Category: News

The Ebonyi State Government has strongly denied allegations that it allocated ₦16 billion for the operations of its Abuja Liaison Office in the 2026 budget, describing the reports as baseless and intentionally misleading.

In a statement issued by Leo Ekene-Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, the government clarified that the claim made by Chika Nwoba is a malicious fabrication designed to deceive the public.

The official explained that the state owns a property in Abuja’s Central Business District, where a 12-storey building originally stood before it was demolished by the government in 2016. The ₦16 billion provision in the budget is intended solely for the development and redevelopment of this state-owned asset to benefit the people of Ebonyi, not for the day-to-day running of the liaison office.

Ekene-Oketa further noted that the actual recurrent expenditure for the Abuja Liaison Office remains consistent with previous years, with personnel and operational costs estimated at around ₦77 million. He reaffirmed Governor Nwifuru’s dedication to transparency, prudent financial management, and continued infrastructure development across the state.

The government urged the public to ignore what it termed as concocted narratives and to depend only on verified official communications regarding state finances and projects.

In a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), recently hosted members of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum at his residence in Abuja. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, was aimed at strengthening alliances and garnering support for the proposed Peter Obi/Kwankwaso ticket under the NDC platform.

The delegation was led by Dr. S. N. Okeke, Chairman of the Ohanaeze Council of Elders for the 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, along with former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo. During the gathering, the elders expressed their full backing for the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership, praising the growing relationship between the two political figures.

Kwankwaso, in a post on X, revealed that the elders commended the synergy within the NDC and assured the movement of substantial electoral support from the South-East and other parts of the South. He also reiterated his commitment to the OK Movement and the NDC, expressing satisfaction with his working relationship with Peter Obi.

The former governor emphasized that the party remains resolute in its quest to secure victory in the 2027 elections. Photos from the event show Kwankwaso engaging with the elders, highlighting the collaborative spirit as the NDC builds momentum for the upcoming polls.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has officially accepted the role of Chairman for the National Campaign Council tasked with steering the All Progressives Congress (APC) to victory in the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. This appointment was confirmed in a statement released after the council’s inauguration by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

In his remarks, Sani emphasized that the campaign team will collaborate with party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters throughout Ekiti State to galvanize backing for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s reelection. He expressed strong confidence in the party’s prospects, pointing to Oyebanji’s performance in office and the widespread support he commands among APC members.

“Our collective objective is to execute a well-organized campaign that leads to an overwhelming victory for Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” Sani declared. He noted that the party has already set up robust structures across all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti, laying a solid groundwork for the election.

The Kaduna governor highlighted the critical role of youth, women, and other stakeholders in the campaign efforts. “We have built a strong foundation, with grassroots organizations firmly established in every local government and ward,” he added.

Sani also conveyed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his guidance and unwavering commitment to the APC’s growth. “I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication to national progress,” he stated. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to the APC leadership for entrusting him with this responsibility and vowed to work closely with council members to ensure the party’s triumph in the election.

Labaran Maku, the Labour Party candidate for the upcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for June 20, has voiced serious allegations regarding a planned manipulation of the electoral process. Speaking at a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, the former Minister of Information identified nine wards within the district that he claims are being targeted for vote rigging.

According to Maku, these wards are considered vulnerable due to their high voter turnout and strong support for the Labour Party. He asserted that certain political actors, alarmed by his rising popularity, are devising strategies to influence the election outcome. Maku emphasized that the Labour Party enjoys significant grassroots backing, especially in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba local government areas, which bolsters the party’s confidence.

“We have credible intelligence indicating moves to interfere with the electoral process because some individuals have realized that the electorate is determined to vote for change,” Maku stated. He further alleged plans to deploy political thugs to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that such actions could lead to political tension and erode public trust in democracy.

The Labour Party candidate called on federal authorities and security agencies to remain impartial and resist any political pressure that might compromise the election’s integrity. He expressed concern about the redeployment of several senior security officers in the state, likening it to events in previous elections.

Maku also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly conducting an intransparent primary election, claiming the party imposed an unpopular candidate. Despite his apprehensions, he voiced optimism about his electoral prospects, noting that voters in Nasarawa North have historically favored candidates based on competence and track record over party affiliation. He urged residents to remain peaceful and vigilant as the election approaches.

Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has disclosed that the political migration of Peter Obi and Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to the NDC was the result of extensive groundwork, not an impulsive move.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, explained that his long-standing relationships with both politicians paved the way for their eventual alignment under the NDC banner.

Dickson highlighted that the party has successfully attracted significant membership and earned the confidence of numerous prominent political figures, including former governors, due to its growing appeal and strategic unity.

According to him, many Nigerians have shown strong belief in the NDC’s vision, and he expressed deep gratitude for the trust, confidence, and sustained support the party continues to receive from the public.

It is worth recalling that Peter Obi and Kwankwaso left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the NDC last month, citing internal divisions and legal challenges within the ADC as reasons for their departure.

Reports confirm that both former governors have since secured the NDC’s presidential and vice-presidential tickets for the 2027 general elections, marking a major shift in the country’s political landscape.

Dickson emphasized, “We brought together Peter Obi and Kwankwaso, two of the nation’s most influential political figures, onto our platform. These are individuals I have collaborated with over many years, so this convergence within the NDC was not a spontaneous event.”

Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has firmly rejected allegations that the party’s primary election was fraudulent. Shaibu declared the process credible and challenged those who claim otherwise to provide evidence.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Wednesday, Shaibu dismissed the accusations made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal. He stated that Lawal’s claims of rigging are baseless and that the burden of proof lies with the accuser.

Shaibu argued that Atiku’s victory was expected because he was the most popular contender among the candidates, which included former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. He questioned the integrity of the allegations by pointing out that Lawal’s preferred candidate, Hayatu-Deen, did not win in any state outside his strongholds.

“Anyone alleging fraud in the election should look at the results and see where each candidate won,” Shaibu said. “If you examine the margins and locations, you will realize it was a transparent process.”

In a striking analogy, Shaibu compared Lawal’s reaction to that of a baby throwing a tantrum after being taken off its mother’s breast. He said, “Babachir reminds me of a child deprived of suckling; naturally, the baby will fuss. He admitted on your show that his preferred candidate was Hayatu-Deen, and he worked for him. His frustration is understandable but not justified.”

Shaibu maintained that the ADC primary election was conducted fairly and that Atiku’s nomination reflects the will of party members.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled political party primaries from June 16 to June 25, 2026, for restored state constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa, and Kogi states, as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election. This announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to INEC, the decision follows court orders that mandated the reinstatement of several previously dissolved constituencies. The commission is acting in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2026.

In Benue State, the affected areas include Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III State Constituencies.

The special primaries will allow political parties to select candidates for these restored constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC emphasized that all other timelines and activities from the already published revised timetable will apply to these restored areas.

The electoral body also urged political parties to submit notices of their primaries to INEC before the specified dates, given the unique circumstances. INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral processes as the 2027 elections approach.

Reagan Ufomba, who previously contested for the governorship position under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has made a political shift by leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Labour Party (LP).

The move was formalized on Wednesday at Okpuala Ngwa, where Abia State Governor Alex Otti welcomed Ufomba and his supporters. Otti emphasized that this development significantly strengthens the Labour Party and contributes to the state’s progress.

Governor Otti highlighted the Labour Party’s foundation of fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities, assuring new members that they will not face any form of discrimination from existing party members. He stated, “The Labour Party does not discriminate between old and new members.”

Applauding Ufomba’s dedication to Abia’s growth, Otti noted his backing of the administration’s reform initiatives. In response, Ufomba expressed his commitment to advancing Abia State’s development through the Labour Party platform and thanked Governor Otti and the party’s leadership for welcoming him.

Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asserted that his party did Peter Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso a significant favour by welcoming them into its fold. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Dickson clarified that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso are doing the NDC any service by joining; rather, it is the party that extends a valuable platform to them.

Dickson emphasized that his party has attracted numerous prominent politicians long before the arrival of Obi and Kwankwaso. He cited examples such as Marafa from Zamfara and Binani from Adamawa, among others, to illustrate that the NDC has been a magnet for political figures across Nigeria. According to him, supporting Peter Obi while disparaging the leader of the platform that hosts him is nonsensical and disrespectful.

The former Bayelsa governor underscored that Obi is a cherished member of the NDC, and the party has already designated him as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, with Kwankwaso as his running mate. Dickson stressed that this collective effort is crucial for their shared political ambitions. He reiterated that no one should view the NDC as a favour-giver or receiver; instead, it is a vehicle that offers opportunities for those who join.

Dickson’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the alliance between Obi, Kwankwaso, and the NDC, positioning the party as the key to reaching the Presidential Villa in the next general election.

Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide under Muhammadu Buhari, has predicted that NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabi’u Kwankwaso could abandon the party if their goals are not met.

In a post on his verified X handle, Ahmad argued that Obi and Kwankwaso view the Nigeria Democratic Congress mainly as a temporary platform for the 2027 elections. He noted that conflicting political timelines and ambitions could create friction between party leader Seriake Dickson and the duo.

According to Ahmad, if Obi and Kwankwaso fail to achieve their objectives within the NDC, they will likely seek another political vehicle ahead of the 2031 elections for similar reasons. He stressed that Dickson appears focused on a long-term vision, not a quick electoral fix.

“It is clear that Dickson is building a sustainable political structure that could position him strongly for the presidency by 2031,” Ahmad wrote.