Politics
Atiku’s VP: He’s a traitor, southern, middle belt leaders reject Okowa
LEADERS of thoughts, Elder statesmen from four of the six geo-political zones of the country, under the aegis of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF led by South South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark have lampooned the Governor of Delta and the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 Presidential Poll, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, saying he is a traitor.
The Leaders in a statement on Friday said that the action of the Delta State Governor is a betrayal of the highest order and must be condemned in all its ramifications by the people of the South and Middle Belt made up of South West; South South; South East and the Middle Belt.
According to the Leaders, Okowa’s acceptance to be the running mate to the Presidential Candidate of the PDP and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is treacherous and tantamount to a despicable pawning of the political future of the people of Southern Nigeria, just as they rejected him in totality as they have vowed that the Southern part of the country will not vote Atiku Abubakar/ Ifeanyi Okowa’s ticket come 2023 Presidential election.
The leaders of the South South, Afenifere, Middle- Belt, Ndi- Igbo( Ohaneaze, Pan Niger Delta said that it became very imperative for them to call for the jettisoning of Okowa from Delta State, South South geo- Political zone of the country as a Vice Presidential candidate because of their persistent position that the Southern part of the country should produce the next President after the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari and not for the zone to go for the position of Vice President.
Recall that the SMBLF under the leadership of former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark has been on top of its voice, calling on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the APC to ensure that their Presidential candidates are picked from the south, but unfortunately, the PDP left the contest opened and at the end of the day, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from Adamawa State, North East won as the PDP Presidential candidate for the 2023 Presidential election, just as the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC at its recently concluded Special Convention, elected former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Tinubu as its Presidential candidate for next year’s election.
The statement was signed by Chief Edwin Clark as the Chairman of SMBLF and National Leader of PANDEF; Chief Ayo Adebanjo for Afenifere as the leader; Professor George Obiozor for Ohanaeze Ndigbo as the President- General and Dr. Pogu Bitrus for Middle Belt Forum as the National President.
The statement read: “The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) has berated the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for accepting his nomination as Vice Presidential Candidate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 2023 general elections. It is unspeakable and quite disappointing that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is currently Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, and a native of Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area (one of the Igbo-speaking areas) of Delta State, would exhibit such barefaced unreliability.
“It bears recalling that the 17 Governors of the Southern States of Nigeria, both of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the Chairmanship of the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, met in Asaba, the capital of Delta State on May 11, 2021, and took far-reaching decisions, including that, based on the principles of fairness, equity and justice, the presidency should rotate to the south, at the end of the statutory eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
And this very Governor Okowa was the host of that historic meeting. The Southern Governors later met again in Lagos, on July 5, where they reaffirmed their decision, and again in Enugu, on September 16, to restate the call that the presidency should rotate to the south in 2023.
“It is essential to underline that the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF), applauded the meeting of the governors, given its significant representation and the gravity of the outcome; we followed up and issued a similar statement after our meeting in Abuja on the 30th of May 2021, asking that the presidency should rotate to the south. And went further, on several other occasions, to caution political stakeholders from the South, including serving and former governors, ministers, senators, etcetera, not to, on any account, allow themselves to be appointed or nominated as running mate to any presidential candidate, if the presidency is not zoned to the south and that we will work against such person or persons.
“It is, therefore, most unfortunate that the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa who should know better, accepted his appointment as running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. We do not have anything personal against Ifeanyi Okowo but his action is treacherous and tantamount to a despicable pawning of the political future of the people of Southern Nigeria.
“Sadly, it is also now common knowledge that he spent resources belonging to the government and people of Delta state, to lobby for the position, extensively. And that explains why he never made any statement when his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), thoughtlessly jettisoned the zoning principle, which has become established as a norm and an intrinsic part of the political trajectory.
“It is difficult to fathom how a political party can claim to be on a supposed “rescue mission” with such false footings of unfairness, injustice, duplicity and gross insensitivity to national outlook.
“It is regrettable that while most of Governor Okowa’s southern and northern counterparts have maintained gallant, patriotic deference to the unity and peace of the country, above blinkered political considerations, by their resolute stance on the rotation of the presidency to the south in 2023, Governor Ifeanyi Okiwa, the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, of all people, would gullibly and slavishly capitulated to the bonbon of absurdity. Thus, acceding to a situation whereby, one person rules for eight years and hands over to another of his stock, in a country of at least 360 ethnic groups. What a shame!
“The people of southern Nigeria chimed at Asaba, Lagos, Enugu, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Umuahia, and Abuja, continuously on the zoning of the presidency and that another northern presidency after the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari would be injurious to the unity and peace of the country.
“Governor Okowa has, by his action, betrayed the trust reposed on him by his colleagues; the southern governors, the entire good people of southern Nigeria and all well-meaning Nigerians. He has made himself persona non grata, not only, with SMBLF but all citizens who treasure our oneness and hopes of a more united and peaceful Nigeria.
“We, therefore, reject Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his Vice Presidency, and leave him to his lot, but let the world know that this is a betrayal of the highest order.
“And that this is not a matter of loyalty to one’s political party, but rather a greedy, parochial and unpatriotic action, committed against the general interest of his State, Delta state, the Niger Delta region, and Southern Nigeria. It is, certainly, also not in the interest of the nation at large.
“We commend the patriotism of all Nigerians who cherish our unity and progress as a country and further urge all such Nigerians; in the North and the South; young and mature, the high and mighty; irrespective of religion and tribe, to remain steadfast on the centrality of the presidency to rotating to the South in 2023, in the national interest.”
Politics
Umahi Vs Nwifuru: Gov’s candidate dropped as APC Forwards Approved National Assembly Candidates List to INEC (See List)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally submitted its approved list of candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman and marked for the attention of the Director of Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), the ruling party said the submission followed the conclusion of appeals arising from its primary elections.
According to the letter, the reports of the Appeal Committees were reviewed and subsequently approved by the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), making them the party’s final position on the affected constituencies.
The APC stated that the submission was made in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines.
The party forwarded the names of candidates for seven Senatorial Districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies, requesting the electoral commission to take the necessary action.
The letter was jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
One of the striking names dropped by the party is the name of Member representing Afikpo North/Edda Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, Barr. Iduma Igariwey an ally of the Governor.
His replacement with Dave Umahi’s candidate Ekumankama Joseph has once again brought to the fore the silent war between Governor Nwifuru and the Minster for Works, and former governor Dave Umahi.
Observers see this as a major victory for Umahi who had earlier questioned the governor’s consensus decisions which his camp alleged did not follow extensive consultations with major stakeholders.
It also sets the stage for a volatile political atmosphere in Ebonyi ahead the 2027 elections.
See List:
Waiting has ended as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has effected a sweeping substitution of its National Assembly candidates in Ondo State, replacing eight candidates who were declared during the primaries, following the review of petitions arising from the party’s recently concluded primary elections.
The changes were conveyed in a letter dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), forwarding the party’s approved list of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates after the determination of appeals by the Primary Election Appeal Committees.
The letter, signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, stated that the reviewed list represented the final position of the party on the affected constituencies after the reports of the appeal committees were considered and approved by the National Working Committee in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
The review produced major changes in Ondo State, with the party replacing two of its three senatorial candidates and all six House of Representatives candidates affected by the appeals.
For the Senate, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the APC candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District, while Senator Olajide Ipinsagba emerged in place of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye for Ondo North Senatorial District. The Ondo South Senatorial ticket was unaffected by the review with Hon. Kekemeke as candidate.
In the House of Representatives, Hon. Donald K. Ojogo replaced Mr. Akingboye Leke for Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency, while Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso displaced Hon. Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.
The NWC also substituted Hon. Kayode Adejana with Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency and replaced Hon. Olumuyiwa Daramola with Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo for Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.
Similarly, Dr. Abiola Makinde lost the APC ticket for Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency to Hon. Dr. Michael Olamidotun Akintomide, while Oyerinmade Matthew was replaced by Hon. Festus Ayodele Adefiranye as the party’s candidate for Ile Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
The extensive substitutions make Ondo one of the states most affected by the APC’s post-primary appeal process, effectively overturning the outcomes of several constituency primaries conducted earlier by the party.
However, the results of other four candidates were not changed, namely; Isaacs Kekemeke remains the candidate for Ondo South; Ifeoluwa Ehindero for Akoko Northeast/Northwest federal constituency; Adegboyega Adefarati for Akoko Southwest/Southeast federal constituency and the only female, Omowummi Olatunji for Akure North/South federal constituency.
The development is expected to generate fresh political intrigue within the Ondo APC, as many of the aspirants whose victories were reversed had earlier celebrated their emergence from the party primaries.
The revised list has now been forwarded to INEC as the APC’s final position on the affected National Assembly constituencies, although the changes could trigger fresh legal battles from aggrieved aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has identified what he believes is President Bola Tinubu’s greatest challenge, saying the Nigerian leader is surrounded by aides and political associates who are unwilling to tell him the truth when government policies fail.
Speaking on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme on Thursday, the outspoken lawmaker said the President’s inner circle has become one of the biggest obstacles to the success of his administration because many of those closest to him lack the courage to offer honest advice.
“I believe that his problem, I said it before, is the people around him,” Ndume said.
The senator, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that President Tinubu was familiar with his forthright views on governance, adding, “The President knows me to some extent. I give it to him, he has so much to do.”
Ndume disclosed that despite belonging to the same party as the President, he had only met Tinubu officially on a few occasions, including discussions on health sector funding.
He also revealed that he wrote two letters requesting an audience with the President to discuss pressing national issues, particularly insecurity and citizens’ welfare.
“I wrote two letters and marshalled my points on what can be done, especially about security and the welfare of citizens. Those are the main purposes of government,” he said.
Asked whether some individuals within the Presidency had blocked his access to the President, Ndume replied, “Yeah, both.”
He recalled that one of his meetings with Tinubu came after a presidential aide informed the President that he had defended his administration during a television interview.
According to Ndume, Tinubu then invited him for a private meeting, during which they held an extensive discussion.
Although he dismissed claims that a cabal controls the Presidency, Ndume questioned whether those surrounding the President were giving him objective advice.
“No, not cabal, so to say. I don’t want to give them that,” he said.
On whether Tinubu was firmly in control of his administration, Ndume responded: “He can be in charge. ‘He can be in charge’ is different from ‘he is in charge.’”
He argued that many of the President’s aides owe their political fortunes to Tinubu, making it difficult for them to challenge his decisions.
“Majority of them, about 95 per cent, are his dependants. Even before he became President, he was taking care of them. When you have people around you who are your dependants, they cannot look you in the face and say, ‘Mr President, this cannot work,’” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Ndume reaffirmed his loyalty to both the APC and the Tinubu administration, insisting that his comments were intended to strengthen rather than undermine the government.
When reminded that the Tinubu administration was also his government, he replied, “It’s our government. If not for Tinubu, my governor, the Vice President and his wife, I probably wouldn’t have remained in the APC.”
By Sir Amby Uneze KSJI
The dye is cast and the atmosphere is gathering momentum when a people should stand up and be counted. Anyone who allows his father’s name to get lost in the scheme of things definitely will be hunted for life by the ancestors. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to wake up when the ikoro sounds so as to be awake and retain or regain your relevance during the fight.
Ndi Mbaise are people of immense prowess with large population, education, wealth blessed by God to be champions of a race. In Igboland, Mbaise people are noted for her bravery from creation, hence they are widely regarded as the most populus entity in Igboland (Mbaise nwere mmadu).
Coming down to the discussion at the moment and as the political landscape of Nigeria continues to evolve, Ndi Mbaise sub zone stands at a point where a choice must be made. The upcoming 2027 elections present a pivotal opportunity for the people of Owerri Zone to make a decisive choice for their future and Mbaise is a commanding force to decide who represents Owerri zone at the Senate. In this context therefore comes a man of note, gentle in style and in performance, trustworthy, integrity personified, character endowed and a man of vision and mission. Sir Basil Maduka emerges as a compelling candidate. He is one who embodies the aspirations and concerns of the people. It is crucial that we unite behind him in this journey, as he is, indeed, our only joker for the Owerri zone Senate.
History beckons on him as the only senatorial candidate from Mbaise. It is also commendable that Sir Basil Maduka comes from Ezinihitte Mbaise which shares the same federal Constituency with Ahiazu Mbaise. Record shows that Ezinihitte Mbaise has not produced a Senator since the current political dispensation which started in 1999. The only attempt made was during the Governor Evan Enwerem’s regime around 1992 when Senator Bright Nwanne, a young, vibrant and enterprising gentleman spent only 18 months as a senator.
Moreover, as the flame of the Labour Party continues to spread across the Owerri zone because of Sir Basil Maduka who is flying the party’s flag for the Senate, the people of Owerri federal Constituency and the Mbaike federal Constituency join hands with the Mbaise nation, to provide a smooth ride for Sir Basil Maduka.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight the senators who have represented Imo East (Owerri Zone) in the Nigerian Senate from 1999 to date, in chronological order: Evan Enwerem (1999–2003) – 4 years (Mbaike), Amah Iwuagwu/Eze Ajoku (2003–2007) – 4 years (Mbaike/Owerri federal), Chris Anyanwu (2007-2015) – 8 years (Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala), Samuel Anyanwu (2015–2019) – 4 years (Mbaike), and Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (2019–present) – 8 years (Owerri Federal Constituency).
From the foregoing analysis, it has become obvious that the only Federal Constituency that has not tested the Senate seat since 1999 is the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte where Sir Basil Maduka hails from. 2027 brings the best bet to reconcile this anomaly and give the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency a sense of belonging. Ndi Mbaise this is your chance to have a Senator in 2027 because nobody is sure of the governorship in 2028.
Sir Basil Maduka is not a newcomer to the political arena. With a wealth of experience in governance and community service, he has demonstrated a commitment to the people of Ndi Mbaise. His sound mind has prepared him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of legislative responsibilities. His ability to connect with the high and mighty including constituents and understand their needs is unparalleled, making him a standout candidate in a crowded field.
Maduka’s vision for the Owerri Zone is rooted in the principles of inclusivity and progress. He has a comprehensive plan that addresses critical issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. His focus on building a robust educational framework is particularly noteworthy, as it aims to empower the youth and provide them with the tools necessary for success. By prioritizing these areas, Maduka is not just campaigning for votes; he is advocating for the sustainable development of our area. He is worried that as influential and prominence Mbaise is; it lacks a university, federal presence, and so on.
In a time when political integrity is often questioned, Sir Basil Maduka stands out as a beacon of trustworthiness. His reputation for honesty and transparency resonates deeply with the electorate. Our people are increasingly looking for leaders who prioritize ethical governance, and Maduka exemplifies these values. His commitment to accountability will ensure that the interests of Ndi Mbaise are safeguarded at every level of governance.
The youth of Ndi Mbaise represent a significant portion of the electorate, and their engagement is vital for the future of our area. Maduka recognizes this and has made it a cornerstone of his mission. By actively involving young people in his political discourse and addressing their concerns, he is fostering a new generation of leaders. His initiatives aimed at youth empowerment will not only resonate with young people but also inspire a sense of ownership and responsibility among them.
One of Maduka’s most admirable qualities is his collaborative approach to politics. He believes in building bridges with various stakeholders, including other political parties and community leaders. This willingness to engage in dialogue and seek common ground is essential for fostering a united front in addressing the challenges faced by our people. In a time of division, Maduka’s leadership promises to bring our zone together for the greater good.
Finally, as we look ahead to the 2027 elections, it is imperative that we rally around Sir Basil Maduka. His proven leadership, community-centric vision, integrity, and commitment to youth engagement make him the ideal candidate for the Owerri Senate. The stakes are high, and the future of Ndi Mbaise depends on our collective decision. Let us not leave Mbaise open; let us stand united behind our only joker, Sir Basil Maduka of Labour Party, and pave the way for a brighter future for the Owerri Zone.
Residents from various communities in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, as their preferred choice for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday during a gathering tagged “Street Endorsement for Odii” held in Afikpo.
Speaking at the event, the Ebonyi State PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, described Odii’s governorship aspiration as timely and necessary, arguing that the state needed a leader with the competence and vision to drive development.
According to her, Odii possesses the capacity, integrity, experience, and contacts required to reposition Ebonyi State and improve the welfare of its citizens.
She urged residents to rally behind the PDP candidate, warning that the state risked further setbacks if leadership was entrusted to individuals lacking the requisite experience and commitment.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South Zone in the 2027 elections, Mrs. Maria Nwachi, called on residents to support Odii’s ambition and make effective use of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the elections.
Nwachi, a former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, described Odii as a leader who understands the challenges facing Ebonyians and has the capacity to address them.
She expressed confidence that the PDP candidate would bring transformational leadership to the state if elected.
The PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-East Constituency, Mr. Iheukwumere Okogwu-Otu, described the endorsement as a significant step towards shaping the future of Ebonyi State.
He said the gathering reflected the confidence many residents have in Odii’s ability to provide purposeful leadership and address the state’s challenges.
Similarly, the PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-West Constituency, Mr. Ewa Chukwumaijem, urged residents to support the PDP governorship candidate and ensure they obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the election.
The event drew supporters from several communities across Afikpo, who pledged their backing for the PDP candidate as preparations for the 2027 governorship race gather momentum.
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