Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has identified what he believes is President Bola Tinubu’s greatest challenge, saying the Nigerian leader is surrounded by aides and political associates who are unwilling to tell him the truth when government policies fail.

Speaking on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme on Thursday, the outspoken lawmaker said the President’s inner circle has become one of the biggest obstacles to the success of his administration because many of those closest to him lack the courage to offer honest advice.

“I believe that his problem, I said it before, is the people around him,” Ndume said.

The senator, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that President Tinubu was familiar with his forthright views on governance, adding, “The President knows me to some extent. I give it to him, he has so much to do.”

Ndume disclosed that despite belonging to the same party as the President, he had only met Tinubu officially on a few occasions, including discussions on health sector funding.

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He also revealed that he wrote two letters requesting an audience with the President to discuss pressing national issues, particularly insecurity and citizens’ welfare.

“I wrote two letters and marshalled my points on what can be done, especially about security and the welfare of citizens. Those are the main purposes of government,” he said.

Asked whether some individuals within the Presidency had blocked his access to the President, Ndume replied, “Yeah, both.”

He recalled that one of his meetings with Tinubu came after a presidential aide informed the President that he had defended his administration during a television interview.

According to Ndume, Tinubu then invited him for a private meeting, during which they held an extensive discussion.

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Although he dismissed claims that a cabal controls the Presidency, Ndume questioned whether those surrounding the President were giving him objective advice.

“No, not cabal, so to say. I don’t want to give them that,” he said.

On whether Tinubu was firmly in control of his administration, Ndume responded: “He can be in charge. ‘He can be in charge’ is different from ‘he is in charge.’”

He argued that many of the President’s aides owe their political fortunes to Tinubu, making it difficult for them to challenge his decisions.

“Majority of them, about 95 per cent, are his dependants. Even before he became President, he was taking care of them. When you have people around you who are your dependants, they cannot look you in the face and say, ‘Mr President, this cannot work,’” he said.

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Despite his criticisms, Ndume reaffirmed his loyalty to both the APC and the Tinubu administration, insisting that his comments were intended to strengthen rather than undermine the government.

When reminded that the Tinubu administration was also his government, he replied, “It’s our government. If not for Tinubu, my governor, the Vice President and his wife, I probably wouldn’t have remained in the APC.”

By Sir Amby Uneze KSJI

The dye is cast and the atmosphere is gathering momentum when a people should stand up and be counted. Anyone who allows his father’s name to get lost in the scheme of things definitely will be hunted for life by the ancestors. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to wake up when the ikoro sounds so as to be awake and retain or regain your relevance during the fight.

Ndi Mbaise are people of immense prowess with large population, education, wealth blessed by God to be champions of a race. In Igboland, Mbaise people are noted for her bravery from creation, hence they are widely regarded as the most populus entity in Igboland (Mbaise nwere mmadu).

Coming down to the discussion at the moment and as the political landscape of Nigeria continues to evolve, Ndi Mbaise sub zone stands at a point where a choice must be made. The upcoming 2027 elections present a pivotal opportunity for the people of Owerri Zone to make a decisive choice for their future and Mbaise is a commanding force to decide who represents Owerri zone at the Senate. In this context therefore comes a man of note, gentle in style and in performance, trustworthy, integrity personified, character endowed and a man of vision and mission. Sir Basil Maduka emerges as a compelling candidate. He is one who embodies the aspirations and concerns of the people. It is crucial that we unite behind him in this journey, as he is, indeed, our only joker for the Owerri zone Senate.

History beckons on him as the only senatorial candidate from Mbaise. It is also commendable that Sir Basil Maduka comes from Ezinihitte Mbaise which shares the same federal Constituency with Ahiazu Mbaise. Record shows that Ezinihitte Mbaise has not produced a Senator since the current political dispensation which started in 1999. The only attempt made was during the Governor Evan Enwerem’s regime around 1992 when Senator Bright Nwanne, a young, vibrant and enterprising gentleman spent only 18 months as a senator.

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Moreover, as the flame of the Labour Party continues to spread across the Owerri zone because of Sir Basil Maduka who is flying the party’s flag for the Senate, the people of Owerri federal Constituency and the Mbaike federal Constituency join hands with the Mbaise nation, to provide a smooth ride for Sir Basil Maduka.

Furthermore, it is important to highlight the senators who have represented Imo East (Owerri Zone) in the Nigerian Senate from 1999 to date, in chronological order: Evan Enwerem (1999–2003) – 4 years (Mbaike), Amah Iwuagwu/Eze Ajoku (2003–2007) – 4 years (Mbaike/Owerri federal), Chris Anyanwu (2007-2015) – 8 years (Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala), Samuel Anyanwu (2015–2019) – 4 years (Mbaike), and Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (2019–present) – 8 years (Owerri Federal Constituency).

From the foregoing analysis, it has become obvious that the only Federal Constituency that has not tested the Senate seat since 1999 is the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte where Sir Basil Maduka hails from. 2027 brings the best bet to reconcile this anomaly and give the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency a sense of belonging. Ndi Mbaise this is your chance to have a Senator in 2027 because nobody is sure of the governorship in 2028.

Sir Basil Maduka is not a newcomer to the political arena. With a wealth of experience in governance and community service, he has demonstrated a commitment to the people of Ndi Mbaise. His sound mind has prepared him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of legislative responsibilities. His ability to connect with the high and mighty including constituents and understand their needs is unparalleled, making him a standout candidate in a crowded field.

Maduka’s vision for the Owerri Zone is rooted in the principles of inclusivity and progress. He has a comprehensive plan that addresses critical issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. His focus on building a robust educational framework is particularly noteworthy, as it aims to empower the youth and provide them with the tools necessary for success. By prioritizing these areas, Maduka is not just campaigning for votes; he is advocating for the sustainable development of our area. He is worried that as influential and prominence Mbaise is; it lacks a university, federal presence, and so on.

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In a time when political integrity is often questioned, Sir Basil Maduka stands out as a beacon of trustworthiness. His reputation for honesty and transparency resonates deeply with the electorate. Our people are increasingly looking for leaders who prioritize ethical governance, and Maduka exemplifies these values. His commitment to accountability will ensure that the interests of Ndi Mbaise are safeguarded at every level of governance.

The youth of Ndi Mbaise represent a significant portion of the electorate, and their engagement is vital for the future of our area. Maduka recognizes this and has made it a cornerstone of his mission. By actively involving young people in his political discourse and addressing their concerns, he is fostering a new generation of leaders. His initiatives aimed at youth empowerment will not only resonate with young people but also inspire a sense of ownership and responsibility among them.

One of Maduka’s most admirable qualities is his collaborative approach to politics. He believes in building bridges with various stakeholders, including other political parties and community leaders. This willingness to engage in dialogue and seek common ground is essential for fostering a united front in addressing the challenges faced by our people. In a time of division, Maduka’s leadership promises to bring our zone together for the greater good.

Finally, as we look ahead to the 2027 elections, it is imperative that we rally around Sir Basil Maduka. His proven leadership, community-centric vision, integrity, and commitment to youth engagement make him the ideal candidate for the Owerri Senate. The stakes are high, and the future of Ndi Mbaise depends on our collective decision. Let us not leave Mbaise open; let us stand united behind our only joker, Sir Basil Maduka of Labour Party, and pave the way for a brighter future for the Owerri Zone.

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Residents from various communities in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, as their preferred choice for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday during a gathering tagged “Street Endorsement for Odii” held in Afikpo.
Speaking at the event, the Ebonyi State PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, described Odii’s governorship aspiration as timely and necessary, arguing that the state needed a leader with the competence and vision to drive development.
According to her, Odii possesses the capacity, integrity, experience, and contacts required to reposition Ebonyi State and improve the welfare of its citizens.
She urged residents to rally behind the PDP candidate, warning that the state risked further setbacks if leadership was entrusted to individuals lacking the requisite experience and commitment.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South Zone in the 2027 elections, Mrs. Maria Nwachi, called on residents to support Odii’s ambition and make effective use of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the elections.
Nwachi, a former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, described Odii as a leader who understands the challenges facing Ebonyians and has the capacity to address them.
She expressed confidence that the PDP candidate would bring transformational leadership to the state if elected.
The PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-East Constituency, Mr. Iheukwumere Okogwu-Otu, described the endorsement as a significant step towards shaping the future of Ebonyi State.
He said the gathering reflected the confidence many residents have in Odii’s ability to provide purposeful leadership and address the state’s challenges.
Similarly, the PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-West Constituency, Mr. Ewa Chukwumaijem, urged residents to support the PDP governorship candidate and ensure they obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the election.
The event drew supporters from several communities across Afikpo, who pledged their backing for the PDP candidate as preparations for the 2027 governorship race gather momentum.

A legal battle has commenced at the Enugu State High Court following the filing of Suit No. E/619/2026 by Chief Sir OAU Onyema against the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
The plaintiff is seeking the recovery of N20 million, which he alleges was procured through misrepresentation, undue influence, and coercive inducement, resulting in what he described as unjust enrichment by the defendants.
According to court documents, the defendants have been given 42 days to file their defence. The plaintiff has also filed an application for summary judgment, urging the court to enter judgment in his favour without a full trial on the grounds that the defendants allegedly have no viable defence to the claims. The defendants were granted 14 days after service to respond to the motion.
In a 41-paragraph affidavit supported by 12 exhibits, the plaintiff detailed the basis of his claims and requested an order compelling the defendants, jointly and severally, to refund the N20 million allegedly paid into Account No. 1046691859 belonging to the first defendant and domiciled with FCMB.
As part of the summary judgment application, the plaintiff is also seeking an order freezing the account pending the determination of the substantive suit if the court declines to grant immediate judgment.
In the substantive action, the plaintiff seeks declarations that the N20 million payment was obtained through misrepresentation, undue influence and coercive inducement, and that the defendants’ continued retention of the funds amounts to unjust enrichment.
He is further asking the court to award N5 million as special damages for litigation costs, N200 million as general damages for alleged psychological trauma, embarrassment, hardship and inconvenience, and interest on the disputed sum at the rate of 10 per cent per month from June 2, 2026, until full repayment.
The matter has been tentatively adjourned to July 2, 2026, for returns on court assignment and the fixing of further hearing dates.
Further details of the proceedings are expected as the case progresses.