Politics
Impeachment: APC moves to stop PDP lawmakers’ gang-up
It was also learnt that the impeachment plot by the opposition senators and House of Representatives memb Joners was part of a bigger agenda to outsmart APC in 2023 poll.
The PDP lawmakers have issued a six-week ultimatum to the president to resolve the security challenge or face impeachment.
APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who dismissed the threat, said it is political.
He said: “This is election season. The PDP senators are whipping up sentiments. They want to de-market our party and the Buhari administration.
“It is not desirable that PDP senators should politicise security. Security is a collective responsibility. The opposition in parliament should contribute useful suggestions, and not to start playing to the gallery.”
Yesterday, African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu described the impeachment threat as self-serving.
Sources said APC leaders were shocked that PDP senators allegedly went overboard on the decision of the Executive Session of the Senate.
They were also angry that PDP senators sold a dummy to the public that the “opposition is in control of the two chambers of the National Assembly.”
It was gathered that APC leaders took preliminary stock of the situation and decided to halt further moves to embarrass the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Some of our leaders have met in Abuja. We are ready to nip the so-called threat in the bud. It is a fluke because it was the stock in trade of PDP when it was in power.
“We have made up our minds that we won’t allow PDP to ambush our administration. We know that they do not have the numbers, but they can make disturbing noise.
“I know that before the end of the recess of the National Assembly, the threat will be over.”
The source gave insights into what transpired on Wednesday in the Senate.
He said: “The PDP Senators derailed from the consensus reached at the Senate Executive Session because of sheer politics.
“Senators Gabriel Suswam and Opeyemi Bamidele foresaw the development when they cautioned their colleagues.
“But they did not listen because they have their agenda cut out for them by some forces in their party. We know those behind the impeachment threat.
“It was all politics by PDP to present a false narrative to Nigerians ahead of 2023 poll.
“Was PDP not in power when insurgency became the order of the day? What did they do?
“By the time Nigerians see the factsheet, they will know that this administration is really addressing the nation’s security challenges.”
It was gathered that some aggrieved APC senators, who lost return tickets, tacitly supported the move by their PDP colleagues to embarrass the president.
Another source, however, said one of the steps being initiated by APC leaders was to address their grievances.
The source listed the issues as follows:
Slowness in addressing the aftermath of party primaries
Absence of regular caucus meeting
Lack of regular consultation with lawmakers by the President as expected in a democracy
Lack of constant interaction with party leadership
Poor communication with the lawmakers and Nigerians on the fight against insurgency, banditry and killing of troops.
Lack of inclusiveness.
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He added: “These gaps are really being exploited by PDP to harass and intimidate APC government under the guise of insecurity.
“In the next few weeks, we will try as much as possible to address some of these problems.
“But I can tell you that impeachment is unrealistic; it is a storm in a tea cup. We will, however, tell ourselves the truth on the need to improve on what we have been doing.”
As of press time, some PDP senators and a few aggrieved elements in APC have agreed to meet on Sunday in Abuja.
An opposition senator said: “We will meet to decide on what to do if there is no improvement in the nation’s security architecture within six weeks.
“We will keep you posted, but we will place premium on national interest.”
‘National Assembly complicit in govt’s failure’
Kachikwu, in a statement by his media office in Abuja, said before Buhari can heed the call to resign, the leadership of both chambers must resign first.
He said the “National Assembly is complicit in the failure of government in the country”, which has resulted in the deteriorating security situation.
Kachikwu said: “I was very amused to hear some senators and members from the Lower House call for the President to be impeached.
“This is a self-serving call. The same people who have refused to do their jobs in the last three years have just woken up to realise that the President should be impeached.
“What exactly has happened today that is different from what has been happening since President Buhari was sworn in seven years ago for the first term and three years ago for the second term?
“Are the attacks today any different? Are the deaths less or more meaningful?
“Is there any life worth more than the other? Are they reacting now because Abuja is threatened?
“The National Assembly is complicit in the failure of this government, so they should ask their leadership to resign before calling on President Buhari to resign.”
The ADC flag bearer lamented that the checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution “never envisaged that Nigerians would be saddled with a spineless and self-serving legislature.”
He added: “Buhari has failed and should resign or be impeached but he failed because the legislature failed in their duties.
“The entire leadership of the National Assembly should also resign or be impeached. This is the double-edged sword called doctrine of collective responsibility.”
Protest a charade, says CD
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) said the lawmakers know what to if they really mean business.
Its General Secretary, Pastor Ifeanyi Odili, in a statement, described their action as a charade.
The statement reads: “The protest that took place at the red chamber of the National Assembly is a charade, pantomime – a theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, slapstick comedy usually produced during Christmas period.
“The Senators are not unintelligent, illiterates or alliens to know the business of the National Assembly.
“Matching like college students, chanting ‘Buhari Must Go’ means they do not know the business of the National Assembly.
“Therefore, the senators who participated in the protest should be impeached without further delay.
“Impeaching a sitting President has a series of procedures, which we think they are all familiar with unless they want to have Nigerians believe that they are just fooling Nigerians.
“The protest has exposed to the international community, that they are intellectually bankrupt as it is a direct attack on the reputation of the hallowed chamber.”
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.
STATEMENT BY CHIEF EMMANUEL CHIDI IGWE,
SPOKESPERSON TO CHIEF DR. IFEANYI CHUKWUMA ODII
The 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State is not a family affair, nor is it a matter to be decided by one individual or political godfather. It is a democratic contest, and Ebonyians will ultimately decide who becomes their governor through the ballot box.
No aspirant should be expected to step down simply because another politician believes he should. Every qualified candidate has the right to contest, present his programme and seek the mandate of the people.
Let me make this clear: since Senator Dave Umahi did not bring Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii into the governorship race, he cannot now claim the authority to ask him to step down. Chief Odii has his own political identity, supporters, convictions and legitimate right to seek the mandate of Ebonyians.
The decision to contest or withdraw belongs to the candidate, while the ultimate decision on who governs Ebonyi State belongs to the people.
The 2027 election should therefore be about issues, programmes, records, accountability and the future of Ebonyi—not political arrangements made by individuals behind closed doors.
Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is prepared to place his vision and programme before Ebonyians and subject them to public scrutiny. Those seeking to retain power should equally be prepared to defend their records before the electorate.
Ebonyi 2027 is not a family arrangement. It is a contest for the confidence of the people. The people of Ebonyi State—not individuals—will have the final say.
Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe
Spokesperson to Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
Politics
BREAKING: SaharaReporters Report on Arrest of Enugu Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker Is False and Misleading
The recent publication by SaharaReporters alleging that prominent Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi (USA Igwesi), and eight others were arrested over an alleged attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, is false and deeply misleading.
The report is being described as a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of respected leaders in Enugu State and create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Contrary to the claims contained in the publication, there was no arrest ordered by the Inspector-General of Police against Igwe Obiora Igwesi, Hon. USA Igwesi, or the other individuals named in connection with any alleged attack on an NDC meeting. There was also no operation by detectives from Zone 13 Command, Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, as alleged in the report.
Similarly, the purported petition dated September 15, 2026, and the allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault, threatening violence and stealing are strongly disputed and described as fabricated claims intended to create a damaging narrative around the individuals concerned.
The broader allegation that the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State have experienced coordinated armed attacks allegedly sponsored by Local Government Chairmen to silence the opposition is equally rejected as unfounded.
Attempts to associate Igwe Obiora Igwesi and Hon. USA Igwesi with criminal activity or political violence are viewed as an unacceptable effort to tarnish the image of individuals who have served their communities and contributed to the development of Enugu State.
The public, particularly the people of Enugu State, is therefore urged to exercise caution and verify the facts independently before accepting or circulating the allegations contained in the SaharaReporters publication.
Enugu State remains focused on peace, stability and development. Political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into the circulation of unverified allegations capable of inflaming tensions or damaging the reputations of individuals.
The position being maintained by the affected parties is clear: there was no arrest of the named individuals in connection with the alleged incident, no evidence has been presented establishing that any Local Government Chairman sponsored an attack, and the allegations contained in the publication are disputed in their entirety.
The public is encouraged to await verifiable facts from the appropriate authorities rather than rely on claims that have not been independently substantiated.
Fresh legal questions emerge over Chijioke Ugwu’s membership registration after Supreme Court restores party-register provisions
By Our Correspondent
Fresh legal questions have emerged over the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 governorship ticket in Enugu State following the Supreme Court’s restoration of key provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with political party membership registers and the conduct of primaries.
The questions centre on Chief Chijioke Peter Ugwu, who was recently announced by the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, as his running mate.
Nnaji announced Ugwu’s selection on September 24, shortly after the Supreme Court delivered its landmark judgment restoring Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. Ugwu’s selection was subsequently reported by several Nigerian media outlets.
But documents and information available to this newspaper raise a question that could potentially become significant if the PDP ticket is challenged in court.
The PDP governorship primary in Enugu State was conducted on May 25, 2026.
However, Ugwu is understood to have registered as a PDP member on May 31, 2026 — six days after the governorship primary.
This means that if the May 31 registration date is accurately reflected in the party’s official records, his name could not have appeared in the PDP membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the May 25 governorship primary.
That immediately raises the question:
Can a person who was not a member of the party on the date of its governorship primary subsequently be selected as the deputy governorship candidate without the Supreme Court’s restored membership-register provisions affecting the ticket?
What the Supreme Court restored
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on September 24, set aside the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision which had declared the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional.
The apex court upheld the validity of Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2), following an appeal by INEC against the Court of Appeal judgment in the case involving the Zenith Labour Party.
Section 77(5) provides that only persons whose names are contained in a political party’s membership register submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary, congress or convention may participate in the exercise.
Section 77(6) requires political parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, congresses and conventions.
Section 77(7) deals with the consequence of failure by a party to submit its membership register within the prescribed period.
These provisions are now back in force following the Supreme Court judgment. Legal opinions suggest that the law’s insistence on the membership register submitted to INEC is relevant to the validity of the party’s eventual nomination process, depending on how the PDP formally nominated and submitted its governorship and deputy governorship candidates.
The precise documents will therefore be crucial.
Among the questions likely to arise are:
What date did the PDP submit its membership register to INEC?
Was Ugwu’s name contained in that register?
When exactly did Ugwu become a registered PDP member?
Was he a PDP member before the register was submitted to INEC?
How did the PDP formally nominate him as running mate?
Was the nomination made through a procedure recognised by the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution?
The controversy is coming at a sensitive time for the PDP, which has only recently unveiled Ugwu as Nnaji’s running mate. Ugwu, from Nguru in Nsukka Local Government Area, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who runs businesses in logistics, contracting, consultancy and hospitality.
However, the governorship candidate and the deputy governorship candidate constitute a single electoral ticket. Therefore, any legal or constitutional issue affecting the eligibility of the deputy governorship candidate automatically has implications for the validity of the joint ticket, including the governorship candidate.
Another legal opinion available to this newspaper insists that “the gubernatorial ticket is a joint one. If the name of a deputy governor is not on the digital register, it invalidates the entire process.”
In the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election, APC’s David Lyon was declared winner. His running mate was Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.
The Supreme Court later disqualified Degi-Eremienyo over the documents he submitted to INEC. The crucial point was that the Supreme Court held that his disqualification affected the joint ticket he shared with David Lyon. Consequently, the court ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Lyon and his deputy.
This happened one day before Lyon was due to be sworn in as governor. The certificate was subsequently issued to Douye Diri of the PDP, who had the next-highest lawful votes and the required geographical spread.
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