former political appointees in the state and federal governments, members of the PBAT/APC Presidential Campaign Council from Anambra State, as well as serving and former elected local government chairmen, mayors and transition committee chairmen affiliated with either party.
The invitation list also covers current and former members of the boards of trustees of APGA and APC from Anambra State, coordinators of Tinubu support groups, and serving local government chairmen, secretaries, women leaders and youth leaders of the two parties.
Elected councillors, ward chairmen of APGA and APC, as well as members of the state working committees of the Accord Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are also listed among the invitees.
The announcement further stated that selected stakeholders nominated by the state chairmen of APGA and APC, alongside individuals nominated by the state coordinator of the Presidential Campaign Council, would attend the meeting.
It explained that the notice was intended to ensure that all eligible stakeholders were informed of the gathering, adding that anyone who falls within the specified categories would be deemed invited.
The joint meeting is expected to provide a platform for the two parties to coordinate their political activities in Anambra State ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Strengthen the headline and opening
Trim the lengthy invitation list
Make the report more neutral