Politics
PDP Suspends Enugu Governorship Aspirant Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu State chapter, has suspended one of its governorship aspirants, Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani, over alleged anti-party activities and actions considered detrimental to the unity and image of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to a detailed report issued by the party on May 22, 2026, the suspension followed a formal petition submitted by Hon. Peter Chibuike Edeh, a former councillor representing Ward 3 Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The petition accused Chief Nnamani of circulating negative publications against fellow PDP governorship aspirant, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, and engaging in activities capable of bringing the party into hatred, disrepute and public contempt contrary to the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).
The report stated that the publications were allegedly distributed to notable party stakeholders, including the South East Zonal Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Ahumibe Michael C., and Hon. Obiora Ugwu, among others.
Following receipt of the petition, the PDP Enugu State chapter convened an Expanded Emergency State Working Committee meeting and invited Chief Nnamani to appear before the committee to respond to the allegations.
The party disclosed that an invitation letter dated May 21, 2026, signed by the State Secretary, Hon. Chukwunonye Okereke, was successfully delivered to the aspirant through a courier service company.
However, the committee noted that Chief Nnamani failed to honour the invitation despite evidence of delivery.
After deliberations, the committee concluded that the actions and publications credited to the aspirant were capable of creating internal division and portraying the PDP negatively before the public.
The committee further held that his refusal to appear before the party amounted to disregard for the authority and disciplinary structures of the PDP.
Consequently, the Expanded State Working Committee resolved to suspend Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani from the party for one month with effect from May 22, 2026, in line with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).
The party also announced the inauguration of a seven-man disciplinary committee headed by Barr. Emeka Abah to further investigate the allegations and recommend additional disciplinary measures where necessary.
Reacting to the development, party faithful described the action as a strong signal that the PDP leadership in Enugu State remains committed to discipline, unity and party supremacy.
“The PDP in Enugu State has once again proven that discipline, unity and party supremacy remain non-negotiable. The unanimous suspension of Chief Samson Chukwu Nnamani sends a strong message that no individual interest is greater than the collective vision of the party,” part of the reaction read.
“As 2027 approaches, the PDP stands stronger, united and fully prepared to sanction any member engaging in anti-party activities capable of dividing the party or weakening its structure. Enugu PDP remains focused and organized.”
He insisted that the process was flawed and rejected the result, maintaining that he was the rightful winner of the contest.
According to him, “from records available to him, he won the primary overwhelmingly with a total of 123,000 votes against 5000 votes for his closest rival, Okowa; adding that he has sufficient video evidence to prove it.”
Describing the outcome as fraudulent, Nwoko said: “a political fraud dressed in party colours , alleging strongly that the results were completely manipulated and written the night before the primary.”
He further maintained that his mandate was freely given by party members and cannot be taken away.Politics
Nwoko also cautioned the APC leadership in Delta State against denying him the ticket, warning that such a move could have wider political implications for President Bola Tinubu in the region.
He said any attempt to sideline him would be politically costly, stressing that he remains the key grassroots mobilizer for the party in Delta North.
The disputed primary reportedly produced former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as candidate, a result Nwoko continues to challenge.
The APC Stakeholders of Enugu East Local Government Area have unanimously endorsed Engr. Pst. Beloved Dan Obi-Anike for a second term as Executive Chairman.
At the meeting, Hon. Obinna Mbaeke (former Commissioner) highlighted the chairman’s efforts in fostering peace and inclusiveness across communities in Enugu East, citing his administration’s record of stakeholder engagement and tangible achievements. He moved the motion for Obi-Anike’s return, which was seconded by Hon. Edward Nnaji (former Commissioner).
Nnaji described the administration as marking a “new beginning” for the LGA, referencing ongoing development projects in education, health, and human capital. He commended both the chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah for elevating the profile of Enugu East and stated that a second term would consolidate existing gains while expanding representation through key state appointments—including commissioner and special adviser positions. 
Prof. Bethland Ngwu welcomed the stakeholders’ resolution to support the chairman and acknowledged the backing of the traditional rulers. He also noted that discussions on zoning the chairmanship position were ongoing, and that the committee would make their final report available once concluded.
Hon. Christopher Ugwu addressed the rotational arrangement for the chairmanship across development centres but threw his weight behind the chairman’s re-election bid. Hon. Cornelius Ugwu (former Transition Chairman) said the mayor deserved another term due to his “good works and the peace in our communities.”
Hon. Christopher Ugwu adopted the motion on behalf of Mbulu Iyikwu Development Centre; Hon. Clement Okwor adopted the motion on behalf of Mbulu Jodo Development Centre; Hon. Cornelius Ugwu adopted the motion on behalf of Enugu East Development Centre; while Hon. Mark Mbah adopted the motion on behalf of Enugu East Central Development Centre.
Hon. Chief Clement Okwor, chairman of the committee on rotational chairmanship, said the committee had made considerable progress and confirmed that the state government had been briefed on its work. He also adopted the motion for the executive chairman’s return for a second term.
Elder Damian Ugwu also supported the stakeholders’ position.
The Leader of Council, Hon. Obed Obumneme Eke, called for a voice vote, and the ‘ayes’ had it.
The inability of the All Progressives Congress leadership to secure a consensus arrangement forced the postponement of the party’s governorship primaries in Kwara, Bauchi and the state assembly primaries in two constituencies in Zamfara.
Also in Nasarawa, late arrival of electoral materials forced voters back to their homes with the process expected to be completed on Friday (today).
This comes as the ruling party constituted key election management structures for its 2026 presidential primary, appointing a committee chaired by former Senate President, Pius Anyim, along with a separate appeal panel led by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari.
In Thursday’s primaries, while incumbent governors and consensus-backed candidates coasted to victory in 25 states including Ogun, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Delta, Enugu and Rivers, the exercises in Kwara, Bauchi and Zamfara (state assembly) were thrown into uncertainty after the APC National Working Committee postponed the contests amid rising tensions.
APC governorship candidates were also selected in Oyo, Benue, Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Niger, Borno, Ebonyi, Abia, Jigawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Plateau, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Lagos and Kano. Primaries were not conducted in Kogi, Edo, Bayelsa, Anambra, Imo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo, as those seven states have off‑cycle election schedules.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced that the governorship primaries in Kwara and Bauchi states earlier scheduled for Thursday had been shifted to Friday (today), while the State House of Assembly primaries for Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies in Zamfara were rescheduled for Sunday, May 24.
Morka said the postponement followed consultations with stakeholders and was aimed at ensuring “transparent, orderly, peaceful and credible primary election process.”
“The All Progressives Congress hereby announces the rescheduling of the governorship primary elections in Bauchi and Kwara States to Friday, May 22, 2026,” the statement read.
“Similarly, the party has approved the rescheduling of the State House of Assembly primary elections for Maradun I and Maradun II Constituencies in Zamfara State to Sunday, May 24, 2026.
“The decision was approved by the National Working Committee following consultations with relevant stakeholders and in furtherance of the party’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, orderly, peaceful and credible primary election process.”
But despite the official explanation, the postponements immediately fuelled suspicions within party ranks, particularly in Kwara and Bauchi, where supporters openly accused influential figures of attempting to manipulate the process in favour of preferred aspirants.
Kwara aspirants
In Kwara State, the postponement deepened political uncertainty as intense behind-the-scenes negotiations unfolded around Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred successor, Amb Yahaya Seriki.
Barely hours after the postponement was announced, no fewer than eight governorship aspirants stepped down for Seriki following what party insiders described as strategic consultations designed to preserve party unity and ensure continuity of the AbdulRazaq administration.
Those who withdrew included Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Dr Mohammed Bio, Dr Toyin Alabi, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Captain Ahmad Mahmoud, Hajia Aisha Patigi, Dr Salako Oluwatoyin and Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
Sources familiar with the Wednesday night meeting said the aspirants resolved to support Seriki “in the interest of unity and continuity.”
The meeting reportedly ended with renewed commitments to “party cohesion, issue-based engagement and a peaceful primary process.”
Outrage in Rivers
In Rivers State, political tensions escalated after Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the APC governorship race on Wednesday night, citing “peace and unity” in the state.
But rather than calm tensions, the withdrawal triggered outrage among several supporters and political associates who accused powerful interests within the APC of cornering the governor politically.
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emerged as the APC governorship candidate after polling 345,375 votes in a peaceful direct primary conducted across the state.
Mbah victorious
In Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah clinched the APC governorship ticket as party members turned out massively across the state’s 260 wards.
Speaking at Owo Ward in Nkanu East Local Government Area, federal lawmaker Nnolim Nnaji praised Mbah’s performance.
“It is not enough to get power. What you use the power for matters more. But Peter Mbah is called The Rock because of how he is using power to do mighty things,” he said.
Mbah himself described the exercise as proof of healthy internal democracy.
“It happened because our people are smart. Our people are wise and they know what is good when they see one,” he stated.
In Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli expressed confidence in emerging as the party’s governorship candidate and urged party members to unite behind whoever eventually emerges.
In Ogun State, consensus candidate Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, dismissed reports of aggrieved aspirants.
“The decision to present me as the consensus candidate was not foisted on the party,” he said.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also secured affirmation in Katsina State through a voice vote involving 1,805 delegates and supporters.
In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani secured 459,393 affirmation votes.
“We have made significant progress in restoring peace, strengthening unity and expanding development across Kaduna State,” Sani declared after the exercise.
Adamawa, Abia withdrawals
In Adamawa State, former APC National Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, alongside governorship aspirants Diaulhaq Abubakar and Ibrahim Thul, withdrew from the race in support of Ahmed Galadima.
Similarly, in Abia State, Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu withdrew from the governorship race, citing equity and zoning considerations.
Pantami, Alkali lose
In Gombe State, APC governorship primaries produced one of the biggest surprises of the exercise as Jamilu Gwamna defeated former ministers Isa Pantami and Said Alkali.
Gwamna polled 247,161 votes while Pantami secured 12,120 votes and Alkali scored 11,612 votes.
The Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee for Ogun State, Mr Wale Ohu, announced the result at the party secretariat in Abeokuta on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that returning officers from the 20 local government areas had earlier announced results from each LGA.
There were 343,292 registered voters and 305,287 accredited voters, while Adeola, also known as Yayi, polled 304,055 votes to emerge winner.
Ohu said, “There were two contestants. Sen. Solomon Adeola scored 304,055 votes while Mr Abayomi Hunye polled zero.”
Adeola pledged to consolidate the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun and sustain unity within the APC if elected in 2027.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for ensuring a peaceful and seamless primary, which he described as unprecedented.
“I never imagined the exercise would be this peaceful. I thought it was the usual primaries where people struggle and fight. God on our side,” Adeola said.
According to him, Ogun is witnessing its first peaceful transition arrangement in 15 years ahead of the 2027 succession.
Adeola said: “By the grace of God, on May 29, 2027, I will be sitting side by side with you for a smooth transition of government.”
The senator assured Ogun residents that he would sustain development and advance the state’s progress.
Adeola also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support and mentorship throughout his political career.
He described the President as a father, leader, and role model, noting 24 years of political growth.
Governor Abiodun said Adeola’s emergence validated the confidence reposed in him by party members across the state.
He hailed the peaceful primary as a historic first in the state’s 50-year history.
The governor noted that it was the first time an outgoing governor openly unveiled a successor ahead of an election in a transparent, rancour-free manner. (NAN)
The Campaign Council of David Olofu has condemned the alleged snatching and diversion of electoral materials meant for the African Democratic Congress primary election in the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency of Benue State.
In a press release issued on Thursday and signed by the council’s secretary, Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, the campaign alleged that armed thugs intercepted a vehicle conveying sensitive electoral materials alongside the Apa Local Government ADC Chairman, Hon. Sharon Adokpe.
According to the statement, the attackers allegedly forced the party chairman out of the moving vehicle before fleeing with the electoral materials to an unknown destination.
The council maintained that, owing to the disruption, no valid primary election took place in the constituency.
“The David Olofu Campaign Council strongly condemns the alleged forceful snatching and diversion of electoral materials intended for the African Democratic Congress primaries in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency,” the statement read.
The campaign further called on the state and national leadership of the African Democratic Congress to reject any result that may emerge from what it described as a compromised process.
It also appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to launch an immediate investigation into the incident, arrest those responsible, and prevent the validation of any alleged fraudulent result.
In addition, the council demanded the disqualification of any aspirant who may benefit from the disputed process, insisting that those involved should face prosecution to preserve the integrity of the party’s internal democratic process.
The statement reaffirmed the campaign’s commitment to a free, fair, and transparent primary election and vowed to pursue lawful means to ensure justice is served.
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