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National Assembly: APC anointed candidates, rebels to slug it out
•Izunaso, Musa withdraw, Lawan endorses Akpabio after Tinubu meeting
AHEAD of today’s inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu, on Monday mobilised support for Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is contesting the Senate presidency.
The President, as part of efforts to rally support for Akpabio and other anointed aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, met the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma.
But a former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, was pressing ahead with his Senate presidential ambition on Monday just as the Deputy Speaker, Idiris Wase and another member of the House of Representatives, Sani Jaji, insisted on contesting the position of the Speaker.
The APC’s National Working Committee had zoned the Senate President to the South-South and nominated Akpabio, a Christian, as the preferred candidate and Senator Jibrin Barau from North-West for Deputy Senate President.
Similarly, the party nominated Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna/North-West) for Speaker; and Benjamin Kalu (Abia/South-East) for Deputy Speaker.
Despite the insistence of the aggrieved aspirants to contest, the APC, on Monday, expressed confidence that its Akpabio would emerge through a consensus.
Uzodimma, revealed this to journalists after meeting President Bola Tinubu, following a Democracy Day ceremony held at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.
Uzodimma, who chairs “a small technical committee to help coordinate the process of Tuesday’s election” in the Senate and the House of Representatives, said his team was hopeful of a landslide victory for the Akpabio.
Asked about the likely success rate for the Senate President contender, he said, “Well, substantially, for a substitute consensus, by the number of people and by the efforts we have put in place, it is our hope that tomorrow it might even be a consensus event.
Govs back Akpabio
“But to the glory of God, we pray for that. And at the same time hoping that, should we go into an election, Akpabio’s acceptance as of today cuts across the political party we belong to.
“In other political parties, there are also some similar minds who are interested in the development and progress of Nigeria; who also understand the need to safeguard democracy as being practiced in Nigeria today. And they are in sync with our preferred candidate.”
Uzodimma added that his committee had achieved substantial progress in collaborating with the outgoing Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, adding that the latter would work for the emergence of the preferred candidates of the party.
There were also indications on Monday that Lawan had endorsed Akpabio for the Senate presidency after a meeting with Tinubu.
According to multiple sources, Lawan, who was a major voice in the Yari camp, backed out on Monday and threw in his weight behind the Akpabio/Barau ticket.
Lawan in a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio, Barau, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajamiabila, and some governors, endorsed the candidacy of Akpabio as the Senate President.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Stability group, Ali Ndume, stated that senators Kalu and Izunazo, who were major contenders, had also stepped down and endorsed the Akpabio-Barau ticket.
Ndume also noted that Akpabio met with 15 senators-elect from the South-East where the duo reportedly stepped down and endorsed his candidacy alongside their colleagues.
Ndume added that former governors from the North, who hitherto refused to support Akpabio, had also made a U-turn and had given the candidacy their nod. He listed Danjuma Goje, Aliyu Wamakko, Adamu Aliero, among others, who were now on their side.
The Stability Group DG added that Sani Musa, who had coveted the position of the Deputy President of the Senate, had also stepped down and endorsed Jibrin Barau.
Yari-Kalu ticket
Meanwhile, an aide to Senator. Kalu, Emeka Nwala, said his principal had not stepped down for Akpabio, as he had just been made the Deputy Senate President to run with Yari.
Nwala said, “In sha’Allah, Senator Kalu is Yari’s Deputy Senate President and none of them have stepped down. If we have, it would be breaking news by now.
“So anyone who is purporting such a story is lying. How can someone who has the majority of the lawmakers on their side step down for anyone? It’s not possible.”
The source said, “I cannot categorically state that he has stepped down for anyone, but I know there has been a lot of pressure mounted on him to step down.’’
Similarly, a source close to Senator Musa also stated that he had withdrawn his support from Yari’s group but had yet to give credence to the Akpabio’s faction.
The source stated that as a party man, he had withdrawn support but he preferred to maintain neutrality.
The source stated, “ Senator Musa has backed down on his support for the Yari ticket but would not support the Akpabio team. He would rather prefer to be neutral than give them his vote.”
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has been agog with activities in preparation for the 10th Assembly inauguration which is scheduled for today, Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
The lawmakers-elect, comprising 109 Senators-elect and 360 Members-elect, will be officially sworn in respectively to mark the commencement of the 10th Assembly.
Ahead of the inauguration, lawmakers-elect have been accredited and are being assigned to their offices.
The accreditation of lawmakers which started on Sunday at rooms 231 and 224 of the Senate wing is expected to end on Monday night.
Still in preparation, the temporary galleries of both chambers are being prepared for the lawmakers ahead of D-day.
According to the management, unlike in previous years when each lawmaker was allowed with two guests into the gallery, just the lawmakers-elect would be allowed into the National Assembly building but would watch from the arcade already designed and decorated for guests of the lawmakers.
Our correspondent observed that the name tags assigned to the seat of the 9th Assembly lawmakers have been removed.
In the same vein, no fewer than four patrol vehicles and scores of civil defence officials have been deployed to the National Assembly for surveillance.
News
“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
News
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
News
2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
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