Politics
Convention: Lamido, Turaki, Makarfi lead PDP chairman race
The PDP leaders, who are also involved in the transition process, that during the Northern stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, it was agreed that the North-West zone should produce the party’s national chairman, while the three northern zones would this week decide on the consensus candidates for all key positions.
Party insiders disclosed that the North-West zone was expected to choose among former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, with Turaki reportedly enjoying an early majority support in the contest.
A top party official said that Turaki was likely to emerge as the next PDP national chairman, adding that he enjoyed the backing of key stakeholders, including the few governors now left in the party.
He stated, “The noise and tension in the party ahead of the convention are expected because it’s a democratic setting where members’ interests naturally differ. With an elective convention coming up in November in Ibadan, such disagreements are not unusual.
“However, despite these tensions, the party is making progress. Stakeholders are meeting, and discussions are ongoing about zoning and sharing of positions.
“Over the weekend, northern leaders, including governors, former governors, serving senators, and former principal officers of the National Assembly met in Abuja to deliberate on the region’s position, particularly concerning the office of the national chairman, which is the most senior position in the party.
It was agreed that the position of national chairman should be micro-zoned to the North-West.
“Consequently, the zone is expected to produce the next national chairman of the party. As of now, the major contenders include the former Minister of Special Duties, who enjoys the support of several governors and majority of members from the North-West and beyond, Turaki is likely going to be the next PDP National Chairman. Also, the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; and former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, are also in the race.
“The final decision will be made after the various zones conclude their consultations. The North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West are all expected to meet and produce consensus candidates for their respective positions. Before the week ends, the list of consensus candidates, including that of the national chairman, is expected to be ready. Don’t forget that the committee is still selling forms. If things go as expected in Turaki’s favour, he will resign from his current position as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to pick the form.”
The North currently occupies key National Working Committee positions, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer, as well as the National Vice Chairmen representing the North-East, North-West, and North-Central zones.
Although the party has resolved to hold the event in Ibadan, dissatisfaction persists particularly among supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who remains displeased with the leadership of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.
Wike’s loyalists are reportedly angered by the lingering leadership disputes in the South-South, battles over control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and other states, as well as disagreements surrounding the micro-zoning of elective offices ahead of the convention.
FHC adjourns hearing
These internal crises have now escalated into a legal confrontation. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia states, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Nnanna, along with South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee of breaching the party’s constitution and internal election procedures.
The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was adjourned to October 16 following a disagreement over who was legally authorised to represent the PDP.
The party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Chief Chris Uche (SAN) claimed to be the rightful counsel. This made the judge to direct them to present evidence of authorisation before the next hearing on October 20.
Meanwhile, a letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 members of the NWC reaffirmed the decision to remove Ajibade and appoint Chief Uche (SAN) as his replacement. Ajibade, however, maintained that only a national convention had the authority to remove him.
In a fresh twist, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fixed October 31 for judgment of the suit seeking to halt the Ibadan convention over alleged violations of the party’s constitution.
Justice Omotosho set the date after hearing arguments for and against the suit filed by three aggrieved party members.
The plaintiffs — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) — are asking the court to stop the convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are expected to be elected.
The plaintiffs alleged that the planned convention breached the PDP Constitution.
The nine defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission; the PDP; the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; the National Working Committee; the National Executive Committee; Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho reaffirmed his earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the convention, warning that he would not hesitate to nullify any action taken in violation of the court’s directive.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court not to dismiss the case as a mere internal party matter but to view it as an effort to enforce compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the PDP Constitution.
Daudu argued that the Nigerian Constitution mandated INEC to monitor the congresses of political parties before they can be deemed valid.
However, the party’s acting chairman, Damagum, represented by Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to decline jurisdiction, arguing that issues relating to conventions and congresses were internal party affairs.
This position was supported by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), who represented the PDP’s NWC and NEC, insisting that the courts lacked the authority to intervene in the party’s internal matters.
In a related development, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, petitioned the Inspector- General of Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Department of State Services, denying that he signed the August 29 letter notifying INEC of the planned convention and requesting an investigation into the alleged forgery of the letter.
Regardless of the party’s dismissal of Anyanwu’s claims and endorsement of a probe of his allegation by the Department of State Services, the developments have deepened uncertainty over the convention, raising fears that the internal wrangling, forgery allegations and court disputes could derail the preparations for the PDP’s leadership transition.
Consensus arrangement
Speaking on the consensus arrangement that would lead to the emergence of the next party chairman, a PDP chieftain from the North-West, explained that the decision does not stop anyone from contesting, noting that any party member from any zone who is unhappy with the arrangement is free to run for any position of his choice.
“The PDP constitution allows for both consensus and open contest, giving stakeholders room to agree while respecting the rights of others to contest,” he added.
Another party leader from the North, who also corroborated the development, told The PUNCH, “During our recent meeting, the majority agreed that the position of national chairman should be zoned to the North-West.
“Other positions were also micro-zoned in a kind of swap arrangement; some offices initially allocated to the North-West were moved to other geopolitical zones. The leaders of the three northern zones – North-West, North-East, and North-Central – will now convene separate meetings within their zones this week to decide on consensus candidates for the various positions.
“As of now, the former Minister of Special Duties (Turakin) is in the race and may emerge chairman as he enjoys majority support, while some party leaders are also supporting Lamido for the position of national chairman. Also in the race from the North-West is former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi.
“When the North-West leaders meet later this week, they are expected to agree on a consensus candidate. However, that will not prevent others from contesting as anyone who disagrees with the consensus is free to participate. That is the beauty of democracy. So, that is the stage we are at now.”
Confirming the micro-zoning arrangement, a former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Umar Tsauri, explained that the positions initially zoned to the North-West had been further micro-zoned to the North-East, while those for the North-Central have been allocated to the North- West.
Tsauri, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, stated, “Yes, the majority agreed that the national chairman should go to the North-West, but a few people have reservations and say they have a minority stance. But the majority agreed with that. In fact, as far as the Northern Caucus is concerned, the position has been micro-zoned to the North-West.
“The North-Central wanted to have the national chairman, but the majority supported the North-West because the contest was between North-Central and North-West. What the party leaders for the North did was: all the positions currently occupied by people from the North-West go to the North-East, and those from the North-East go to the North-Central; the positions of the North- Central have been zoned to the North-West. It is now the prerogative of the zones to do what we call consensus.”
When asked about the candidates, the former PDP national secretary explained that the zonal leaders would make an announcement soon.
He stated, “You’ll have to wait until the time comes. It’s not for you to know now because this is an internal matter. We don’t bring it out until we finish, likely before Monday, you will be able to know.
“Even without asking me, you’ll know those who are interested or the person they’ll zero in on. Each zone will look at who is going to take which position and report when the Chairman of the Convention Committee calls us. Definitely, whatever is going to be done will be done within the week.
“All those positions zoned to North-Central, North-West, and North-East will be brought to the same Northern Caucus. Then, we’ll announce the consensus candidate who are going to contest.
“But if someone feels uncomfortable with the arrangement, he’s free to contest. Zoning is only meant to avoid unnecessary conflicts. That’s our interest, that’s why we are micro-zoning.”
Reacting to the situation in the party, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, dismissed talks of a crisis, stating that the November convention would mark the beginning of a renewed and stronger party.
He stated, “There are no issues in our party. Everything happening shows that the party is a democratic one, and it allows people to contest their opinions, express their views, and abide by their interests. And that’s what is important.
“What is important to us is that the convention will hold on November 15 and 16 as scheduled in Ibadan, and we are going to elect a new set of leaders. This convention will pick new leaders that will position the party, and Nigerians are interested in what is going on.
“They are interested in the affairs of the party. They are interested in what the party leadership is doing. They are interested in the convention because they are tired of the clueless All Progressives Congress administration, and they are looking up to the PDP to return and change things for good.
“So, the convention will produce new leadership that will bring in competent leaders who will run on the party’s ticket in the 2027 general elections.”
…Denies Government Involvement in NDC Airport, Secretariat Incidents
…Says Mbah’s Performance Sufficient to Secure Re-election in Free, Fair Polls
The Enugu State Government has alleged that some opposition elements are plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic and portray Enugu as insecure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegation on Sunday during a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, where he addressed two incidents involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday.
Onyia denied any involvement of the state government or Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, in either incident. He described the airport confrontation as a matter between the NDC and federal authorities, while noting that the shooting incident at the party’s secretariat was under police investigation.
According to the SSG, the government’s preliminary findings indicated that the airport incident followed the NDC’s attempt to hold what it described as a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the facility without obtaining the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He said the party had publicised the event and invited members and supporters to attend, including through the Facebook page of its governorship candidate in the state.
Onyia explained that the police had advised the party to obtain FAAN’s approval before security personnel could be deployed to the airport for the event.
“Further findings, however, revealed that the NDC did not secure the approval of FAAN to host a grand statewide rally at its facility. Security agencies, therefore, advised the organisers of the rally to rethink it,” he said.
The SSG alleged that the party proceeded to mobilise its members to the airport and attempted to gain entry into the facility, resulting in a confrontation with airport authorities.
He said security agencies intervened to disperse what he described as “riotous” party members and restore order around the airport, which he characterised as a strategic national asset.
Onyia added that the state government’s account was consistent with a statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
NDC Secretariat Shooting
Addressing the shooting incident at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, Onyia said security reports had confirmed that a violent clash occurred at the party’s office and that the police were investigating the matter.
He disputed reports of fatalities, claiming that the government’s preliminary findings indicated that no one had died in the incident.
According to him, a 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he was stabilised before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further examination.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” he said.
Onyia also rejected allegations that the governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the party secretariat and supervised the shooting. He maintained that Osondu was with Governor Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, when the incident occurred.
The SSG further criticised the reported observance of a minute’s silence for an individual he claimed was still alive, describing it as an attempt to mislead the public for political gain.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Onyia said Mbah had sworn to protect the lives and property of all residents, irrespective of their religious beliefs or political affiliations.
He said the administration’s ambition to grow Enugu into a $30 billion economy and make it a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living depended significantly on sustained peace and security.
According to him, this commitment informed the government’s substantial investments in security infrastructure and operations over the past three years.
“Consequently, the Enugu State Government strongly condemns in its entirety any form of violence, including politically induced violence in the state. We welcome healthy debate and freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” he said.
He urged political parties and their candidates to exercise restraint and embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The SSG maintained that democratic rights should be exercised responsibly, arguing that political parties ought to serve as models of decorum and integrity.
He questioned the decision to announce a statewide campaign flag-off at the airport without obtaining approval from the relevant authorities.
“Without holding brief for FAAN, is it not sheer rascality to attempt to hold a ‘Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026’ of the NDC at the airport as publicised by the party and its gubernatorial candidate, especially without the approval by the appropriate authorities?
“Is it not equally gross mischief and a sign of political desperation to hold a minute’s silence for a living person, just to mislead the public for political traction?” he queried.
Government Alleges Opposition Plot
Onyia accused opposition elements in Enugu of attempting to create the impression that the state was unsafe and that the government was intolerant of opposing political parties.
He alleged that some opposition groups had been attributing internal disagreements and violent clashes to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Citing an incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12, 2026, the SSG claimed that investigations had identified the alleged perpetrators and that the police were prosecuting them.
He described the opposition as factionalised and alleged that some of its members were attempting to draw the state government into controversies to gain political relevance.
Onyia reiterated the government’s allegation that some opposition elements were plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into Enugu to create panic and undermine public confidence in the state’s security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We, however, make bold to say that the peace and security we have achieved in Enugu State in the last three years, and at huge material costs and sacrifices by our security agents, are non-negotiable and irreversible,” he said.
The SSG said the Mbah administration remained committed to protecting citizens’ democratic rights, including the freedom to campaign for and vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming elections.
He described the right of residents to elect their leaders through free, fair and credible polls as fundamental to the state’s democratic development.
Mbah’s Performance and 2027 Re-election Bid
Onyia expressed confidence that Mbah would secure a second term, citing what he described as the governor’s performance and delivery on campaign promises.
He said the administration had no reason to resort to desperate measures, insisting that its record in office would form the basis of its appeal to voters for a renewed mandate.
“Indeed, these inalienable rights of Ndi Enugu to elect their leaders in free, fair and credible polls are our surest hope for re-election come 2027,” he said.
Politics
2027: Over 30,000 Enugu Teachers Endorse Mbah, Tinubu, Cite Welfare Improvements, Increased Education Funding
Teachers across public and private schools in Enugu State have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in office, citing improved welfare, timely promotions, increased education funding and other interventions by his administration.
The teachers also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose economic reforms, according to Mbah, had made more resources available to states to undertake major projects, including the construction of over 267 Smart Green Schools across the 260 political wards of Enugu State.
The teachers declared their support through a rally organised by the Teachers for Grassroots Movement (TGM), with over 12,000 members marching through parts of Enugu metropolis before converging on Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday for the endorsement event.
Speaking at the rally, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Theophilus Odo, described Mbah as a Godsend, highlighting measures taken by the governor to address longstanding challenges in the state’s education sector.
“On behalf of the NUT, I want to say that we are happy today because God has given us a caring governor, Peter Mbah,” Odo said.
He noted that Mbah had supported the domestication of harmonised retirement benefits for teachers even before becoming governor.
“The building of over 260 Smart Green Schools is a very positive change. Our teachers and children can now compete favourably with their peers in other places,” he said.
Odo added that the administration had commenced the recruitment of thousands of teachers while investing in professional development through symposiums and other training programmes.
“There are no outstanding promotions, and our salaries are coming at the appropriate time.
“So, we, the teachers, are endorsing our governor for a second term in office. The votes of our teachers are only for Governor Mbah,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Nelson Agu, said private school teachers were participating in such a rally in the state for the first time to show support for what he described as Mbah’s revolution in the education sector.
He said the introduction of Smart Green Schools had challenged private school proprietors to upgrade their facilities and improve educational standards.
“When you came and started the idea of over 260 Smart Green Schools, we thought we were out of service. But we went and upgraded our schools to meet the required standards,” Agu said.
He also commended the administration’s allocation of 33 per cent of the state budget to education for three consecutive years.
“Importantly, the idea of allocating 33 per cent of the budget to the education sector for three consecutive years is something to laud your administration for,” he added.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Enugu State, Simeon Akaeme, said the Mbah administration had restored the dignity of teachers and improved their living conditions through investments in infrastructure and social services.
Similarly, the Director-General of TGM, Dr. Nwakaego Aja, described education as a pathway to liberation, self-reliance and economic development, particularly amid the systemic challenges confronting the country.
Aja assured the governor of the support of the movement’s over 30,000 members, saying the administration’s education reforms had demonstrated the role of education in driving economic growth.
“Through experiential learning and innovation, you brought answers to the quest by our nationalists, elevating education to a catalyst for economic development,” she said.
“We, the teachers, are not ingrates. We see what you are doing. You promised disruptive innovation, and you have delivered disruptive innovation. That is why we are here.
“We promise you this: we will take your good news to the communities, to the staff rooms, to every market, to every polling unit, and we will deliver. Our vote is for the All Progressives Congress (APC) from bottom to top,” she added.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Education and patron of TGM, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, described the endorsement by thousands of teachers as an indication of the broader support expected for Governor Mbah and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the teachers, he thanked the governor for prioritising education and investing resources in creating better opportunities for children across the state.
“On behalf of every teacher gathered here today, I have one message, and that is to thank you for believing and investing in the vision that it is through education that Enugu State will attain greater heights. You have committed so many resources to giving every Enugu child a future,” he said.
In his address, Governor Mbah said the endorsement was significant beyond the 2027 elections, stressing that the success of his administration’s development agenda depended largely on teachers and the education system.
“Today’s endorsement carries a particular significance, and that is because everything we do, all the promises we have made, all the projections we have made — growing Enugu’s economy, becoming one of the top three states in terms of GDP, making Enugu State the number one state in terms of investment, business, living and tourism — are in the hands of our teachers,” he said.
The governor said his administration’s investments in education included the construction of over 7,000 classrooms, the provision of 25,000 desktop computers and more than 5,000 tablets, as well as free feeding and uniforms for pupils.
He added that the government was focused on transforming the state’s education system rather than merely providing infrastructure and learning materials.
“For us, it is about transformation — transforming an education system. And that whole transformation, whether we fail or succeed, would lie largely in your hands,” Mbah said.
He expressed appreciation for teachers’ contributions to the state’s development, acknowledging the challenges they face in educating children and preparing them for the future.
“That is why, when I say that I see you and I value you, it comes from the depths of my heart because I understand what you go through to inculcate this knowledge into our children so that we can become that great state. So, we love you and appreciate you dearly,” he added.
The governor’s wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, described the endorsement as a strong affirmation of an administration that had placed education at the centre of its development agenda.
The rally was attended by senior government officials, political and community leaders, and other stakeholders.
…Says 2027 Election Will End Politics of Godfatherism, Privilege in Ebonyi
BY PETRUS OBI
Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, witnessed an extraordinary political reception as thousands of enthusiastic supporters trooped out to welcome the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, on his return to the state.
From the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, where a large crowd gathered to receive him, to Abakaliki, where another mammoth crowd assembled, Odii’s arrival generated considerable excitement among supporters, temporarily bringing activities in parts of the state capital to a standstill.
The reception took another dimension at a filling station in Abakaliki, where the PDP candidate reportedly treated supporters who gathered to welcome him to free fuel, with beneficiaries driving away with filled tanks.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Odii urged Ebonyi residents, irrespective of their places of origin, to prepare for what he described as a tough but decisive political battle ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He expressed confidence that the collective determination of the people would ultimately prevail, insisting that the forthcoming election represents a defining moment in the political history of the state.
According to him, his governorship ambition is not driven by personal interests but by a determination to rescue Ebonyi from years of missed opportunities and alleged mismanagement of public resources.
Odii described his Anyi G’ Emeya movement as a people-driven mission aimed at restoring accountable leadership, creating economic opportunities and building an inclusive government that works for every Ebonyi resident.
Cheering supporters
Free fuel for all
He assured supporters that the deployment of modern technology and competent technology experts to monitor electoral activities across polling units would make electoral manipulation increasingly difficult.
The PDP candidate consequently urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
Speaking further, Odii declared that his achievements in business had already placed him in a position to enjoy extraordinary comfort and luxury anywhere in the world without seeking political office.
He explained that he could have chosen a life of leisure, travelling in luxury yachts and private aircraft, rather than subjecting himself to the demands and challenges of political leadership.
However, he maintained that his decision to contest the governorship election was informed by a greater desire to create an Ebonyi State where opportunities would no longer be the exclusive preserve of the politically connected.
Odii said his vision was to build a society where children from poor families could aspire to become governors, ministers, lawmakers and other prominent public officeholders on the strength of their intelligence, competence, leadership qualities and personal accomplishments.
He condemned a political culture in which access to opportunities and public offices is perceived to depend on family connections, influential relatives, in-laws or powerful political godfathers.
The PDP standard-bearer insisted that Ebonyi must embrace a new political order where merit, fairness and equal opportunity, rather than privilege and political patronage, determine the future of its citizens.
He called on supporters to remain united and committed to the Anyi G’ Emeya movement, expressing optimism that the 2027 election would usher in a new era of leadership in Ebonyi State.
ABAKALIKI — The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports suggesting that he may withdraw from the 2027 Ebonyi State governorship race and support Governor Francis Nwifuru.
In a statement signed by Odii’s spokesperson, Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe, the campaign described the reported withdrawal as false, insisting that Odii remains committed to contesting the election.
According to Igwe, “Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will never, under any condition, step down from the 2027 governorship contest.”
The statement said Odii’s political camp remains focused on what it described as its campaign position: “Odii must run and win.”
It added that any political discussions, persuasion or negotiations involving other individuals should not be interpreted as a decision by Odii to abandon his governorship ambition.
Camp Rejects Withdrawal Narrative
The Odii camp further described reports of a possible withdrawal as a political narrative allegedly being promoted by individuals opposed to his candidacy.
Igwe challenged those behind the reports to produce evidence showing that Odii had personally announced his withdrawal from the race.
“There is a fundamental difference between reporting that a politician intends to persuade Chief Odii to withdraw and reporting that Chief Odii has agreed to withdraw,” the statement said, stressing that the latter would require evidence from the candidate himself.
The spokesperson also urged journalists, bloggers and online publishers to maintain professional standards when reporting political developments, warning against presenting speculation or the intentions of third parties as established decisions by political candidates.
24-Hour Retraction Demand
The camp has consequently demanded that publishers of the alleged withdrawal story retract or prominently correct their reports within 24 hours, unless they can produce an authentic statement from Odii confirming that he has decided to withdraw from the 2027 contest.
The statement also reminded online publishers of their responsibilities under Nigerian law, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended, as well as other laws relating to unlawful online publications and defamatory material.
The spokesperson clarified that the reference to the law was not intended as a threat against legitimate journalism or political criticism, but as a reminder that political disagreements should remain within the bounds of the law.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that Odii remains in the 2027 governorship race and urged members of the public to regard reports of his withdrawal as unverified unless supported by a direct statement from him.
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
-
News5 days agoCurfew Continues as Soludo Sets Up Commission of Inquiry Over Aguleri–Umuoba Anam Clash
-
Education5 days agoIhejirika Hails Mbah’s Infrastructure Drive as Coal City University Inaugurates Governing Council
-
News3 days agoEbonyi Cement Project: Where Is the Limestone Evidence?
-
Politics2 days agoOdii Shuts Down Abakaliki, Buys Fuel for Thousands of Supporters at Grand Reception
-
News5 days agoInclusivity: NOUN Matriculates 70 Prison Inmates at Special Study Centre, Enugu
-
Crime5 days agoEnugu Police Arrest Five Suspects, Recover Three Firearms, Six Rounds of Ammunition
-
News4 days ago
Governor Mbah Hails Chibuikem Emmanuel as Youth Entrepreneurship Reference Point, Commends Powell Homes’ Housing Investment
-
News3 days agoREC urges Enugu residents not to wait for rush hours in Claims/Objections, PVC collection windows