Author: Gabby

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has initiated the appellate process for aspirants who were barred from contesting for seats in the State House of Assembly during the upcoming 2027 polls. The appeals are being heard at the party’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, where 19 petitions have been submitted for review.

Abdul Mahmud, a human rights lawyer serving as the Chairman of the Appeal Panel, informed reporters that the committee is tasked with examining grievances related to the screening exercise conducted over the weekend. He emphasized that the panel’s focus is solely on the documents provided by aspirants, dismissing any claims of factional bias. Mahmud stated, “I’m not interested in your faction; I’m interested in your documents before me. It is your documents that I speak to.”

The development follows the release of a list by the party on Sunday night, which cleared 33 aspirants for the primaries while disqualifying 65 others. Notably, all 32 aspirants aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara were disqualified. Mahmud assured stakeholders of a transparent and fair review process, refuting allegations that the disqualifications were influenced by factional interests.

Mahmud also raised concerns about the conduct of one aspirant, Tonye Tom-George, who allegedly attempted to bribe the screening committee by submitting an envelope containing money along with his passport photo. Despite filing an appeal, Tom-George has yet to appear before the panel.

Meanwhile, Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, rejected claims that the screening was swayed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Ikenga noted that Wike is not a member of the APC, despite his public support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, and criticized attempts to link him to the process. Ikenga stated that all 98 aspirants were required to adhere to party guidelines, electoral laws, and constitutional provisions.

Ikenga further explained that the appeal panel is reviewing the screening committee’s decisions to ensure fairness. He added that the outcomes of the screening have been made publicly available at the state secretariat for aspirants to verify and decide on their next steps. The appeal process is expected to conclude on Wednesday, May 13, as the party prepares for its primary elections.

Among the disqualified aspirants who appeared before the panel were incumbent lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy, and Adolphus Timothy Oruibienimigha.

Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), participated in a national training session convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The event, which took place in Lagos, was a three-day workshop designed for national officers of political parties.

Anyanwu, who is part of the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, was among several prominent party leaders who attended the program. The workshop primarily addressed guidelines and operational protocols for political parties in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court had previously upheld the leadership structure of the PDP, which includes Abdulrahman Mohammed as chairman and Anyanwu as secretary. Mao Ohuabunwa, the factional chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees aligned with the Wike group, stated that the court’s ruling confirmed that Mohammed and Anyanwu possess the necessary authority to stabilize the party’s national operations.

Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has praised President Bola Tinubu for the remarkable surge in federal disbursements to state governments, attributing the growth to the subsidy removal policy. Daniel revealed that Ogun State’s monthly allocations have nearly quadrupled since the reform took effect, skyrocketing the state’s budget from approximately ₦330 billion during his eight-year tenure to over ₦1.6 trillion today.

Speaking at a midterm assessment event in Ijebu Ode, the senator emphasized that the enhanced revenue places Ogun among the highest‐earning states in Nigeria. However, he cautioned that despite the financial windfall, many communities in Ijebuland have not witnessed proportional improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He urged the state government to channel more resources toward public projects.

Daniel also highlighted federal initiatives in Ogun East, including the planned Federal Medical Centre in Ijebu Ode and the Naval Base in Abigi. He called for deeper collaboration between federal and state authorities to accelerate these developments. Additionally, he lamented the relocation of the Dangote Refinery from Ogun Waterside to Lagos, describing it as a lost economic opportunity for the region.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the senator expressed confidence in his political base within Ogun East, signaling readiness for future contests.

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected allegations of favoritism during the screening of its House of Assembly aspirants. Addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, publicity secretary Chibuike Ikenga labeled the claims as false and unjust.

Reports had suggested that aspirants aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike were given preferential treatment, while those loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were deliberately disqualified. Ikenga dismissed these assertions, stating that Wike is not a member of the APC and has no role in the party’s screening activities.

Although Wike has publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection, linking him to the screening outcome is baseless, according to Ikenga. He emphasized that the exercise was carried out transparently and peacefully. The screening committee’s report shows that 33 aspirants received clearance, while 65 did not.

Ikenga also noted that the party has established an appeals committee to handle grievances from dissatisfied aspirants, ensuring the process remains smooth and undisrupted. He reiterated that Wike’s non-membership in the APC makes any claims of his involvement in the screening process entirely unfounded.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State is experiencing a surge of political interest, with eight prominent figures stepping forward to contest the governorship race on its platform for the 2027 general elections. This influx underscores the party’s growing appeal as a hub for credible leadership and citizen-oriented governance, according to a statement by Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, the state chairman-elect of the ADC.

Dimkpa highlighted that the momentum within the party is unprecedented, attributing it to a widespread desire for fresh political alternatives. Among those vying for the top seat are a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, a former House of Representatives member who also served as an Executive Director at the Nigerian Ports Authority, another ex-lawmaker and former chairman of NIMASA, a former Commissioner for Employment Generation, a former Chief Medical Director of UPTH, a notable architect, and several private sector leaders and entrepreneurs.

The party also noted that numerous qualified individuals have expressed interest in Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions across Rivers State under the ADC banner. This wave of enthusiasm, Dimkpa said, is fueled by the recent declaration of former Rivers Governor and ex-Transportation Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to run for president on the ADC platform—a move the party describes as a major milestone in its national expansion.

“ADC is no longer seen as just an alternative; it is increasingly perceived as the vehicle for the future,” the statement read, emphasizing that the party is committed to internal democracy, transparent processes, and issue-based campaigns. The influx of experienced politicians and technocrats, the party added, reflects a growing belief among Nigerians in the need for competent, accountable, and inclusive governance.

The ADC reiterated that this organic momentum is real and strengthening daily as preparations for 2027 intensify, positioning the party as a formidable force in the upcoming elections.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a bold declaration that Akwa Ibom State will outpace every other state in the South-South region in delivering ballots for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at a consultation event with key All Progressives Congress (APC) figures at the Government House in Uyo, Akpabio highlighted the state’s unity and progress under Governor Umo Eno. The gathering was part of Eno’s formal consultation with party members ahead of his 2027 reelection bid.

According to a statement from his media aide Jackson Udom, Akpabio praised Eno’s leadership style, describing him as a peaceful and humble leader who values inclusivity. “The event shows that Governor Eno is a man of peace, both in word and action. His ability to carry everyone along gives us confidence that Akwa Ibom will deliver the highest votes in the South-South zone,” Akpabio remarked.

He noted that despite having no opposition for the party ticket, Eno still sought the input of stakeholders, reflecting his character. Akpabio also commended the governor’s developmental strides, including the revival of abandoned projects and the launch of international flights at Victor Attah International Airport.

Expressing gratitude to Tinubu for supporting his rise to Senate President, Akpabio assured that the people of Akwa Ibom would demonstrate their appreciation at the polls. “The state is thankful to President Tinubu for backing one of our own to become Senate President. We will show our gratitude through our votes,” he added.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to overcome the prevailing security issues plaguing the region. Speaking on Tuesday in Jos during a visit from students of Senior Course 48 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State, Mutfwang described the recent violent incidents as acts of terrorism.

The governor expressed deep concern over the resurgence of attacks on peaceful communities, noting that these killings have stripped many residents of their livelihoods, especially farmers who are frequently targeted while working on their farms.

While acknowledging the military’s contributions to addressing the security crisis, Mutfwang urged for more aggressive measures. He emphasized a direct link between insecurity and the poverty index in Plateau, stating that the challenge is not merely military but also economic in nature. “It is intended to keep the people in perpetual poverty at a very rudimentary level,” he said.

He stressed that ordinary farmers can no longer access their farms safely, making it imperative to secure lives and property to enable productive activities that improve individual and family prosperity.

Mutfwang called on the military to employ both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle the nation’s security problems. He pledged ongoing support for the military and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful and vibrant Plateau State.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu if the president has no confidence in his capacity to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

Abdullahi’s remarks came in response to Tinubu’s decision to appoint Major General Adeyinka Fadewa (retired) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security. The president cited Fadewa’s impressive service record, strategic acumen, and notable contributions to Nigeria’s national security framework as reasons for the appointment.

In his reaction, Abdullahi argued that the term “homeland” is more appropriate for nations like the United States, Germany, Israel, or Palestine. He contended that such a designation holds little relevance in the Nigerian context.

Taking to his X account, Abdullahi wrote: “President Tinubu has just appointed a Major General as ‘Special Adviser on Homeland Security.’ The term ‘homeland’ is ideological and historically rooted. It makes sense in contexts like the United States, Germany, Israel or Palestine. In Nigeria, it is largely meaningless.”

He further stated: “If the President no longer has confidence in his National Security Adviser, he should simply replace him, not create a new office with a copycat title.”

Citizens of Odo-Alamo, a community in Ogbomoso, are urgently requesting the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene and stop the series of deadly crashes on their roads. They expressed deep concern over the deteriorated state of their main access road, which they say has turned into a death trap.

In a recent incident, a vehicle plunged into a ditch near the Alamo Stream bridge, prompting residents to speak out. Community leader Mathew Ogunkanmi highlighted that various local chairmen had been approached in the past, but no repairs were carried out. He stated that Governor Makinde is their only hope now, as the road is not included in current rehabilitation projects.

Another resident, Mrs. Kafilat Adekunle, noted that crashes are frequent because of the terrible road conditions. She described an accident where a car flipped over while reversing, landing upside down. The community is pleading for immediate government action to alleviate their suffering.