Politics
PDP convention: Wike installs new NWC in Abuja
The party unveiled 19 new members of its National Working Committee at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja in a move aimed at repositioning the opposition platform.
The PDP Constitution (2017, as amended) provides for a 19-member NWC at the national level, outlining its structure and responsibilities within the party’s leadership framework.
According to Part VIII of the Constitution, the National Working Committee comprises the National Chairman, two Deputy National Chairmen, the National Secretary and Deputy National Secretary, the National Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organising Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Auditor, Legal Adviser, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, as well as the National Vice Chairmen.
The Wike-backed PDP adopted a consensus approach in selecting members of the National Working Committee, who will oversee the party’s affairs for the next four years.
The NWC members, along with other national positions and their respective consensus candidates, were affirmed by over 2,500 delegates as follows: National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed; Deputy National Chairman (South), Aaron Chukwuemeka; Deputy National Chairman (North), Yusufu Akirikwen (SAN); National Secretary, Anyanwu Samuel; Deputy National Secretary, Kolawale Olabisi; National Treasurer, Odeyemei Oladiran; and Deputy National Treasurer, Lado Marke.
Other positions are National Financial Secretary, Eyim Henry; Deputy National Financial Secretary, Dr Grema Kyari; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and Deputy National Organising Secretary, Efere Augustine.
Others are National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Egwu Chidiebere; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Deputy National Legal Adviser, Aloysius Uba; National Auditor, Osuoha Donatus; Deputy National Auditor, Dr Adaba Yatu; National Youth Leader, Ibrahim Aboki; and Deputy National Youth Leader, Momoh Bashir.
The positions of the National Women Leader went to Prof Ogunshe Adedayo, while the Deputy National Women Leader is Hauwa Shinge.
Attendance at the convention, however, reflected a mix of alignment and division, as delegates from Benue, Ekiti, and Ogun States took part in the exercise, while their counterparts from Edo State and others boycotted the Convention.
In Sokoto State, the crisis within the party deepened, with the pro- acting National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature group openly defying the boycott directive and participating in the convention, further highlighting internal fractures.
Amid the tensions, key party leaders, including Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee, former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, newly elected Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammeh, PDP National Leader, Wike, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, among others, called for reconciliation and unity, stressing the need to close ranks and rebuild trust ahead of future political contests.
The Secretary of the PDP in Ogun State, Dr Sunday Solarin, confirmed on Sunday that some members of the opposition party were present at the national convention.
He noted that while the state chairman and party leader, Abayomi Tella and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, are also in Abuja, he could not confirm whether they would attend the national congress being organised by the former governor of Rivers State.
Asked about state delegate participation in the Abuja Congress, Solarin said, “Some members, believing Wike controls the party, have gone to Abuja for the convention. Others, like myself, who support the Turaki-led side, have stayed away.”
Solarin added that the party chairman, Abayomi Tella, and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, were present at the convention.
He stated that Tella and Adebutu were in Abuja and mentioned that many party members had also arrived recently.
“So, for anybody aware that I was in Abuja yesterday, could unknowingly believe that I was there to attend the convention, whereas I am right now in my residence at Ogere Remo.
“Let me also mention that both sides are also carrying on with the reconciliation efforts that are being initiated by the leadership of both sides. So, I can also affirm that the reconciliation process has not been dismantled.
“And definitely, these party leaders must be around to see through this reconciliation exercise. The leadership must be on the ground to manage the two tendencies, that is, those who believe in Wike-led leadership and those of us on the side of Turaki”.
Also, the PDP bloc in Ekiti State, led by former Governor Ayo Fayose, joined other delegates in participating in the National Convention.
The state Chairman of the PDP bloc, Lanre Omolase, who said the convention was real, said, “I am already at the venue of the convention in Abuja. We are here, the convention is holding, this is where the PDP is”.
Omolase had last week stated that his group was the genuine PDP in the state, saying, “The authentic PDP members at all levels are here with the Abduraham Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee.”
Similarly, delegates from Benue State, led by former Governor Samuel Ortom, attended the convention.
The media consultant for the party in the state, Bemgba Iortyom, disclosed this in a telephone chat with our correspondent on Sunday.
He said, “We are currently in Abuja for the ongoing party national convention. We will talk later.
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party in Kebbi State has expressed support for the national convention. The State Secretary, Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, confirmed that the state chapter fully participated in the Abuja gathering, with all delegates mobilised for the two-day exercise.
“We are satisfied with the arrangements… and all our delegates participated fully,” Kalgo said.
Also, a chieftain of the PDP in Oyo State and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, confirmed that the Wike-led convention was well attended by delegates across the country.
Gbolarumi, who spoke at the convention venue on Sunday, declared that the party’s convention was well attended by the party’s delegates across the country.
He said, “The convention is simply fantastic. All the states are well represented. Even Sule Lamidi has just spoken at the convention. And Senator Bukola Saraki and some former state governors are here. There are just too many, and even some people were disallowed to enter the venue of the convention since their chairmen and other key stakeholders had been represented. We couldn’t just accommodate everyone.”
However, the Chairman of the Gombe State chapter of the PDP, Maj. Gen Mamman Kwaskebe (retd.) stated that the state’s delegates are not present at the convention due to unresolved issues.
He did not disclose the specifics of the challenges but maintained that they would not attend until the matters are resolved.
“I’m in Abuja, not at the convention. It is ongoing, quite all right, but technically, there are some challenges. Until they are identified and resolved, we will not be present. I will get back to you,” he said.
Also, the Edo State Chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, stated that the state chapter did not attend the convention, describing it as illegal and urging other states to stay away.
He noted that there is a pending case before the Supreme Court yet to be determined, adding that holding a convention at this time would amount to an affront to the law.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that impostors are not part of the gathering and to verify that the list of delegates presented aligns with its records.
The chairman said, “The convention by the Wike faction is illegal as there is a case at the Supreme Court which is yet to be decided.
“I will urge the state chairman and their members not to attend the convention because it is illegal. INEC should also monitor those being paraded as delegates. They are impostors, and the list being used might not tally with the one with INEC.”
Meanwhile, a new division has emerged within the party in Sokoto State, as a pro-Bature group openly rejected the position of the state chapter and confirmed its participation in the controversial national convention in Abuja.
The group, led by Chairman Abubakar Danmafara, dismissed claims by the state leadership that Sokoto PDP would boycott the convention, describing the assertion as false, misleading, and a misrepresentation of the facts.
He stated, “We wish to categorically state that Sokoto State remains an integral part of the PDP and cannot be excluded from such a crucial national exercise,” Danmafara said in a press statement issued Sunday.
“The attempt to distance the state from the convention is not only unfortunate, but also misleading.”
In a new development, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has initiated steps to address the lingering crisis within the PDP in the state.
Mohammed on Sunday emerged as chairman of a consultative committee established to chart a path forward for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development followed an emergency, expanded closed-door meeting of key stakeholders convened by the governor at the Bauchi Government House, amid concerns over internal divisions and the approaching deadline for candidate submissions.
The high-level meeting, attended by party leaders, underscored the urgency of the discussions.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Bauchi State PDP Chairman Samaila Burga said stakeholders unanimously agreed to set up a reconciliation and strategy committee.
According to him, “The committee, under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, has been mandated to, within one week, resolve all lingering disputes and position the party for smooth participation in the 2027 general elections.”
Speaking in Abuja, former Abia State Governor and Chairman of the 2026 National Convention Planning and Organising Committee, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has said that reconciliation within the PDP is not optional, but fundamental to the party’s future.
Ikpeazu made this remark while addressing members at the PDP 2026 National Elective Convention on Sunday, where he called on party faithful to place a premium on unity and restore trust as they prepare for forthcoming political contests.
He stated, “The last time our party assembled at a national convention to elect members of the National Working Committee was in October 2021 at Eagle Square here in Abuja. Since that moment, our great party has traversed a challenging and at times turbulent path.
“The tenure of that National Working Committee witnessed internal leadership strains and institutional tests at the centre. These developments ultimately culminated in the decisive intervention of the National Executive Committee at its 104th meeting in December 2025, where a National Caretaker Working Committee was constituted in the overriding interest of stability and continuity.
“Today, however, we stand once again at the threshold of history. We are gathered under the compelling and forward-looking theme of this Convention: Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal. This theme is not a mere slogan; it is a strategic imperative. It speaks directly to our present reality and defines the pathway to our collective future. It calls on us to close ranks, rebuild trust, and reposition our party as the foremost platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.”
He said the moment goes beyond procedure, describing it as a deeply symbolic democratic milestone that reflects renewal and a renewed commitment to justice, equity, unity, and a people-focused party.
The ex-governor added, “We may have lost some elections, but this vital credential still resides with us, and we need to guard it with even greater zeal at our disposal.
‘’It is because of your faith and steadfastness in this party that we must now resolve: from this convention, we shall rebuild, rebrand, and reposition the PDP into a stronger, more cohesive, and forward-looking political force, ready to reclaim its leadership role in the governance of our dear country.
“To the National Working Committee that will emerge from this Convention, I congratulate you in advance. But let me also sound a note of clear responsibility: the task before you is onerous, urgent, and unavoidable. The duty of genuine reconciliation within our party is not optional; it is fundamental.
“Your work begins immediately. You must act decisively to heal divisions, rebuild trust, restore discipline, and strengthen internal democracy across all levels of the party structure. Let the theme of this Convention—Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal—serve not merely as a guiding principle, but as a binding commitment.”
The newly elected National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, declared the opening of the party’s National Convention, describing it as a moment of inclusiveness, unity, and renewal.
He noted the party’s recent internal disputes and said the convention is focused on restoring order and internal stability rather than rivalry.
Mohammed stated that recent court rulings should not be seen as a win for any side, but a call to uphold due process and constitutional order.
He urged members to prioritise the party over personal ambition and embrace unity and discipline. He said the convention should mark a fresh start, positioning the PDP to better address national challenges.
On his part, Saraki urged other party members who are still undecided to come on board, noting that the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission validates the gathering.
“As I walked in, not only seeing the people but also the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, I say this because some of us have always advocated for our mission to ensure that we are not alone and that we create a platform in the PDP for those who wish to aspire for any ambition come 2027.
“To do that, we must ensure the validity of our processes. So, we are here now at a convention that has the validity of INEC in this process.
“Today is a great opportunity for us in the PDP to chart our way forward, because we now have a party that can present candidates in the 2027 election. We now have a party that people can no longer ridicule. Now we know the PDP will be on the ballot paper in 2027. This is a great achievement. Months ago, many did not think this was possible.”
Saraki, who affirmed that the PDP was here to stay, admonished the new NWC members to honour the sacrifices made and to promote fairness and unity.
He stated, “As I was making my way here, I spoke with some people and urged them to join us. If I see any further confirmation of legality, I will be part of this process from tomorrow. I call on those still concerned about legality and validity to join us. Let us come together and hold ourselves as one family. It is not about individual interests but the collective responsibility of this great party to this great country.
“PDP has come to stay, and I have come to stay, and insha Allah, not only to stay but to be victorious in the 2027 elections. I also appeal to those who will be elected today to honour the sacrifices made and ensure fairness to all, providing a level playing field for all aspirants.
‘’Let us come together and lead the PDP to where it belongs—in the democracy and governance of this great country.”
Wike, in his speech, commended party members for their efforts in restoring the main opposition party to its rightful owners—the people, stressing that this reflects the party’s founding principles.
“It is gladdening to note at this juncture that, throughout this period of morbid and avoidable crisis, our members at the grassroots across all the wards in this country remained largely stable in their dedication to the party. They insisted that they would never leave the party that has, over the years, contributed in no small measure to their welfare and upliftment on the one hand and the development of the society at large.
“So, while they watched the ugly spectre of the infidelity of opportunistic elites that were gyrating from one party to another in the pursuit of selfish purposes, they remained faithful to the party, praying fervently for a renaissance to come. Their prayers have been answered by God, and that renaissance is here.
“Together with all and sundry across all the nooks and crannies of our country, we shall rebuild our party in such a way that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of Nigerians.”
The FCT minister further noted that the party’s future must be built on inclusiveness, unity, and renewal, and called on all members, past and present, to come together and rebuild for the common good.
He continued, “No one would be excluded, and everyone would be given an equal opportunity to serve in unity and love. We must all pledge to a renewal of our commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the party. We must all sacrificially commit to a new era of purpose and collective vision predicated on the core values enunciated by our founding fathers.
“This party was built fundamentally, as a People’s Party, and we must therefore, moving forward, create legitimate channels through which the people’s voices must be heard and upheld.”
The PDP had split into two rival factions after nearly three years of internal crisis. Following the development, the governors’ bloc, supported by Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, held a convention in Ibadan on November 16, where Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and others were elected into the National Working Committee.
In response, the faction aligned with Wike set up a 13-member National Caretaker Working Committee in December, appointing Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary to manage the party for 60 days pending a substantive convention.
On February 12, the Court of Appeal heard consolidated suits on the leadership crisis and, on March 9, upheld an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, declaring the Ibadan convention invalid for breaching the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the PDP constitution.
In a separate ruling, another Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Biobele Georgewill advised all parties to pursue an amicable resolution.
Although both factions initially signalled willingness to reconcile after the March 9 judgment, persistent disagreements, particularly among the governors, suggested the process had stalled. However, Turaki later confirmed that talks had resumed.
In a motion dated March 27, 2026, the party, its National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, and the governors’ bloc approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria seeking a stay of execution of the appellate judgment, including a request to halt the Wike-backed convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.
Despite this, the Wike bloc mobilised about 2,500 delegates to Abuja to affirm 19 party leaders as members of the NWC.
Politics
‘The Lord Fights for the Righteous’ – Agbese Speaks on Quiet Project Delivery, Political Attacks and More
Honourable Ibrahim Sani Bsc
Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Labour Party leader in Benue State, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible results as the general elections approach.
While seeking re-election, the lawmaker insisted that his focus remains on the work rather than political distractions or personal glory.
Agbese said a responsible lawmaker must keep working without being drawn into the negative campaigns and underhand tactics of rivals.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives says he draws quiet strength from his faith and prefers to leave every battle in God’s hands.
“The best advert for the kind of massive projects we have executed come from the people, not self-glorification,” Agbese stated.
“I deliberately refused to blow my own trumpet all these three years. I am grateful that critical segments of the society have taken notice of our monumental development projects.”
He added, “A good lawmaker works day and night and is not bothered by political opponents. I believe in the scripture that says we should leave vengeance to God. As it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ The Lord fights for the righteous.
“From the onset, we made education a clear priority and by the grace of God, we are delivering. We have so far built seven schools across the constituency, all constructed to international standard and fitted with tiles for the children.
“The record is there. Among them is the first one-storey primary school in our federal constituency. Many of our projects have come under heavy attacks but thank God that in the end, light has prevailed.”
Beyond education, his interventions also include health and market facilities, ICT training and empowerment for the youths, a befitting royal home for a monarch, solar electrification, farm inputs and equipment, as well as recreation, sports and agricultural support.
Despite the volume of work, Agbese is known for shunning fanfare. He rarely commissions his own projects and is often already planning the next one once delivery is complete.
“I am not the kind of person who loves to show off, especially when there is still more work to be done. That is why I hardly commission my own projects,” Agbese explained.
“Each time a project is delivered, I am already looking forward to starting the next one and not taking glory. I dread fanfare and do not love the spotlight like many others. The work itself is what matters.”
Beyond constituency projects, Agbese has built a strong legislative record in the National Assembly.
He holds the distinction of moving the highest number of motions and bills by any lawmaker from Benue State, including the Bill for the establishment of the College of Agriculture, Agila, which has already been passed.
He has also been a consistent voice on national issues, notably championing equal national honours for the Senate President and the Speaker, and taking a frontline position during the state of emergency debates in Rivers State.
“The work continues with the same energy,” Agbese noted. “Whether it is constituency projects, motions, bills or standing up on issues of national importance, the responsibility is the same — to serve effectively and without distraction. We remain committed to the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.”
Politics
2027: Tomorrow Is Here Group Rallies Thousands of Nsukka’s Voters for APC, Mbah, Tinubu’s Re-elections
…Our zone has settled for APC, can’t be deceived again – Igboetiti boss
The Tomorrow Is Here Movement (THM), a prominent political support group in Enugu State, has mobilised thousands of voters across Enugu North Senatorial District, popularly known as Nsukka Zone, in support of the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The mobilisation, which featured a victory walk across several communities in the district, attracted thousands of residents and supporters, with political leaders declaring that the zone was increasingly aligning with the APC ahead of the elections.
The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Hon. Martins Ugwu-Amadieze, reaffirmed the commitment of the zone to the APC, insisting that Nsukka voters would no longer be deceived by politicians without credible development agendas.
The rally, tagged “Victory Walk for All APC Candidates in Enugu North Senatorial Zone,” commenced at Opi, Nsukka, and proceeded through Orba, Obollo-Afor and Obollo-Eke in Udenu Local Government Area, before extending to Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, in Igboeze North; Ibagwa-Aka in Igboeze South and other communities in Nsukka Local Government Area.
Speaking during the exercise on Monday, the Leader of the movement, Chief Tony Okonkwo, thanked the people for their massive participation, disclosing that the mobilisation, initially planned for about 200 persons, attracted thousands of supporters.
He attributed the turnout to the growing acceptance of the Mbah and Tinubu administrations, citing infrastructure development, educational interventions, healthcare delivery, agricultural empowerment and improved transportation.
“We were not prepared to see this number of people enduring a long walk across different parts of the zone that took several hours. Your presence today shows appreciation for what Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu are doing.
“The ongoing dual carriageway from 9th Mile through Igbo-Etiti, Nsukka and Udenu to Benue is a major infrastructure investment that will transform our communities. Nsukka has also produced its first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Ortuanya, after 50 years. Our people are benefiting from federal appointments, agricultural programmes and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
“Under Governor Mbah, we have witnessed improved security, Smart Green Schools in every ward, modern healthcare facilities and ongoing road projects. Over 50 CNG buses are also operating from the Nsukka Central Terminal, providing affordable transportation and security to passengers.
“These are visible interventions. We are glad that our people are embracing the APC. The good work must continue, and this is possible if we support the APC from the Presidency to the House of Assembly,” he said.
In his remarks, Ugwu-Amadieze urged voters to reject attempts by opposition politicians to exploit tribal sentiments and political emotions ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the APC had demonstrated greater commitment to the development of the zone.
He said the massive turnout at the victory walk reflected the willingness of residents to identify with Governor Mbah, President Tinubu and other APC candidates.
“What happened today was a victory walk for Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the zone. From what we have witnessed across Nsukka, I can boldly tell you that our people are happy to identify with Governor Peter Mbah.
“Our zone has settled for APC. We cannot be deceived again by politicians who have no clear agenda for our people. Our people have embraced the ideology behind the broom and are ready to vote for all APC candidates.
“When we approached Governor Mbah with two requests; to assist in securing the Vice-Chancellorship of the University of Nigeria for an indigene of Nsukka and to consider the dualisation of the Penoks–Nike–Ugwogo–Ekwegbe–Opi–Nsukka road, little did we know that he would exceed our expectations within a short period of time. That has never happened in the history of our zone. The people of Nsukka are prepared to reciprocate his commitment through their votes in 2027,” he declared.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Igboeze North Local Government Area, Dr. Chris Onyekachi, reaffirmed his people’s support for the APC, attributing increased financial capacity of subnational governments to the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration.
He said improved allocations to state and local governments had created opportunities for increased development interventions and infrastructure delivery at the grassroots, urging residents to support the continuity of the ongoing reforms.
Similarly, the Deputy ALGON Chairman and council boss of Igboeze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ferdinand Ukwueze, said the achievements of the Mbah administration and interventions by local government councils had demonstrated the APC’s capacity to deliver development.
He expressed confidence that the party would secure victory across the senatorial district in 2027, assuring that APC candidates would receive massive support from voters in the zone.
Among dignitaries who attended the rally were the APC State Secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie; APC State Financial Secretary, Hon. Ejike Idodo; Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; Dan Shere; William Amuta; Hon. Favour Asogwa; and the Deputy Mayors of Udenu and Igboeze South Local Government Areas.
Others included Chief Chukwukwurote Odo, popularly known as Messiah na Nsukka; Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ugwuagu, Deputy Mayor of Ezeagu Local Government Area; Vitalis Okonkwo (Oil Money), Special Personal Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation; Osita Ajih; Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement; and several other APC and THM faithful.
2027: At last NDC Speaks On Peter Obi’s Healt
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed concerns over the health of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the former Anambra State governor is in good health but requires adequate rest due to exhaustion from his demanding political schedule.
The party’s Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, Dr Sam Omale, gave the clarification during an interview on Channels Television, explaining that Obi’s frequent travels, hectic engagements and commitment to political activities had taken a toll on his energy.
According to Omale, the former governor maintains a demanding routine, often travelling between different locations within short periods while attending to numerous political and other responsibilities.
He noted that Obi hardly has enough time to rest, considering the intensity of his engagements and the energy he devotes to his political activities.
Omale expressed amazement at the presidential candidate’s ability to sustain such a hectic schedule, given the number of places he visits and the volume of activities he undertakes daily.
He, however, stressed that Obi’s need for adequate rest should not be interpreted as a sign of ill health, maintaining that the concern was primarily about physical exhaustion arising from his demanding schedule.
The party’s clarification comes amid public concerns over the presidential candidate’s health as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said he and former governor Peter Obi remain close friends despite their political differences.
Soludo made the clarification during an interview with BBC News Igbo on Monday, where he addressed recent disagreements between his administration and Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The governor said the relationship between their families remained cordial, stressing that their political disagreements had not affected their personal relationship.
“Peter Obi and I are good friends. Our two families are on good terms,” Soludo said.
He added that although they had different political interests, both men understood that politics should not define their personal relationship.
“When it comes to politics, give me mine, give him his. It’s politics that is being done,” he added.
Soludo said Obi’s decision to support another candidate during the last Anambra governorship election did not affect their relationship, noting that he eventually secured victory.
“He has someone he thinks should be the governor of Anambra. I am also listening. He supported the person he wanted. But I won by the grace of God,” he said.
Obi governed Anambra State for two terms between March 2006 and March 2014 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Soludo also disclosed that he personally invited Obi to join APGA in March 2022 to contest the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, the invitation was made at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with the broader objective of mobilising the Igbo people politically.
“It was me myself who invited him to APGA so he could run, early March 2022 at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” he said.
The governor, however, explained that he later withdrew his support for Obi’s presidential ambition because he believed his candidacy could weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and improve the electoral chances of President Bola Tinubu.
“In fact, I also wrote to him that his participation would take away a lot of votes from the PDP and make it easier for Tinubu to win,” Soludo said.
He further argued that even a united opposition might struggle to defeat an incumbent administration, noting that political alliances alone do not guarantee electoral victory.
Soludo’s comments come amid a disagreement between the Anambra State Government and Obi over the state’s debt profile.
The controversy followed a September 14 statement by the state Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, who said the state was still repaying loans obtained by previous administrations, including those of Obi and his successor, Willie Obiano.
Obi rejected the claim, insisting that he left no outstanding debts when he left office. He also maintained that his administration did not owe salaries, pensions or contractors and left N2.1 billion in the state’s ecological fund.
However, the state government subsequently disputed his account, alleging that Obi left $123.77 million in debt.
Amid the exchange, Obi said there was no personal disagreement between him and Soludo, adding that he and his wife were godparents to the governor’s children.
Soludo’s latest remarks appear to reaffirm his position that the disagreement between them is political rather than personal.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged politicians aspiring to succeed him in November 2027 to seek divine guidance, insisting that the state’s next governor must be a God-fearing person.
Diri made the call on Monday during the 15th State Thanksgiving Service held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, where he said Bayelsa had been committed to God for spiritual guidance and protection.
With the November 2027 governorship election approaching, the governor advised prospective candidates to seek God’s approval, stressing that no individual could overturn a decision made by the Almighty.
“Only God-fearing persons will succeed me. Anybody who wants to be governor must go and seek the face of God. Anyone who wants to be governor must be God-fearing. If God says yes, nobody can say no, not even me,” he said.
The governor maintained that the state had been entrusted to God and that the Almighty would continue to have the final say in its affairs.
He also called on residents to embrace unity, tolerance and patience, describing peace and mutual understanding as essential to the state’s development.
Diri thanked the people of Bayelsa for their support over the past six years, expressing confidence in the state’s development prospects, which he attributed to its natural endowments and his administration’s commitment to transformation.
“Let us continue to worship God. Let us be tolerant and patient as we will become victorious at the end of the day. The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today we came to say thank you, Father,” he said.
Reflecting on the state’s development, Diri said residents who had lived in Yenagoa for many years could attest to the changes recorded.
“As I keep saying, those of us who were born in Yenagoa or know Bayelsa of old can see the difference today. It is enough to give thanks,” he added.
He further noted that Bayelsa’s natural environment, coupled with political will, could drive development and improve the lives of residents.
“Dear people of Bayelsa, I thank you also for your support and for standing by this government,” he said.
In his sermon, the guest preacher and former Bayelsa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, urged Christians to combine their religious beliefs with responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the theme, “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens,” Opelema said Christians had responsibilities both to the church and the wider society.
Drawing from Matthew 22:15-22, which recounts Jesus’ response to questions about paying taxes, the cleric said the biblical instruction to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God underscored the importance of responsible citizenship.
He urged Christians, particularly those occupying public offices, to demonstrate sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity in their daily activities.
Opelema lamented that while many people attended church services, fewer consistently practised Christian values in their everyday lives. He called on believers to become the salt of the earth and the light of the world through their conduct and service to society.
The cleric also described Bayelsa as richly endowed with natural and human resources, favourable weather conditions, land and waterways, which he said could support its development as a tourism destination.
He expressed optimism that God-fearing leadership would help the state realise its potential.
Highlights of the thanksgiving service included the unveiling of a book titled Lively Oracle, containing scriptural declarations made by the governor during morning devotions, and musical performances by gospel artistes.
Those in attendance included the governor’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, and his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe; as well as former deputy governors, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), among other dignitaries.
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