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
Enugu NDC Passes Vote Of Confidence On Dr. Johnpaul Anih-Led State Exco, Warns Against Destabilisation
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.
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.”
“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.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The leadership crisis rocking the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a fresh turn on Monday after the Federal High Court in Abuja granted a stay of execution on its earlier judgment that removed Sen. Emma Anosike as the party’s state chairman.
The order effectively restores Anosike to office pending the determination of the legal proceedings.
The dispute began after a faction of the party led by Ifeanyi Osegbo approached the court, seeking recognition as the duly constituted State Working Committee (SWC) of the APC. The application was opposed by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Following the initial judgment, the Anambra APC dismissed the ruling as a “kangaroo judgment,” alleging that the plaintiffs misrepresented facts before the court. The party further claimed that some individuals listed as plaintiffs were unaware of the suit and that their names had been inserted without their knowledge.
The party also argued that Anosike and the state secretary, Mr. Obi Okpala, were not joined as parties in the suit, making the judgment unenforceable against them.
Relying on the earlier judgment, members of the Osegbo faction reportedly took over the party secretariat in Awka, gaining access to the offices and holding a meeting there.
In response, Anosike, Okpala, acting on behalf of themselves and other elected executive members, filed an application challenging the judgment. They asked the court to set aside the ruling delivered on June 24, 2026, by Justice M.G. Umar, describing it as a nullity.
The applicants also sought an order staying the execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of their application.
Among the grounds for the application were alleged non-service of originating processes and hearing notices, denial of fair hearing, misrepresentation of facts, forum shopping by the plaintiffs, estoppel, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction to set aside a judgment obtained through procedural defects.
Speaking after Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the APC, Douglas Najime, alleged that the earlier judgment was secured through misrepresentation and without proper service on the affected parties.
According to him, the court’s decision to grant a stay of execution means that Sen. Emma Anosike remains the substantive chairman of the Anambra APC, alongside the existing executive committee, pending the outcome of the appeal.
He maintained that the stay of execution effectively suspends the enforcement of the earlier judgment and preserves the status quo until the legal dispute is finally resolved.
THE adage that pride goes before a fall may have caught up with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded Party Primaries in Abia state as the party displays arrogance, impunity and sense of unguarded pride which according to the adage ( …goes before a fall) Hiding under the cloak of a ruling party at the national level, the APC merchants may have actually dug a pit of hell for the party in Abia state where they aught to have deployed their first eleven.
Undoubtedly, APC story in Abia state as to the recent primaries could be likened to the arithmetic presentation known as ” improper fraction” where the smaller number carries the bigger number on its head thereby carrying unbearable load that is capable of breaking it’s spine. One wonders whether any sane person can prefer the least to the highest.
THE CAUSE OF THE MATTER
The APC in Abia state conducted their primaries in the Month of May 2026.The party at the National Level sent their representatives to the State to conduct the exercise. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also present, monitored and authenticated the exercise.
Few weeks after the exercise, it was later learned that the APC had set up a kangaroo Primaries Election Appeal Committee at Abuja and upturned the entire exercise and substituted genuinely elected candidates of the party from the Abia South Senatorial Zone of the state with names that came distance last according the results produced by the Primaries.
The Abia South Senatorial Primaries Election was won by Hon. Erondu Junior Erondu while that of Ukwa Federal Constituency was duly won by Hon. Chris Nkwonta, the incumbent member representing the constituency. The APC brazenly substituted the duo with Prince Paul Ikonne and Sam Nwogu. What a daylight goof by the leaders of the APC.
What could have caused this. The Primaries Appeal Committee of the APC conducted their mockery exercise without even hearing from the duo that were said to have been substituted. This was the beginning of the suspicions that there must be an unseen hand remotely involved.
Up till now, no known reason has been offered for the substitution of Hon Erondu and Hon Nkwonta. It is on record that the duo of Ikonne and Nwogu never featured in any of the congresses of the party in the state from the ward to the State level only to emerge from the blues to become candidates of the Party. What an impending disaster if the party allows this rubbish to fly . Of course that would be the party’s end as it has never been known to have won any election in that zone but had always ended distance 4th.
The life APC is enjoying in the Abia South Senatorial Zone today is the cross- carpeting of Hon. Chris Nkwonta who joined the party from the PDP after some months in the Green Chambers and the latest entrant ,Hon. Erondu also from the PDP. There is no APC in Abia South Senatorial Zone without Nkwonta and Erondu and other political parties have been in early jubilations praying that the duo are denied the Party’s ticket as it is already uhuru for them.
Hon. Nkwonta, since he joined the APC has single handedly bankrolled the party at the zone building structures and welcoming multitudes into the party and many have believed and followed him into the party because of the enormous love, support , good will he enjoys amongst his people. There is no doubt that Hon Chris Nkwonta is the most cherished and loved politician in Ukwa land because of his generosity, kindness, open door policy which has impacted immensely on his people even before his foray into politics.
Hardly will one go into any community in Ukwa land that you will not hear his positive testimonies from widows, Youths, adults and that has made him a household name in Ukwa land and as such has also caught the eyes of his envious negligible political opponents scared of his prominence and rising profile. A successful business man who has ever said it that he was in politics to make a difference and serve his people. And within the past three years in the Green Chambers, the difference is clear and shows in all corners of Ukwa land.
BUT WHO ARE THESE MISCHIEVMAKERS IN APC?
Certainly, there are top ranking individuals within and outside the party in the state alleged to be behind this plot to deny elected party candidates their tickets and thereby drag the party into colossal failure, doom and darkness in the state.
Chief Paul Ikonne and Sam Nwogu are said to be members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a pro President Tinubu group with the lmo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma as their leader. The group had been in rival conflict with the APC leadership in the state headed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu. The cold war between the two APC Leaders in the South East is so conspicuous and is entrenched strongly in Abia APC. Both Camps produced candidates for all the elective positions in Abia state ,State House of Assembly, the National Assembly and the Governorship position. It has remained strong rumours in the state that followers of the lmo state Governor had in different fora boasted that Governor Hope Uzodinma will install the next Government in Abia state.
But this is exactly what is playing out in Abia South Senatorial Zone of the APC as candidates of the Imo state Governor continue to lay claim to a candidacy they lost at the Primaries insisting that the matter has been settled at the National Headquarters of the party at Abuja. There is obvious truth in their claim and glaring collaboration with leaders of the APC at the National Level.
If not, one continues to wonder the rush by the leaders of the APC at the National Level to conduct a kangaroo Appeal Panel Committee and quick substitutions and submission of lists to the INEC.
So ridiculous that an Appeal committee was set up simultaneously as the primary election committee was being set up. The appeal committee sat and cleared Hon Erondu and Hon Nkwonta but the NWC decided to go contrary to the report of the appeal committee. Obvious Confusions and suspicious of a hidden motive.
The APC at the state level had through the state Chairman, Hon Chijioke Chukwu recently in a press conference confirmed and affirmed the candidacy of Hon Erondu and Hon. Nkwonta assuring that they remain the party’s authentic candidates for 2027 Elections.
The people of Ukwa Federal Constituency of the APC also recently held a press conference aligning with the decision of the party at the state level.
In a communique recently released after an enlarged stakeholders of the APC in Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ukwa East and Ukwa West LGAs indisputably reaffirmed the candidacy of Hon. Chris Nkwonta.
The party leaders said “As the countdown to the 2027 general elections commences, the party has firmly established that Hon. Nkwonta stands as the rightful and duly nominated flagbearer for the Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, a fact borne out of a resolute commitment to democratic integrity and transparency”
“The meeting was held at the Ukwa-East Party Secretariat in Akwete. The meeting veritably saw the convergence of vital constituents: the executives of APC at the LGA level, ward chairmen, youth leaders, women leaders, ward secretaries and influential senior stakeholders hailing from both Ukwa East and Ukwa West LGAs. Together, a collective voice was forged which resonated with clarity and purpose.
The communiqué bore the signatures of figures including Hon. Chiwuike Ekeke – Chairman of the APC in Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Success Enyinnaya – Chairman of the APC in Ukwa West LGA, Mr. Darlington Iwor – Secretary Ukwa East and Sir Joe Onyedi-Magnus – Secretary Ukwa West. Each signature, remains a will to the unity and steadfast support for Hon. Nkwonta’s candidacy”
“The purpose of this significant gathering was to confront what the party leadership deemed as a plethora of misleading narratives circulating within the vast realms of social media, casting shadows of doubt upon the party’s chosen candidate for the seat of the House of Representatives. In a robust defense of party’s integrity, the leaders articulated their full participation in a transparent primary election, executed in strict accordance with the sanctity of the Electoral Act and the party’s own guiding constitution. The party proudly asserts that on the defining day of May 16, 2026, Hon. Nkwonta emerged victorious, celebrated across the expansive canvas of 20 electoral wards of Ukwa East and Ukwa West LGAs.
With untiring conviction, the party leadership emphasized that the announcement of Nkwonta’s victory was officially heralded by none other than Barr. Erasmus Cishak, the Chairman of the Abia State National Assembly Primary Elections Committee, as constituted by the National Working Committee. The party’s assertions remained fortified with an insistence that Hon. Nkwonta’s candidacy had neither been substituted nor withdrawn at any juncture in this honorable journey.
Delving deeper into the tenets of democratic processes, the stakeholders articulated that the provisions of the Electoral Act delineate precise procedures for candidate nomination and submission, rendering any attempts at undermining this process through social media propaganda or political maneuvering utterly futile.
The sanctity of the APC primary election was further validated by the vigilant oversight of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ensuring that Nkwonta’s position as the party’s standard-bearer for the impending 2027 general elections stands robust and unassailable”
The party leaders appealed to both party members and the broader public, the Ukwa East and Ukwa West APC to disregard what they characterized as the insidious fabrications of pranksters and scamps. Reaffirming their steadfast dedication to upholding the rule of law, due process and the pillars of internal democracy.
However, the APC leadership of Ukwa East and West extends heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Nkwonta for his significant achievement and pledged a united front to secure his triumph at the poll in 2027.
The party leaders equally expressed their deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Executive Committee of the APC, the revered Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and APC luminary in Abia State, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, along with Hon. Chijioke Chukwu—the Abia State APC Chairman and other party leaders for their abiding commitment to principles of justice, due process and democratic integrity.
They reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and articulated an unshakable support for President Tinubu’s administration, exuding confidence that the party would emerge resoundingly victorious in the upcoming elections.
It is expected that the APC leadership in Abia under Rt Ben Kalu, the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives in his usual characteristics should demonstrate political will and insist that the choice of Abians in his party’s are affirmed and not thwarted. He is the leader of the party in the state and witnessed the entire process during the Primaries so cannot allow an intruder assume leadership position or upturn the wishes of his party members in the state.
It is also very important to let the APC at the National Level know that those masquerading as Ambassadors of the party in Abia are non-performers who wear a robe of discipleship but carry the mark of Judas Iscariot as their actions are totally in variance with the name they profess and their plot will spell doom to APC in Abia state. The authentic list of the party’s candidates as uploaded from INEC should be made public as secrecy surrounding the release does not portray the party in good light.
Members of the party in Abia South Senatorial Zone are watching and waiting. The APC should put its house in order and chart the right course, or risk facing serious political consequences and the looming catastrophe that lies ahead.
Maduforo Ekeke. Writes from Aba. Abia state.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court judgment restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a split decision of two to one, the three-member panel affirmed the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, holding that the congresses organised under the caretaker committee violated an existing court order.
Justice Okon Abang, who delivered the lead judgment, ruled that there was no basis to set aside the restraining order issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on April 29.
The appellate court also upheld the lower court’s decision barring the caretaker leadership from interfering with the functions and tenure of the party’s duly elected state executive committees.
According to the court, the ADC Constitution vests the responsibility for conducting state congresses in the elected state executive committees, not the national caretaker leadership.
Justice Donatus Okorowo concurred with the lead judgment, while Justice Abba Mohammed dissented, arguing that the matter was an internal affair of the political party and therefore outside the jurisdiction of the courts.
The suit was filed by aggrieved members of the ADC, who challenged the legality of committees established by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership to conduct state congresses. They argued that the appointments breached the party’s constitution, insisting that only duly elected party organs had the authority to organise state congresses.
In its earlier ruling, the Federal High Court held that the four-year tenure of the ADC’s State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remained valid until fresh congresses and a national convention were properly conducted.
Justice Abdulmalik further ruled that neither the 1999 Constitution nor the ADC Constitution empowered the caretaker committee to appoint committees to conduct state congresses.
While noting that courts generally refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, the judge held that judicial intervention is justified where constitutional or statutory provisions are alleged to have been breached.
Affirming the lower court’s decision, the Court of Appeal declared the state congresses and national convention conducted by the David Mark-led caretaker leadership null and void for being carried out in defiance of an existing court order.
The appellate court stressed that once a dispute raises constitutional issues, it ceases to be merely an internal party matter and becomes subject to judicial review.
Consequently, the court dismissed the ADC’s appeal, upheld all the orders of the Federal High Court, and awarded ₦10 million in costs against the party.
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