Politics

Nwifuru’s Quiet Politics Faces Its Biggest Test as the 2027 Battle Takes Shape

Published

4 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By PETRUS OBI

For more than three years, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has pursued a political strategy that stands out in Nigeria’s often turbulent succession politics.

Rather than engaging in public confrontation with his predecessor, Engr Dave Umahi, he has consistently chosen restraint, patience and consensus-building.

That approach has helped preserve political stability in Ebonyi.

Unlike many successor administrations that descend into open conflict with former governors, Nwifuru has continued to project respect for the man who played a decisive role in his emergence as governor.

Publicly, both leaders have repeatedly affirmed their relationship and their commitment to moving the state forward.

Yet politics is often shaped less by public declarations than by the struggle for influence behind closed doors.

Across Ebonyi, there is growing speculation that a quiet contest for political supremacy is gradually unfolding between the governor and his predecessor.

While neither camp has openly acknowledged any rift, recent political developments have fuelled perceptions that both men are steadily consolidating their respective political structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

One of the most discussed examples is the “tussle for the APC ticket for the Afikpo North/Edda Federal Constituency. Governor Nwifuru was widely believed to have preferred the return of the incumbent representative, Idu Igariwey. However, the table was recently turned for the emergence of Ekumankama, who is widely seen as enjoying the backing of Umahi. This has been interpreted by many political observers as evidence that the former governor still commands considerable influence within the party.

Whether or not that interpretation is entirely accurate, the episode reinforced one political reality: while Nwifuru controls the Government House, Umahi remains one of the most influential figures in Ebonyi politics.

It is an unusual political equation. One man possesses the constitutional powers of incumbency, while the other retains an extensive political network built during eight years as governor and now occupies a strategic position in President ‘s cabinet.

Interestingly, the governor has continued to resist attempts to draw him into unnecessary political disputes.

A recent example was the controversy surrounding claims that he verbally attacked the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike duringa recentendorsementrallyforPresidentTinubu. The Ebonyi State Government swiftly dismissed the reports, accusing elements of the opposition, particularly the PDP, of deliberately twisting the governor’s remarks in an effort to create friction between the two leaders.

The response reinforced Nwifuru’s broader political style—avoiding public confrontations that could distract him from governance or create avoidable divisions within the ruling party.

Rather than escalating tensions elsewhere, Nwifuru has largely responded with silence and composure. He has neither publicly criticised his predecessor nor allowed perceived disagreements to dominate public discourse.

That restraint appears calculated. An open confrontation could fracture the APC, weaken governance and hand political opportunities to the opposition.

Instead, the governor has quietly strengthened his own political foundation. Through appointments, stakeholder engagement, consultations and the execution of projects, he has continued to expand his influence across Ebonyi’s thirteen local government areas.

Today, much of the state’s political establishment appears aligned with the governor. Members of the State Executive Council, the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, and many grassroots party leaders have publicly identified with his administration. While political loyalties can evolve, incumbency remains one of the strongest advantages in Nigerian politics.

Perhaps Nwifuru’s greatest political strength is that he has largely avoided creating unnecessary enemies. In a political environment where confrontation often defines leadership, he has preferred accommodation to conflict. That has enabled him to consolidate authority steadily while maintaining an image of stability and maturity.

However, the road to 2027 may become more complicated.

As political calculations intensify, ambitions will grow, alliances may shift and competing interests within the APC could become increasingly difficult to reconcile. The governor’s greatest challenge may not be defeating the opposition but sustaining unity within a party that contains multiple centres of influence.

His relationship with Umahi will therefore remain central to Ebonyi’s political future. If both leaders continue to manage their differences privately, the APC could approach the election as a united force. If those differences become more pronounced, internal divisions—not the opposition—could emerge as the governor’s greatest political obstacle.

Beyond political calculations, governance will remain Nwifuru’s strongest campaign asset. Infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and job creation will ultimately shape public perception more than political manoeuvring. A convincing record of performance would strengthen his case for continuity and make it more difficult for opponents to gain traction.

His close relationship with President Tinubu’s administration is another advantage. Should the Federal Government continue maintaining political momentum, Nwifuru could benefit from the goodwill generated by that partnership, particularly in a state where the APC remains the dominant political force.

Still, politics rarely rewards complacency. Economic pressures, changing voter expectations, unforeseen political realignments and disagreements within the ruling party could alter today’s political calculations before 2027.

As matters stand, Governor Francis Nwifuru appears to occupy a strong position ahead of the next governorship election. He enjoys the advantages of incumbency, broad institutional support, a relatively peaceful political environment and a reputation for measured leadership.

Yet one question continues to hover over Ebonyi politics: can the governor and his influential predecessor continue to manage an increasingly delicate relationship without allowing a quiet rivalry to become an open political confrontation?

The answer may ultimately determine not only Nwifuru’s re-election prospects but also the unity of the APC in Ebonyi and the party’s ability to deliver another commanding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state.

For now, the battle is not being fought through fiery speeches or public attacks. It is being waged through influence, negotiations, strategic endorsements and the gradual consolidation of political structures. And in politics, the quietest contests often produce the most significant outcomes.

Politics

Breaking: Court of Appeal Sets Aside Judgement Ordering Deregistration of ADC, Four Other Parties

Published

5 days ago

July 28, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court which ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision on Tuesday, declared the judgement ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties “null and void.”

Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had ordered INEC to deregister the parties over their performance in the 2023 general elections.

Dissatisfied with the decision, the affected political parties — the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) — approached the Court of Appeal seeking to nullify the Federal High Court judgement.

However, the three-member panel of the appellate court, presided over by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that the trial court lacked the judicial power to entertain the case in the first place.

The Court of Appeal also faulted the Federal High Court for proceeding with the delivery of the judgement despite an order by the appellate court directing a stay of proceedings, which included the delivery of the judgement.

The appellate court described the Federal High Court’s decision as “a nullity,” stating that the action of the trial court amounted to “judicial impertinence” or what the Supreme Court had described as “judicial insubordination.”

The court further held that the first respondent lacked the locus standi to institute the action in the first place, and consequently set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court.

“The evidence before the court clearly shows compliance with Section 225A of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The judgement of the trial judge was perverse,” the Court of Appeal held.

Politics

Okechukwu urges INEC chairman to focus on conducting free, fair, credible elections

Published

1 week ago

July 26, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to focus on ensuring the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.

In a statement on Sunday in Enugu, Okechukwu noted that credible elections remained the strongest antidote to intra-party impunity.

He was responding to the INEC Chairman’s recent call on political parties to adhere strictly to principles of internal democracy during a courtesy visit to former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Minna, Niger.

According to Okechukwu, the INEC Chairman has consistently emphasised the issue of internal democracy, having made similar remarks in Akwa Ibom in March 2026 and again in Abuja in June 2026.

He said, “Whereas one agrees with the Chairman that strict observance of internal democracy within political parties is of paramount importance.

“However, the greatest incentive for political parties to uphold internal democracy is the consistent conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections by INEC.”

He argued that political scientists had long maintained that political parties were more likely to respect democratic principles and popular will when electoral processes are credible and transparent.

“Political party leaders will do everything within the ambit of the law to keep their houses in order and present the most acceptable and popular candidates when they are confident that elections will be free and fair.

“In such circumstances, they are compelled to obey the wishes of the electorate. However, when elections are perceived as lacking transparency, internal party conflicts and impunity are more likely to thrive,” he said.

Okechukwu also dismissed the allegation of other political parties feelings that INEC is the handgun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC chieftain said that APC needed free and fair elections as core patriots who are committed to the genuine growth of our fledgling democracy and overall progress of every Nigerian.

“I dismiss the handgun allegation, as APC needs free and fair elections,not only for legitimacy with our 31 state governors, but for the genuine growth of our fledgling democracy and overall good governance,” he said.

He maintained that the APC remained a formidable political force and that credible elections would ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and political parties alike.

Politics

Why Buhari didn’t openly support Tinubu in 2023 APC primary — Ex-SGF Babachir

Published

1 week ago

July 26, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, says Buhari didn’t publicly back Tinubu in the 2023 All Progressives Congress primary due to religious and ethical concerns.

In an interview with Symfoni TV released on Saturday, Lawal revealed that Buhari was initially hesitant to back Tinubu due to religious and ethical considerations regarding his suitability as a successor.

Lawal claimed that, however, after extensive discussions, the late president agreed to remain neutral and allow party delegates to decide the candidate at the convention.

According to the former SGF, Tinubu played a critical role in previous APC election campaigns by providing resources and political strategists, making it difficult for Buhari to oppose his presidential ambition outright.

“Bola Tinubu brought people and we coarced him to change the trajectory of the campaign through those his people.

“Buhari is a human and he’s a decent guy. So I am the only person that confront him with these facts.

“He will not say I don’t know. He would not say it’s a rumour because I was there.

“So why would he deny him (Tinubu)? Why would he… in the end he said okay,” Lawal said.

Lawal added that before the APC presidential convention, he advised Buhari to refrain from backing any aspirant and allow party delegates to choose the candidate.

“As we were going to the convention, I said, ‘Oga’, let’s make a deal. I said look, this man (Tinubu), we now know that on the basis of your religion and your ethics and your upbringing, you don’t want to hand over to this man, but he has helped us get here.

“So there’s no way. Let’s make a deal. Stay neutral and allow me to run the process.

“If we go to the convention and the party faithfuls defeat him, so be it. Your hand is not in it.”

Lawal said Buhari initially rejected the proposal, insisting that if he allowed him to manage the process, Tinubu would emerge as the party’s candidate.

“But Buhari said that’s not an excuse. I know you, you will give Bola Tinubu this ticket.“I say, are you God now, sir?

“Buhari said, no, you started with me since 2002. So I know how you work. I know your methodologies. That man, if I leave him to you, he’ll get the ticket.”

Lawal said he responded that even if Tinubu secured the APC ticket, Nigerians would still decide the outcome of the presidential election.

“I say, okay, okay, granted. If he gets the ticket, it means you are now a prophet. However, you’re ascribing to me qualities I don’t have.

“But let’s assume it happens. Supposing the general election rejects him, is that you?”

He added that Buhari also expressed concern over whether Tinubu would be fair to members of their political camp if elected president.

“He mentioned some things. This man, is he going to be fair to our people? Is he going to be this?

“I said, yes, as long as I’m there, you know, I can checkmate him.

“He said, ‘Okay, deal.’”

Ahead of the APC presidential primary in June 2022, Buhari repeatedly urged party delegates to choose a candidate they believed could advance the party’s ideals but stopped short of publicly endorsing any of the aspirants, despite intense lobbying by contenders, including Tinubu.

Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, went on to defeat other leading aspirants, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, to clinch the APC presidential ticket.

He later won the February 2023 presidential election and was sworn in as president on May 29, 2023.

Politics

Enugu NDC Passes Vote Of Confidence On Dr. Johnpaul Anih-Led State Exco, Warns Against Destabilisation

Published

1 week ago

July 25, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Enugu State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee (SWC), reaffirming its confidence in the current leadership and warning individuals allegedly plotting to destabilise the party to desist.

The resolution was reached on Saturday during an expanded meeting of the state working committee, party stakeholders, candidates and members, who commended the state executive for its leadership, commitment and efforts at repositioning the NDC in Enugu State.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the Chairman of the party in Isiuzo Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Ogbu, said the current state leadership had transformed the fortunes of the party in Enugu.

“This is the only leadership of the party that emerged through a valid congress monitored by INEC, and any attempt by Enugu politicians spending dollars in Abuja to destabilise the party will be firmly resisted”.

“Without the current leadership, nobody would be hearing about the NDC in Enugu State today. The Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive has given the party life and made it attractive through its programmes and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.

Corroborating his position, the Igboeze North Local Government Chairman of the party, Hon. Kingsley Ape and his Aninri counterpart, Hon. Stephen Ajah, stated that the achievements of the present leadership had positioned the party to participate effectively in the forthcoming local government elections.

According to them, without the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive, the NDC would not have been on the ballot for the forthcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections in Enugu State.

The party leaders declared that they remain firmly behind Dr. Anih and his executive, insisting that the State Working Committee enjoys the overwhelming confidence and support of the party’s grassroots structure across the 17 local government areas of the state.

They further warned that any attempt to tamper with the existing leadership could trigger a mass exodus of members from the party in Enugu State.

The stakeholders also cautioned individuals allegedly fomenting crisis within the party, urging them to steer clear of activities capable of undermining the unity, stability and progress of the NDC.

According to them, any attempt to create parallel party structures or sow discord among members would be firmly resisted in the interest of preserving the party’s cohesion ahead of future political engagements.

The members equally expressed concern over what they described as the actions of the party’s national leadership, alleging that recent developments could further deepen internal disagreements if not handled with fairness and respect for due process.

They urged the national leadership to refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions within the party, stressing that internal disputes should be resolved in line with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

Reaffirming their loyalty to the NDC, the stakeholders called on members across the state to remain united, focused and committed to building a stronger political platform.

They pledged their continued support for the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee and maintained that the Enugu chapter would continue to protect the integrity of the party while working tirelessly to advance its political objectives in the state.

Politics

Kwankwaso: Obi signed one-term presidency accord

Published

2 weeks ago

July 21, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, has confirmed that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, signed a written agreement with him to serve only a single tenure of four years and allow power to return to the North if elected president in 2027.

Kwankwaso disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, saying the agreement was aimed at ensuring power returns to the North after a single four-year tenure in line with the party’s power-sharing arrangement.

The former Kano State governor said he had no reason to doubt Obi’s commitment to honouring the agreement.

“Oh yes, I personally believe him. I don’t think, based on what I now know about him, that he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen,” he said.

Asked whether the understanding had been documented, Kwankwaso replied that both the party and the two candidates signed separate agreements.

“We have done one for the party, and we have done another one between the two of us,” he said.

Explaining the substance of the agreement, Kwankwaso said it provides for a single four-year tenure for Obi before the presidency returns to the North.

“The agreement is what you said, that for four years, we will work together, team together as a group, party, friends and brothers so that after his term of four years (2027-2031), it comes back to the North. That is the general agreement.”

He said he accepted the vice-presidential slot because both leaders agreed that the South should retain the presidency for only one term before power rotates back to the North.

“Together we felt that the presidency should go to the South for four years; thereafter it will come back to the North.

“We believe that should be the consensus of everybody in this country so that we can move together as a family, both North and South,” he said.

On whether he intends to contest the presidency in 2031, Kwankwaso said the party remained focused on winning the 2027 election while keeping its long-term political plans in view.

“We have a short-term plan which we are executing now and, of course, we also have our medium and long-term plans for the country, and that is what we are working on now,” he said.

Obi had in May announced that he would serve only one term if elected president, saying the decision was intended to promote political stability and strengthen national unity.

“I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” Obi had said.

The NDC has consistently defended its power-sharing arrangement, presenting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as a consensus aimed at balancing the country’s regional interests ahead of the 2027 presidential election.