Politics
Pro Democracy Group Alleges Plot To Pitch President Tinubu, APC against Former Minister
By Our Reporter
Youths for Progressive Governance (YFPG), a socio-political group in the fold of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria, has frowned at the latest orchestrated plan to blackmail former Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah by political opportunists.
The pro-democracy group noted that the evil machination of these opportunists is to incite President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the APC against Dr Ogah with accusations of sabotaging the party during 2023 general elections held in Abia state as recently displayed by one Nnamdi Oleh.
Recall that Mr Oleh had accused the ex-minister of openly working against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Nkeiruka Onyejiocha and rigged the 2023 elections in his Uturu village in Isiuakwato local government area of Abia state against APC.
He also accused Dr Ogah of sponsoring media bloggers to launch attacks on Senator Kalu who currently represents Abia North senatorial district in the national assembly.
However, Youths For Progressive Governance while reacting in a statement on Tuesday signed by the national coordinator, Comrade Samuel Aguiyi and the Publicity Secretary, Chiamaka Nzomuche, exonerated Dr Uche Sampson Ogah from the abysmal performance of the APC in the concluded 2023 elections held across Abia state by the INEC.
The organisation reminded Mr Oleh and his sponsors to heap blames on the party’s failure in the last presidential, governorship, national and state assemblies in Abia to the unpopularity of the State Gubernatorial candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike, and the open treacherous dealings of some APC leaders who were in monthly payroll of the former ruling government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The organization noted that these self-styled Abia party leaders had truncated many chances of the state chapter of the APC to clinch majority of elective seats in the state and national in past elections held across the 184 electoral ward of the state by the Nigeria electoral commission.
As one of pro-democracy and political advocacy bodies accredited to monitor the concluded 2023 election in Southeast geopolitical zone by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, the Youths for Progressive Governance informed Oleh and co-travellers that the sterling leadership qualities and membership of Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah propelled the overwhelming popularity being enjoyed by APC in Abia state and Southeast zone.
The organisation also reminded Mr Oleh that Dr Uche Ogah’s emergence as leader of the party and 2019 Abia Governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress saw the election of party members as members of the State House of Assembly, a feast described as first of it’s kind in history of numerous electoral outings by the party in Abia state.
“Abia APC’s participation in 2019 led the party to record impressive performances in the governorship poll despite the open treachery exhibited by undemocratic elements under the guise of party leaders to sabotage the very opportunity of the party and the then Gubernatorial candidate, Dr Uche Ogah to emerge victorious in the 2019 poll conducted in Abia state.
“It remains on record that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah mobilized and delivered Abia state to APC at his Uturu ward and local government area(Isiuakwato) in 2019 elections unlike most of these self-styled leaders that failed woefully to canvass support for APC and as well convince the electorates into voting APC in office. The unwholesome characters of these so-called critical party stakeholders was clear manifestation of betrayal, sabotage and distrusts, which the former ruling PDP-led government in Abia contracted and bankrolled them to carry out.
The group recalled during the last 2023 elections held in the state by the nation’s electoral umpire, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah invested huge personal resources to persecute all electioneering campaigns embarked by APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all other candidates of the party who participated during the last elections in Abia state.
“Not only investing his personal resources in party campaigns, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah mobilized eligible voters across nooks and crannies of Abia state and they reaffirmed their massive supports by overwhelmingly voted and elected Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, and as well APC members from Abia extraction as members of the national and state assemblies in 2023. And Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah demonstrated the capacity and spirit of a loyal party member, and equally mobilized people of Abia North senatorial district that saw Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s election for second term in office.
The group also informed Mr Oleh that legislative redundancy and the sit-tight leadership style of Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejiocha birthed her outright rejection by people of Isiuakwato/umunneochi federal constituency during the house of representatives election held in 2023.
“Insinuating that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah worked against Onyejiocha is seen as being economical with the truths, and that can’t be justified by Nnamdi Oleh and his paymasters. Obviously, this recent tantrums by this disgruntled Oleh on Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah is borne out of selfish political aggrandizements, and solely orchestrated to taunt the former minister’s sterling leadership qualities and sow seed of discords between President Tinubu, critical Abia party stakeholders and Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah. And this coordinated attacks on the foremost Nigerian industrialist is already dead on arrival.
On giant strides recoreded by Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah as Minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Youths For Progressive Governance drew Nnamdi Oleh ‘s attention that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah facilitated the training of hundreds of indigent Abia sons and daughters in Solid Mineral Processing organized by federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
“Numerous reforms engendered in Nigeria mining sector by the former minister attracted applauses from the then President Buhari during the assessment exercise carried out on federal Ministries, departments and agencies (MDA’s). These reforms initiated by Dr Uchechukwu Ogah fostered increase in internally revenue generation of the ministry which the then government channeled in building critical infrastructures across the geopolitical zones of Nigeria”, the group added.
Continuing, the progressive youth group further drew the attention of Nnamdi Oleh that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, secured government approval for fully construction of Okigwe-ABSU-Uturu-Akara road, facilitated employment of indigenes of Abia state in ministries, departments and agencies controlled by the federal government, and as well facilitated inclusion of Abia citizens in Social investments and human development programs initiated by government, wherein hundreds of Nigerian youths, elderly men and women were empowered to become business shop owners, and self-productive.
Before his sojourn to public leadership, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah achieved milestones in private sector-driven business investments as he sited his numerous business conglomerates that specialized in food production, oil and gas, manufacturing of different assorted products ranging from plastic chairs, tables etc.
“This industrial revolutions by Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah in Abia state engendered job creation as thousands of youths are currently engaged in business of manufacturing, reducing high rate of joblessness and restiveness commonly associated with youths in the society.
While admonishing opportunitic Nnamdi Oleh to look for lucrative ventures, and refrain from serving as willing tool to sow seed of discords among leaders of the APC in Abia state, the socio-political organization therefore vowed that no amount of campaign of calumny will deter positive efforts and laudable gains recorded Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah in societal development and human empowerments.
The End….
The Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, has revealed plans to sponsor a bill seeking a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors after the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce in the next Senate, arguing that the reform would enable elected leaders to focus more on governance and less on re-election campaigns.
According to him, the current two-term arrangement often compels officeholders to devote a significant portion of their first term to political calculations and preparations for a second election.
He maintained that a single six-year tenure would eliminate the distractions associated with seeking re-election and allow leaders to concentrate fully on implementing policies and delivering on their mandates.
The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal may not receive universal support but insisted that lawmakers have a duty to initiate reforms they believe will strengthen governance and improve the nation’s democratic process.
Bamidele further argued that laws should evolve to reflect changing realities and societal needs, stressing that constitutional and electoral reforms remain essential to deepening democracy.
The proposed change, if eventually adopted, would require amendments to the Nigerian Constitution before it can take effect.
A delegation from the Kwankwasiyya Movement has held a closed-door meeting with the National Leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the party’s national leadership in a bid to resolve internal disagreements in Kano State.
According to a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the meeting, which lasted several hours, focused on addressing issues between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and legacy officials of the party in Kano.
The statement noted that Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership are currently facilitating discussions aimed at fostering inclusion, unity, and active participation among all party stakeholders.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, stressing that it would not impose candidates in Kano State or any other part of the country.
“The NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State, and indeed across the nation, as the party cherishes the virtues of internal democracy,” the statement said.
It described the meeting as productive and expressed optimism that the ongoing engagements would strengthen cohesion and promote harmony within the party.
The NDC also dismissed reports circulating on social media purporting to contain results of its primary elections, clarifying that no official primary election results have been released in any state.
The party therefore urged its members and the general public to disregard any unofficial lists or purported election results currently in circulation.
BY PETRUS OBI
As the political atmosphere gradually thickens ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State, one name continues to dominate discussions within opposition circles: Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii. Having emerged as one of the most formidable opposition figures in the state, Odii appears poised to make another attempt at the governorship. The question many are asking is whether the prevailing political climate, both nationally and locally, could finally provide the conditions needed for him to achieve what eluded him in previous contests.
Across Nigeria, economic hardship has become the defining issue of the moment. Rising inflation, worsening poverty, unemployment, and persistent insecurity have fueled public frustration. Whether fairly or unfairly, many Nigerians associate these challenges with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If this sentiment remains strong heading into 2027, opposition candidates across the country could benefit from a growing appetite for change.
In the Southeast, that desire for change has increasingly found expression through the political movement associated with Peter Obi. Obi’s political influence appears to remain significant and, by some accounts, continues to grow. He was recently affirmed as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and subsequently named Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate, creating what many observers see as one of the most formidable opposition tickets ahead of 2027. The alliance combines Obi’s strong support in the South and among younger voters with Kwankwaso’s political network in parts of Northern Nigeria.
For Odii, the rise of an Obi-led opposition movement could prove politically valuable. In 2023, the “Obi effect” transformed voting patterns across many parts of the Southeast. Should that momentum persist into 2027, opposition candidates at the state level may enjoy increased voter enthusiasm, especially among youths, professionals, and first-time voters seeking an alternative to the political status quo.
Yet national sentiment alone does not win governorship elections in Nigeria. Elections are ultimately fought and won through organization, mobilization, and resources. Here, Odii possesses what many consider his greatest advantage. He is widely regarded as one of the most financially capable politicians in Ebonyi State. In a political environment where campaign logistics, grassroots mobilization, media visibility, and election-day operations require enormous resources, financial capacity remains a critical factor. While money does not guarantee victory, it can significantly enhance a candidate’s ability to compete effectively across all 13 local government areas.
Beyond resources, Odii has built substantial name recognition and a political brand that resonates with many voters. His philanthropic activities over the years have created networks of goodwill that could serve as an important political asset. Unlike a newcomer seeking to introduce himself to the electorate, Odii enters the contest with an established profile and a support base that has remained active despite previous electoral setbacks.
However, the greatest obstacle before him remains the formidable structure of the ruling APC. Incumbency, political networks, grassroots structures, and control of key political machinery continue to give the ruling party a significant advantage. The APC remains deeply entrenched in Ebonyi politics and cannot be dismissed simply because of national dissatisfaction with the federal government.
Nevertheless, recent political developments, including defections from the ruling party to opposition platforms, suggest that the political landscape may not be as settled as it once appeared. If those defections continue and are accompanied by growing public frustration over economic conditions, the opposition could enter 2027 with a stronger platform than many anticipated.
Ultimately, the 2027 Ebonyi governorship election may be shaped by a convergence of factors: economic hardship, the growing appeal of political change, the influence of Peter Obi’s movement, Odii’s financial strength, and the ability of the opposition to build a cohesive statewide structure. If these elements align, Odii could emerge as the strongest challenger the APC has faced in years.
For now, the battle for Ebonyi appears to be evolving into a contest between the power of incumbency and the growing demand for change. In that contest, Odii may believe that the political winds are beginning to blow in his direction. Whether those winds become a storm strong enough to sweep away the ruling establishment remains the defining question of Ebonyi politics as 2027 approaches.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Mr Felix Igboke, has resigned his position and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Igboke, who officially announced his defection on Sunday during a PDP gathering attended by party leaders, executives and supporters in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, said he defected with more than 10,000 supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described his return to the PDP as a homecoming, noting that his political journey began with the party.
Igboke said his decision was informed by the need to align with a political platform capable of advancing the interests of the people and promoting inclusive development in the state.
“I am happy to return to the political platform that built me. I served as a councillor, development centre coordinator and chairman of Onicha Local Government Area under the same party before I joined the APC,” he said.
“I am grateful to the PDP family in Ebonyi State, especially the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma-Odii, the incoming governor,” he added.
The state chairman of the PDP, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, who welcomed the defectors, described Igboke’s return to the party as a major boost to its fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, the PDP candidate for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency seat in 2027, Mr Eni-Uduma Chima, said the party was experiencing rapid growth across Ebonyi.
Chima expressed optimism that the increasing support base would translate into electoral victories for the PDP in future elections.
He urged party members to remain united and committed to strengthening the party’s structures at the grassroots level.
The event attracted party faithful, community leaders and supporters from various parts of the state, who pledged their continued support for the PDP.
(NAN)
…donates N300 million to back Mbah’s re-election
By Chinedu Sabastine
The people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Saturday turned out en masse to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Peter Mbah for a second term in office, come, 2027.
At a rally tagged, “Ofu Obi Mega Solidarity Rally,” held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, the people of the zone not only endorsed Mbah as their sole governorship candidate but also donated the sum of three hundred million Naira, N300 million, to procure nomination form for the governor.
Earlier, elders and traditional rulers from the senatorial district presented Gov. Mbah with a totem, Ofo, as a sign of their support and solidarity.
Prominent sons and daughters attended the rally in their numbers including the former governor of the old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo and the former Senate President Ken Nnamani were among the top citizens of the zone that graced the occasion.
Speaking, Gov. Mbah, overjoyed with the show of support and solidarity from his people, said that he was overwhelmed.
Mbah noted that at an earlier rally held at Nsukka by the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, the turn out and mobilization was impressive but that of the Enugu was stunning.
“This is massive. I have used this word before but this one is mind blowing. The last time I was at Nsukka, I saw a sea of heads but this one quite stunning,” Mbah declared pointing out that he lacked words to show he delighted he was.
He pointed out that the endorsement of President Tinubu was also highly appreciated and added that the show of solidarity was highly appreciated.
According to Mbah, his people did a similar thing in 2023 and were re-affirming their support again this time around.
“Four years ago, you presented your son as a governor and today, you are re-affirming the import of that presentation and the import of what you are doing today cannot be lost on us.
“This show of affection and support is beyond symbolicism and my heart is full of gratitude, gratitude because you have always stood firmly like a rock behind me,”he said.
Gov. Mbah said that four years ago, his people did something that defined an era, stressing that what they did has today produced tangible results because today, Enugu has air transports, EnuguAir, a remodeled Hotel Presidential, completed and functional International Conference Centre, ICC, transport terminal as well as CNG buses with Air conditioner and wifi services as well as Green and Smart Schools and Type 2 primary health centres among others.
He said that when he assumed office, he sign a citizens charter to deliver good governance to the people and has been living up to it.
Expressing hope that if returned as a governor, come 2027 he would do more, pointing out that in no distant time, Enugu will begin to experience uninterrupted power supply by launching a 36O mega watts of electricity through a Coal fire powered plant.
With that he said, citizens of the state will stay in the state to do business instead of moving out to other cities in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking earlier, former governor, Jim Nwobodo, while endorsing Mbah for a second term in office said that other governors before Mbah did eight years and that it would be good that he too go for a second term in office because he has performed and is performing.
“I didn’t come here for party. Others did eight years and now Mbah will do eight years. He is doing well, let him complete his second term. As far as I am concerned, Peter Mbah will go for a second term.
“I don’t have much to say. I say the truth. Peter Mbah is doing well. It is not only APC that will vote. PDP, ADC and others will vote for Peter Mbah. Allow Peter Mbah to finish what he started,” Nwobodo declared.
On his part, the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani said that Mbah has shown that he has a vision and a mission and should be allowed to continue.
Nnamani urged those who are itching to compete with governor Mbah to steer clear because one does not rule with anger. “We have only one candidate and that is Gov. Mbah,” he emphasised.
The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Ben Nwoye, commended political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District for endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office, describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.
He praised the district’s leaders for what he described as a visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.
“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and many of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity,” Nwoye said.
He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.
Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.
According to him, Mbah’s performance has earned him support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also highlighted the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a major factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.
Chairman of the Planning/Steering Committee that organised the mega rally, Ofu Obi Mega Rally, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, noted that Gov. Mbah by every ramification has shown the capacity to govern and should be allowed to continue with his good works and urged his people to give the governor their maximum support.
“Today is not just another political gathering. Today is a historic declaration of faith, unity, gratitude, and determination. Today, the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have risen with one voice, one spirit, and one mission to declare before the entire nation that we stand firmly, proudly, and unshakably behind the re-election of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, come 2027.
“What we are witnessing here today is not an ordinary rally. This is the mother of all rallies. This is the gathering of a people united by progress, inspired by vision, and riven by the extraordinary transformation taking place across Enugu State under the purposeful leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. Our assembly here today offers us a unique opportunity to welcome home, our son in whom we are well pleased.
“My brothers and sisters, when leadership is visionary, the people rejoice. When leadership is courageous, development becomes visible. And when leadership is committed to the welfare of the people, hope returns to society.
“Governor Peter Mbah came into office with a clear vision to make Enugu State one of the leading economies in Nigeria, to create jobs for our youths, to modernize infrastructure, to secure our communities, to reposition education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and technology for the future.
“Today, that vision is no longer a promise; it is becoming a living reality before our very eyes. He came, he saw and he is conquering the development challenges and transforming the socio-political and economic landscape of the capital State of Eastern region. Across our roads, schools, hospitals, communities, and economic sectors, the evidence of transformational leadership is speaking louder than propaganda. The people can see the difference. The youths can feel the energy of a government working for them. Women can see renewed hope. Traders, farmers, civil servants, professionals, and entrepreneurs can testify that Enugu State is moving forward with confidence and speed.
“That is why we are gathered here today to celebrate and to consummate and express a collective resolve to queue and rally round this icon of leadership and enigmatic apostle of disruptive innovation, who is steadily taking us to the lofty heights of growth and stability. We are here today not because anybody forced us, but because gratitude compels us; because conviction unites us; because the future of Enugu State matters to us.
“This rally is a loud message to the entire nation that Enugu East Senatorial Zone and in deed Enugu State, stands solidly behind our son, our leader, our pride, Governor Peter Mbah. We are proud that he comes from our soil, but even more importantly, we are proud of the quality of leadership he has brought to Enugu State.”
-
Politics4 days agoSenate: Enugu West Aspirant OAU Onyema Quits NDC, Alleges Manipulation of Party Primaries
-
News4 days agoControversial Enugu Centenary Land: Has A Daniel Truly Come to Judgment?
-
Crime4 days agoSchool abduction: Oyo Muslims demand for Sharia law as Schools shut in 33LGAs
-
Good Morning Mr Governor2 days agoGovernor Mbah’s Compassion Reaches Ikem as ENSOCU Identifies Indigent Persons for Life-Changing Support
-
Entertainment5 days ago‘My Safety Was Shaken’ — Emeka Ike Reacts to Alleged INEC Data Leak
-
News5 days ago1966 Coup: Aguiyi-Ironsi family honours Fajuyi’s ‘supreme sacrifice’
-
Crime3 days ago
FULL LIST: What Kidnappers are demanding before releasing Oyo pupils, teachers
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Ebonyi commissioner resigns, dumps Nwifuru For Odii